The dry stone walls were one of the first examples of human artifact, an attempt to change the environment to obtain a specific use: building a shelter or define a place. The ancient Greeks and Romans built dry stone walls because they were cheaper and easier to build.

During a trekking itinerary into the Tuscan countryside it’s very common to see one of these walls running tight and solid along a field or covered with musk in the thick vegetation of woods. Every time I think: “how is it possible that the ancients were able to fabricate such kind of walls almost unchanged over time?”.

If you are curious to know more about it this is the right time for you! Come in Sovicille, in the province of Siena, from 24th to 26th of April: the owner of the agritourism Il Ficareto will teach the art of building dry stone walls. The course, mainly based on practical training, will be a unique opportunity. Of course, you’ll have to work but the effort will certainly be rewarded by the satisfaction of carrying out this ancient tradition of dry stone wall making.