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Arsos Village
The village of Arsos is one of the biggest wine producing villages in Cyprus. It lies 40 kilometres from Limassol and 45 kilometres from Paphos It is built on the slopes of Laona mountain, 1092 metres above sea level, with an open horizon on the Valley of the Diarizos River, as far as the sea of Paphos. Thanks to this geographical position, it enjoys a wonderful cool and dry climate in summer and attracts therefore hundreds of holidaymakers.
There are two versions about its name. One says that it comes from the Holy Alsos (grove) of the goddess Aphrodite, where the village is built, and the other tells us that it was one of the 4 towns founded by Ptolemy Philadelphos in the honour of Arsinoe.
Since the most ancient times, it has developed into a big rich wine-producing village. All the inhabitants of the village make their own wine, especially red wine, and keep it in big earthenware jars. They grow mainly dark grapes, xynisteri, as well as new varieties suitable for the production of wine. The jars and the winepress for the production of the famous Arsos wine, as well as the alembics for the production of zivania can be found in most houses
From spring to autumn, the emerald colour of the vineyards dominates all around the village.
The houses in the village are close to each other. It is a classical example of a densely constructed settlement. The narrow streets, the lengthy houses (makrynaria), the spacious two-roomed houses (dichora) and the two-storied houses (anoyia), all built with impeccably hewn stones give, in combination with the tiled roofs, give a special charm to the architecture of the village. The numerous neo-classical buildings are also characteristic.
The hospitality of the inhabitants of the village, the cleanness of the houses and the streets, the wonderful picturesque yards and all the varieties of flowers and greenery are characteristic.
The housewives of the village are famous for their dexterity in preparing the different dishes such as ”palouzes”, ”epsima”, ”biscuits with episma”, ”paste”, ”shoudzioukos”, ”kiofterka”, ”arkatena”, ”kattimerka”, ” glyko ” and many others.
The village experienced an important development from 1920 to 1960. The population of the village amounted to 2.000 inhabitants. The unprofitable viticulture, the bad road network in those days and the search for a better fortune in the cities led the village to decay and abandonment. Nowadays, only around 300 people have remained in the village; they keep and transmit a tradition rich in manners and customs.
The Arsos Development Association, which was founded 17 years ago, aims at the maintenance of the manners and customs of the village, and the preservation of its architectural character together with modern development, in order to transform it into a viable place for the young. The main activities of the Association are tree-planting every January, Eastern festivities, the Cyprus night in June, the August festival, the palouze feast etc.
Folk Art Museum
Icon store room of St. Mariamnis
Folk Art Museum
The Folk Art Museum was founded in 1997 by the Community Council of Arsos and the Association for the Development of Arsos.
Folk Art Museum
The Folk Art Museum was founded in 1997 by the Community Council of Arsos and the Association for the Development of Arsos. The Museum is housed in a restored 18th century residence, which constitutes a Table B’ Ancient Monument. The restoration works were conducted under the supervision of the Department of Antiquities. The aims that led to the creation of the Folk Art Museum were the preservation of the folkways of the community of Arsos, as well as the preservation of the rich Cultural Heritage of Krasochoria (Wine-Villages). The Museum is actually a traditional house of the area displaying its entire household equipment. At the front part of the house there is a high stony wall and the front door leads the visitor to the stony yard and the shed where several tools and materials related to vineyards and wine are displayed. These include the boiler used for the production of the alcoholic drink of ‘zivania’, the vineyard plough, corves and many other tools which are no longer used nowadays. Moving on, the visitor enters the so called ‘Palace’ which was the main multiple-usage hall for the family. The room was used as a kitchen, a dining room and a living room. Here, one can see traditional chairs, a fireplace, a barbecue grill, a cooking stove, copper domestic utensils, a dresser, a cupboard and many more pieces of household equipment. Next, there is the cellar where the traditional ‘Linos’ is preserved with the large clay jars, the presser and the other traditional winery tools. From the paved yard, a stony staircase leads visitors to two upper floor rooms. In the big room visitors can admire the traditional bed, the wardrobe where the traditional ladders are kept, the old Venetian mirror, the sofa, the console, the baby bed, the loom and the carved chest. In the inside room there is a permanent exhibition of old photos taken during past events, wedding parties, National Fights and many other activities. The Museum building is ideal for hosting various exhibitions such as painting and photography exhibitions and many other events.
