Booking.com

Charmaina

The technique of manufacturing the leather is a tradition that “holds” in Amfissa since 1600. In a small district, Charmaina , were collated Tampakika or Tabakaria, the laboratories involved in the production of skin in exquisite and original colored varieties that were sought after not only in Greece but also abroad. Soon, Charmaina is evolved into bustling center of tanning and became known as the district of tanners.

The tanners of Charmaina worked hard and incessantly. Basic material was the water – receiving in great abundance from the nearest source of the region and gave at the skins the famed indelible, shiny, yellow color. The treated skin was mostly plant while the currying was primarily by acorns and pomegranates. These techniques have made the skins resistant, resulting not only used for clothing but also for footwear, handbags, parchments and binding.

  • After the Second World War and with the introduction of plastics, the picturesque district of tanners began slowly loses its glamour. Today there are only four in Charmaina laboratories engaged solely in leather processing.
  • The Municipality of Amfissa made ​​the restoration of some historical buildings of Charmaina with the aim of its better utilization :
  • The building Toulasidi, formerly constituted the communal area of tanners, is now used as a reception center for visitors.
  • In “Tannery of the damned” is hosted by the Municipal Gallery “Spyros Papaloukas” where are outlined the patterns of the great artist.
  • The tannery of “Kallia” turned into house of a tanner family.
  •  Four more private tanneries of Charmaina have been restored and renovated and in one of them is housed today the traditional cafe.

Most Popular