Rhodes Old Silk Factory

Location: Kattavia

At the southern edge of Rhodes, about 83 kilometers southwest of Rhodes Town, lies the traditional agricultural village of Kattavia. Surrounded by lush, picturesque hills, it houses many vestiges of the Italian rule of the island in the early 20th century in the form of old buildings and Italian dwellings. One of the most remarkable of these buildings is the Old Silk Factory.

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The factory was built at a time when silk production was a cornerstone of the island’s economy, with the tradition dating back to the Byzantine era. The building itself sports a traditional stone look and features various areas for the different stages of silk production. However, it was only used as a silk factory for a short period of time, before being turned into a rural prison by the Italians. It remained in use until the Italians left the island after the Second World War and has never been reopened since.

Several efforts have been made to maintain the Old Silk Factory as a cultural heritage site. As it stands today, it is fairly dilapidated, but still very much worth the visit. Exploring this now-abandoned building offers a fascinating glimpse into the economic, architectural, and cultural legacy of the island and is sure to captivate anyone wanting to delve deeper into the unique history of Rhodes.