Icon store room of St. Mariamnis
The Icon store room of St. Mariamnis occupies one room building in the courtyard of the Apostle Philippos Church of.
Icon store room of St. Mariamnis
The Icon store room of St. Mariamnis occupies one room building in the courtyard of the Apostle Philippos Church of. Spanning a period of about seven centuries, exhibits include pieces of an iconostasis from 1735, a pulpit and an altar of the 19th century, old icons from the 13th to the 19th centuries, holy utensils, old books from the 16th to the19th centuries, an embroidered epitaphios from the 15th/16th century and other relics.
Folk Art Museum
The Folk Art Museum was founded in 1997 by the Community Council of Arsos and the Association for the Development of Arsos.
Folk Art Museum
The Folk Art Museum was founded in 1997 by the Community Council of Arsos and the Association for the Development of Arsos. The Museum is housed in a restored 18th century residence, which constitutes a Table B’ Ancient Monument. The restoration works were conducted under the supervision of the Department of Antiquities. The aims that led to the creation of the Folk Art Museum were the preservation of the folkways of the community of Arsos, as well as the preservation of the rich Cultural Heritage of Krasochoria (Wine-Villages). The Museum is actually a traditional house of the area displaying its entire household equipment. At the front part of the house there is a high stony wall and the front door leads the visitor to the stony yard and the shed where several tools and materials related to vineyards and wine are displayed. These include the boiler used for the production of the alcoholic drink of ‘zivania’, the vineyard plough, corves and many other tools which are no longer used nowadays. Moving on, the visitor enters the so called ‘Palace’ which was the main multiple-usage hall for the family. The room was used as a kitchen, a dining room and a living room. Here, one can see traditional chairs, a fireplace, a barbecue grill, a cooking stove, copper domestic utensils, a dresser, a cupboard and many more pieces of household equipment. Next, there is the cellar where the traditional ‘Linos’ is preserved with the large clay jars, the presser and the other traditional winery tools. From the paved yard, a stony staircase leads visitors to two upper floor rooms. In the big room visitors can admire the traditional bed, the wardrobe where the traditional ladders are kept, the old Venetian mirror, the sofa, the console, the baby bed, the loom and the carved chest. In the inside room there is a permanent exhibition of old photos taken during past events, wedding parties, National Fights and many other activities. The Museum building is ideal for hosting various exhibitions such as painting and photography exhibitions and many other events.
Icon store room of St. Mariamnis
The Icon store room of St. Mariamnis occupies one room building in the courtyard of the Apostle Philippos Church of.
Icon store room of St. Mariamnis
The Icon store room of St. Mariamnis occupies one room building in the courtyard of the Apostle Philippos Church of. Spanning a period of about seven centuries, exhibits include pieces of an iconostasis from 1735, a pulpit and an altar of the 19th century, old icons from the 13th to the 19th centuries, holy utensils, old books from the 16th to the19th centuries, an embroidered epitaphios from the 15th/16th century and other relics.
Church Apostolou Philippou
Panayia Katholiki Chapel
Church Apostolou Philippou
The Church of Apostle Philippos is located in the heart of Arsos. It is a church which was built in the 13th century and which has been repaired several times since then.
