The Steamroller "Olga"

In the 1930s, the community of Kythera acquired its first steamroller, a steam-powered machine manufactured by the German company J.A. Maffei & Jacob GmbH. Affectionately named "Olga," the steamroller was purchased by the Attica Regional Fund for 12,000 drachmas. It became a significant tool in building and maintaining the island's road network, marking an era of technological progress.

"Olga" was powered by coal and wood, and its operation was a sight to behold. Its impressive size and the sound of its steam captivated the island's residents, especially children, who viewed it as a marvel of modern engineering.

As time passed and newer technologies emerged, "Olga" was eventually retired and left to deteriorate. In 2003, the steamroller was relocated to the entrance of Chora, the capital of Cythère, where it was preserved as a historical exhibit. Restoration efforts have ensured that "Olga" remains a symbol of the island’s industrial and infrastructural development in the early 20th century.