Soufli, Greece: The “City of Silk” Steps Onto the Global Stage

The history and artistry of Soufli’s silk. Credit: Soufli Municipality

Soufli, the historical Greek “City of Silk,” was the distinguished honored city at the internationally renowned Silk in Lyon 2025 exhibition, held from November 20-23. The participation was a major triumph, showcasing the town’s rich cultural heritage, unique silk products, and enduring identity as the heart of Greek sericulture.

The central feature of Soufli’s presence in Lyon was the meticulously curated exhibition, “From Soufli to Lyon – The Journey of Greek Cocoons: From the Delicacy of the Thread to the Splendor of the Fabrics.”

Organized by the “Chrysalis” Friends of Silk Association, the display provided a high-quality presentation of the history and artistry of Soufli’s silk. It guided visitors through the entire production process, from the cultivation of mulberry trees (the sole food source of the silkworm) and the traditional methods of sericulture (silkworm rearing) to the weaving of the final, exquisite fabrics.

A silk dress is exhibited in Lyon, France. Credit: Soufli Municipality

Soufli: A legacy forged in silk

Soufli’s identity is inextricably linked to silk production, a tradition that provided the economic and cultural backbone of the town for centuries.

Sericulture flourished in Soufli starting around 1830. By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the town was recognized as the “Silk Capital” of the Balkans, exporting fine silk across Europe.

The economic prosperity led to the construction of unique buildings, most famously the “koukoulospita” (cocoon houses). These houses had specialized upper floors designed with specific ventilation and humidity controls essential for successfully raising silkworms, a practice that cemented the craft’s central role in the community.

Though the industry faced a sharp decline after WWII due to the loss of land (Treaty of Lausanne, 1923) and the rise of synthetic fibers like nylon, a few dedicated local families and firms—such as Tsiakiris and Mouchtaridis—have maintained the tradition, keeping the last silk factories in Greece operational. The town preserves this heritage through its dedicated Silk Museum.

Credit: Mouhtaridis Silkline

The honor from Silk in Lyon 2025 follows another significant international accolade for the Greek town. The Municipality of Soufli noted in a release that the recognition is vital for the town’s global standing:

“Following the distinction by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the Best Tourism Village Initiative, Soufli is being honored by yet another international-level event. This constitutes a significant confirmation of its unique contribution to the global culture of sericulture and silk-making, and adds an important piece to the global recognition of the city.”

Soufli’s successful appearance in Lyon, a city legendary for its own silk heritage, serves to bolster its visibility, support the local cooperatives currently working to boost domestic cocoon production, and strengthen its position as a key destination for cultural tourism and high-quality, sustainable natural fibers.