Church Apostolou Philippou
The Church of Apostle Philippos is located in the heart of Arsos. It is a church which was built in the 13th century and which has been repaired several times since then. According to historic evidence presented by Christodoulos Hadjichristodoulou, when Gunnis and Geffery refer to the church of Apostle Philippos in the beginning of the 20th century, they note that there used to be an older church where the present church stands today and that church was destroyed during the second half of the 19th century. The present church has existed ever since the beginning of the 20th century and its dimensions are 72X47 metres. After the big earthquake of 1988, the church was severely damaged, with the built stone revealed from the inside. Due to this incident, the Department of Antiquities, which was asked to offer assistance, declared the church a Monument B’ and helped restore it. Next to the church stands the chapel of Agia Mariamni, the sister of Apostle Philippos. The construction of the bell-tower is dated back to the beginning of the 20th century, while the later addition of the church is the women’s loft. The former was constructed between the years 1912 and 1914, whereas the latter was constructed in 1948. The internal part of the church is adorned by a 19th century wooden iconostasis bearing three lines of portable icons. The first line bears the largest icons which are called ‘Despotic’. Above the Despotic icons there is a line of smaller icons depicting Saints whose name days are considered to be the twelve most important holy days of the Orthodox Church, whereas above those icons there is a line of icons called ‘Apostolikon’, which depict the 12 Apostles. High on the iconostasis one can admire the Crucifixion. Mentioned at the old church of Apostle Philippos is the Russian sightseer and monk Vasileios Barxy, who visited Arsos at the beginning of the 18th century and in particular in 1735. The latter mentions that the church of Apostle Philippos was an old stony church where the relic of the Saint was kept in the sanctuary. The reliquary of the Holy Relic of Saint Philippos was stolen shortly after 1735. Afterwards, following the instructions of the Metropolitan Bishop of Pafos, Ioakeim, the Holy Relic of the Apostle was originally transferred to the Monastery of Agios Ioannis at the location ‘Pente Litharia’, whereas later on it was taken to the Monastery of Timios Stavros in Omodos so that it could be kept and protected. Today, it is still kept at the Monastery of Timios Stavros despite long efforts made by the residents of Arsos for the return of the reliquary and the Holy Relic of the Apostle back to his Church in Arsos. However, it must be noted that the stolen reliquary was replaced around 1770 following instructions given by Metropolitan Bishop Panaretos. The Holy Relic, as Hadjichristodoulou remarks, was destructive for locust. Hence, during locust raids, the residents would perform litanies at the distressed areas in order to protect their harvest. The relic of Apostle Philippos was probably transferred to Cyprus during the Frankish Period. The transfer of the relic is celebrated by the Church of Cyprus with a special mass on the 31st of July. When the holy relic of the Saint arrived in Cyprus, it was kept in various areas of Pafos. However, for safety reasons, the relic was transferred towards the inland and more specifically to Arsos, where an imposing church was built to honour the Saint. The church’s inauguration ceremony was performed by the Latin land owner of the area named Jernizos. Kept at the imposing stony church of the Apostle is the icon of Saint Philippos, the dimensions of which are 150X108X55 cm, which was painted around the first half of the 13th century. Depicted on a slightly elevated frame surrounding the icon are 18 scenes from the life of the Saint accompanied by inscriptions. The name day of Apostle Philippos, the Protector Saint of our community, is celebrated on the 14th of November. A fair takes place at the square of the village, where street vendors set their stands and sell their products to both the villagers and the worshippers who come from all over Cyprus to worship the miracle-making icons of Apostle Philippos.
Panayia Katholiki Chapel
In the village, there is also a second small medieval church, dedicated to Panayia Chryseleousa of the Catholics. In the ancient times it was a Latin Monastery.
Church Apostolou Philippou
The Church of Apostle Philippos is located in the heart of Arsos. It is a church which was built in the 13th century and which has been repaired several times since then.
