Samarina water-powered fulling tubs (Drysteles)
In the Papakyrgia neighborhood of legendary Samarina, you will find two drysteles — traditional water-powered fulling tubs once used to wash carpets, clothes, and blankets. They are living remnants of a time when springs, rivers, and streams were essential allies in daily life. These open-air, natural “washing machines”, occasionally still used today, harness the force of running water channeled through wooden troughs and released with force into a large basin. Nearby, you will also see the mandani, a wooden mechanism with hammers used to rhythmically beat thick woolen fabrics, making them denser — an impressive process that reflects ingenuity and respect for natural resources. During the summer, the drysteles become gathering spots and sometimes even venues for celebrations, where the past meets the living stories of today.
