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Damalas (Δαμαλάς) is one of the smallest villages on the island of Naxos, Greece. It’s well worth visiting to learn about its history and traditions.
Intro to Damalas
Damalas, which is in central Naxos, consists of narrow alleys winding between beautiful stone houses. The Church of Agia Eirini, which we didn’t visit, dates back to around 1800.
Olive Oil Press
The most important landmark in Damalas is the historic olive oil press, which operated until 1961. There are over 400,000 olive trees on Naxos, and half of those are in the central region of the island where Damalas is located. Almost all villagers in this region have their own olive plantations, making olive oil one of the most important agricultural products of Naxos.
The building measures 8.6 by 7 meters with walls 0.6 meters thick made from stone and clay mortar. The floor used to be dirt and was set two steps down from the level of the courtyard in front of the building. The original roof was made of bamboo covered with earth, but it was later replaced with a zinc roof. It’s unknown when the press was built, but it’s possible it dates back to before 1850. The villagers built it to avoid having to carry the olives to an another press in the neighboring village of Damarionas.
Five men operated the press, and each man had a specific role. The captain was in charge of the press and supervised the other men. The miller operated the millstone to grind the olives, using a wooden spatula to push the olives away from the edge of the basin of the mill and into the center. Two laborers turned the millstone for him. Finally, the warmer poured boiling water carried from the well using a yoke across his shoulders. He also carried the olives from the fields to the press and delivered oil to the houses. The laborers would sometimes help the warmer carry the olives and deliver the oil.
After the olives were crushed, the pulp was carried across and put into the iron press. The press was initially tightened by hand and then connected to a capstan when it became difficult. Workers continued until it was no longer possible to extract oil.
Pigadia Square
On the south side of Damalas is Pigadia Square (Plateia Pigadia). It’s another interesting place to see because of what appears to be the village laundry station. If anyone reads this and I’m wrong, please send me a message and I’ll correct this information.
Manolis Limpertas Pottery
Finally, next two the village parking lot, is Manolis Limpertas Pottery. It’s a traditional pottery workshop offering both functional and ornamental pottery. Workshops and demonstrations are available as well.