Church Apostolou Philippou
The Church of Apostle Philippos is located in the heart of Arsos. It is a church which was built in the 13th century and which has been repaired several times since then. According to historic evidence presented by Christodoulos Hadjichristodoulou, when Gunnis and Geffery refer to the church of Apostle Philippos in the beginning of the 20th century, they note that there used to be an older church where the present church stands today and that church was destroyed during the second half of the 19th century. The present church has existed ever since the beginning of the 20th century and its dimensions are 72X47 metres. After the big earthquake of 1988, the church was severely damaged, with the built stone revealed from the inside. Due to this incident, the Department of Antiquities, which was asked to offer assistance, declared the church a Monument B’ and helped restore it. Next to the church stands the chapel of Agia Mariamni, the sister of Apostle Philippos. The construction of the bell-tower is dated back to the beginning of the 20th century, while the later addition of the church is the women’s loft. The former was constructed between the years 1912 and 1914, whereas the latter was constructed in 1948. The internal part of the church is adorned by a 19th century wooden iconostasis bearing three lines of portable icons. The first line bears the largest icons which are called ‘Despotic’. Above the Despotic icons there is a line of smaller icons depicting Saints whose name days are considered to be the twelve most important holy days of the Orthodox Church, whereas above those icons there is a line of icons called ‘Apostolikon’, which depict the 12 Apostles. High on the iconostasis one can admire the Crucifixion. Mentioned at the old church of Apostle Philippos is the Russian sightseer and monk Vasileios Barxy, who visited Arsos at the beginning of the 18th century and in particular in 1735. The latter mentions that the church of Apostle Philippos was an old stony church where the relic of the Saint was kept in the sanctuary. The reliquary of the Holy Relic of Saint Philippos was stolen shortly after 1735. Afterwards, following the instructions of the Metropolitan Bishop of Pafos, Ioakeim, the Holy Relic of the Apostle was originally transferred to the Monastery of Agios Ioannis at the location ‘Pente Litharia’, whereas later on it was taken to the Monastery of Timios Stavros in Omodos so that it could be kept and protected. Today, it is still kept at the Monastery of Timios Stavros despite long efforts made by the residents of Arsos for the return of the reliquary and the Holy Relic of the Apostle back to his Church in Arsos. However, it must be noted that the stolen reliquary was replaced around 1770 following instructions given by Metropolitan Bishop Panaretos. The Holy Relic, as Hadjichristodoulou remarks, was destructive for locust. Hence, during locust raids, the residents would perform litanies at the distressed areas in order to protect their harvest. The relic of Apostle Philippos was probably transferred to Cyprus during the Frankish Period. The transfer of the relic is celebrated by the Church of Cyprus with a special mass on the 31st of July. When the holy relic of the Saint arrived in Cyprus, it was kept in various areas of Pafos. However, for safety reasons, the relic was transferred towards the inland and more specifically to Arsos, where an imposing church was built to honour the Saint. The church’s inauguration ceremony was performed by the Latin land owner of the area named Jernizos. Kept at the imposing stony church of the Apostle is the icon of Saint Philippos, the dimensions of which are 150X108X55 cm, which was painted around the first half of the 13th century. Depicted on a slightly elevated frame surrounding the icon are 18 scenes from the life of the Saint accompanied by inscriptions. The name day of Apostle Philippos, the Protector Saint of our community, is celebrated on the 14th of November. A fair takes place at the square of the village, where street vendors set their stands and sell their products to both the villagers and the worshippers who come from all over Cyprus to worship the miracle-making icons of Apostle Philippos.
Panayia Katholiki Chapel
In the village, there is also a second small medieval church, dedicated to Panayia Chryseleousa of the Catholics. In the ancient times it was a Latin Monastery.
Village Square
Village Square
In the village square, one can find, ‘kafenia’, (traditional coffee shops), a supermarket, a bank, bakery, community service, a clinic (once a week), a tavern and the church of Ap. Philippos. In earlier years, there used to be an elementary school, which has since closed and is used for other function; the children now days going to the schools of Omodos or Pachna. Arsos is well known in the area for its many functions and festivals each time and each one having its own distinctive character.
The Six Fountains
The Six Fountains
Plentiful water flows all year round from the 6 medieval fountains found west the village. A nature path has been created which connects all the 6 fountains; the visitor following this patch which will come across vegetation particular to the area as well as freshwater crabs and frogs. VRISSI TON ATHKION It took its name from the willows (athkies) which grow all around it. It is at the beginning of the pathway, on the Arsos-Agios Nicolaos main road. Next to the fountain there is a stone bridge which must be saved from the widening of the main road. The enhancement of the site is planned in the future. This fountain was a stop for the passers-by, the mule-drivers, the carters the shepherds etc. ”OSS ARKADJIN” FOUNTAIN It is a medieval fountain that used to water the orchards of the area in the past. Next to the fountain there is the Byzantine monastery of Panayia Katholiki. One of the two springs is the ”Holy Water” of the Virgin. When the weddings were a common phenomenon in the village, people used to wash the wheal (ressi) to the sound of a violin and a lute and afterwards they ground it at the adjacent stone olive-mill. PANO VRISSI It is a building of a remarkable medieval architecture with a vault. It is linked to the village by a beautiful cobbled pathway and leads to the Nature Trail by a wooden staircase. Here, the women of the village used to wash the linen with clean soot until the beginning of the 1950’s.They also took drinkable water from it. KOSTENA A medieval fountain similar to the one above, which was unfortunately destroyed at the beginning of the 1970’s to become a water tank. Today, only its foundations remain. It was used for washing the linen. It has plentiful cold water. Our objective is to restore it. KOUPAS This is a small source with basins. Next to the rock where it stands, there are stalactites. It was mainly used to water animals. TO POULIN This ancient fountain has two arches and plentiful cold water. Old inhabitants of the village remember the blazon wich represented an eagle with closed wings (the blazon of the Ptolemy – Arsinoe) which is no longer there. All the fountains are linked to the village by a separate path.
Nature Trail
Arsos Nature Trail
On the western fringes of the village of Arsos, on a relatively steep slope, there is a narrow valley with a stream in which plentiful water runs all the year round, and which is a tributary of Diarizos. In older times, when the village used to throb with life (until the 1960’s) this river watered the small orchards of the inhabitants of the village. Along the river, tens of basket makers used to dig ”kolymbous” (smalls dams) for the ”liathkia” (reeds) they used for making the baskets. With the rural exodus, only a few orchards are maintained and wild vegetation (especially brambles) has covered its riverbed. It has a rich flora, such as plane trees, willows, poplars, walnut-trees, and willows (41 species in total). As regards the fauna, soft water crabs, frogs, foxes etc., endemic and migratory birds, rare species of butterflies and insects have been preserved. Along the river and at a distance of about 800 meters, six medieval fountains are built. These fountains played an important role for the inhabitants of the village at times when there was no running water in the houses. They were a source of life for water supply and irrigation purposes. Even at times of high draught, plentiful water run from it. References to the big draughts of the 19th century talk about shepherds who brought their flocks to the area from remote villages to save them from the water famine. The Development Association and the Arsos Community Council with the help of the Cyprus Tourism Organisation and the Forest Department, have cleaned the riverbed and built a pathway that links the six fountains. Furthermore, they have enhanced the sites of the ”Ossa Arkadji” and ” Pano Vrissi” fountains. The ” To Poullin” fountain will also be enhanced soon. The extension of the pathway until the Trozena wooden bridge, at a distance of 2 kilometres, is also under study. It is a unique biotope both as regards the natural beauty (dams, waterfalls, springs) and the fauna and flora. Take Me There
Architecture & Village Alleys
Architecture & Village Alleys
The houses in the village are close to each other. It is a classical example of a densely constructed settlement. The narrow streets, the lengthy houses (makrynaria), the spacious two-roomed houses (dichora) and the two-storied houses (anoyia), all built with impeccably hewn stones give, in combination with the tiled roofs, give a special charm to the architecture of the village. The numerous neo-classical buildings are also characteristic. The hospitality of the inhabitants of the village, the cleanness of the houses and the streets, the wonderful picturesque yards and all the varieties of flowers and greenery are characteristic.
Functions and Festivals
Functions and Festivals
Arsos is well known in the area for its many functions and festivals each time and each one having its own distinctive character.
EASTER With the tolling of the bell one by one the villagers go to church. The procession of the body of CHRIST (Epitafio) through the winding streets of the village, the dying of Easter eggs, the presentation of the Holy Light, the huge bonfire, the games in the central square and the beautiful aromas coming from the cooking of lamb on aspit (souvla) is but a few of the characteristic events that occur at Easter. 15TH AUGUST August Festival The village comes to life again with games, voices and laughter filling the central square. The municipality fo the village is responsible for organizing all kinds of functions, such as dinner dances, theatrical and musical evenings. PALOUZES After the grape harvest, towards the end of September, the village organizes the PALOUZES (a traditional dessert made with flour and grape juice and cooked in large copper cauldrons) festival. On this particular day, many visitors from all over Cyprus come to watch the making of PALOUZE. The tasting and buying of many of the either products made from grape juice. FEAST DAY OF AP. PHILIPPOS- On the 14th of November each year the village celebrates the feast day of the patron Saint of the village, Ap. Philippos. TREE PLANTING- It has now become a tradition that on very 2nd Sunday of January, the planting of trees is organized.
Vineyards
Vineyards
The sun-kissed southern slopes of the Troodos mountains above Lemesos (Limassol) are known as the ‘Krassochoria’ and are renowned for their vineyards and delightful hillside villages. In Arsos village the wine production is still the main occupation for most of the inhabitants. This is the area which produces the island’s famous dry red wine. A number of small wineries welcome visitors on wine tasting tours. The area is reached from the Lemesos (Limassol) – Pafos road, turning right after Erimi village or from the Lemesos (Limassol) – Platres road. Take a tour of the wineries and in some wine-tasting, or sample other grape-based delicacies.
Heroes Monument
Heroes Monument
A Monument dedicated to the People of Arsos who volunteered for the National Fights was erected on the eastern edge of Arsos. The Monument was constructed using funds of the Republic of Cyprus and the Community Council of Arsos. The unveiling ceremony was held on Saturday 19th, 2010 by the Honourable Minister of Defense Mr. Costas Papacostas. The Monument was erected in honour of the following Volunteers from the Community of Arsos: Avgoustis Loizou – Balkan Wars (1912-13) Siarpellis Pagkalos – World War I (1914-19) Leonidas Economides – World War I (1914-19) Andreas Savianos – World War I (1914-19) Nicolas Constantinou – World War II (1940-45) Kyriacos Markantonis- World War I (1940-45) Michalis Koukkis- National Liberating Fight (1955-59) Andreas Stivaros- Turkish Invasion (1974) Lefteris Theodosiou – Turkish Invasion (1974)
Traditional Products
Traditional Products
All the inhabitants of the village make their own wine, especially red wine, and keep it in big earthenware jars. They grow mainly dark grapes, xynisteri, as well as new varieties suitable for the production of wine. The jars and the winepress for the production of the famous Arsos wine, as well as the alembics for the production of zivania can be found in most houses. The housewives of the village are famous for their dexterity in preparing the different dishes such as ”palouzes”, ”epsima”, ”biscuits with episma”, ”paste”, ”shoudzioukos”, ”kiofterka”, ”arkatena”, ”kattimerka”, ” glyko ” and many others.
Information Technology Centre of Krasochoria (Wine Villages)
Centre of Traditional Flavours and an Information Technology Centre of Krasochoria (Wine Villages)
This is a part of the Local Development Pilot Project for the Wine Villages in Limassol and aims in · The development and cooperation between the stakeholders and the residents · The promotion of different actions and events · The support and promotion of the natural and cultural heritage of the Wine Villages · The Sustainable development of the Wine Villages
Kallena Arsos Botanic Garden & Branch
Kallena Arsos Botanic Garden & Branch
Surrounded by the green hills at an altitude of 1050m, Platres Athletic Sports Center is located in the heart of the Troodos Mountains. The village of Platres is famous for its unique beauty, charm and ideal weather conditions in Cyprus as well as around the Globe inspiring and attracting personalities from all over the world.
Today, following the new era, Platres has created a super modern Athletic Sports Center targeting professional athletes, with state of the art Facilities, Equipment and Pitches providing them with ultimate conditions for practice and sports in general.
This modern sports center has a football Pitch, mini football, basketball, tennis, volleyball, and handball, as well as fitness and Spa facilities. It also has spacious locker rooms and a welcoming café.
The best Restaurants in the Village of Arsos
Arsos Restaurant Snack Cafe
| TIME 09:00 am – 00:00 pm |
FOR RESERVATIONS Tel: +357 99 277277 |
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Agora
| TIME 11:00 am – 22:00 pm |
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