Tochni Village

Written by chooseyourcyprus on 07/04/2022. Posted in Larnaca.

Tochni Village in Cyprus

Tochni Village

Larnaca

The beautiful village of Tochni

tochni village in Cyprus

Tochni is a village located in the Larnaca District of Cyprus, about halfway between the cities of Larnaca and Limassol.

Based on some religious and folkloric traditions, Tochni is among the oldest villages in Cyprus, with a history more than ten, perhaps twenty centuries. Despite the infrequent mention of it in historical or archaeological sources, careful research and study on the village will reveal enough data regarding the long course of it’s life.

Ecclesiastical Museum

Ecclesiastical Museum

In a small oblong room, located on the south side of the forecourt of the church an Ecclesiastical Museum has been created, in which relics are displayed, which are property of the Church of Saints Constantine and Helen. In the middle of the museum a grand old Cross is located, which previously was in the temple.

Ecclesiastical Museum

In a small oblong room, located on the south side of the forecourt of the church an Ecclesiastical Museum has been created, in which relics are displayed, which are property of the Church of Saints Constantine and Helen. In the middle of the museum a grand old Cross is located, which previously was in the temple.

Ecclesiastical Museum

In a small oblong room, located on the south side of the forecourt of the church an Ecclesiastical Museum has been created, in which relics are displayed, which are property of the Church of Saints Constantine and Helen. In the middle of the museum a grand old Cross is located, which previously was in the temple. Unfortunately there is no description of the cross, to help establish a chronology of its construction. In the background of the museum in a space protected by a glass case, on display are Gospels, silver and bronze sacred vessels and holy icons. In the area of the glass display cabinet is the icon of St. Demetrius (Work of Theophanes Kaissareias) as well as those of Saint Mamas (Work of Arseniou). On the north and south walls of the museum, hanging are many holy icons, works from the old years. Special impression to the visitors is caused by large pictures of artist Louka who comes from Tochni and who lived in the late 16th and early 17th century.

Sts. Kostantinos & Eleni Church
Stavros Ruined Church

Sts. Kostantinos & Eleni Church

A truly spectacular phenomenon is the building of the church of Saints Constantine and Helen on a bridge in the village of Tochni.

Stavros Ruined Church

Somewhere thirty meters on the northeast side of the parish church of Saints Constantine and Helen on a small hill…

Sts. Kostantinos & Eleni Church

A truly spectacular phenomenon is the building of the church of Saints Constantine and Helen on a bridge in the village of Tochni.

Sts. Kostantinos & Eleni Church

A truly spectacular phenomenon is the building of the church of Saints Constantine and Helen on a bridge in the village of Tochni. A Phenomenon that might not be seen anywhere else in the world. The Tradition has it that the construction of the bridge and the construction of the temple itself, from the mother of the Byzantine Emperor Constantine, St. Helen. A tradition which is verging on the truth, since there are many signs that lead to the conclusion that the Queen Mother Helen stepped and sanctified by her presence, the blessed soil of Cyprus.
Stavros Ruined Church

Somewhere thirty meters on the northeast side of the parish church of Saints Constantine and Helen on a small hill…

Stavros Ruined Church

Somewhere thirty meters on the northeast side of the parish church of Saints Constantine and Helen on a small hill, a few surviving ruins of another church that operated in the community. According to foreign travellers and writers of Cypriot religious texts, the ruined temple is among the Gothic monuments of the island and built or converted into Latin monument and was used by the Romans during the period that they have been governing the island. Regarding the chronology of the building of the temple, there is no source that leads to it. Enlart assumes that the building might be constructed during the first half of the 14th century, namely around 1340. His support is on the fact that after the theft of the Holy Cross of the Temple of Tochni, residents tried to find some way to recover the stolen sacred relic. As such, they thought the erection of a new church dedicated to the Holy and Life-giving Cross.

Activities
and Attractions

Cyprus’s agrotourism offers a variety of places to visit. Places, both familiar and unfamiliar, that will soothe you and provide you with utter serenity and beauty. From Tochni to other villages, one can escape and experience a lovely and easygoing atmosphere.

Tochni Bridges in Cyprus

Tochni Bridges

Cycling Routes in Cyprus

Cycling Routes

Nature Trails

Nature Trails

The Tochni ‘Exploring Nature’ trail is located on the southeast of the village of Tochni. A part of it follows the ancient trail initially constructed by its inhabitants together with the people of the neighbouring villages of Maroni and Zigi. It starts at the outskirts of the village and follows a circular route with an approximate length of 2.8km and It takes 35-40 minutes to walk. Along the trail one can enjoy a changing landscape with rich wild flora and the panoramic view of the area.

Points of interest:

♦ The rich flora and fauna of the area
♦ The Panoramic view
♦ The changes in landscape
♦ The church of Ayios Constantinos and the ecclesiastical museum
Take Me There
Sts. Konstantinos & Eleni Feas

Sts. Konstantinos & Eleni Feas

In celebration of the Saints Constantine and Helen on May 21, both at the evening ceremony which takes place the day before, and during the ceremony, the day of the celebration, hundreds of Christians from various parts of Cyprus, arrive in Tochni to venerate the icon of Saints Constantine and Helen, to light the candle of thanksgiving and supplication and pray with devotion, through the sacred historical site. During the holidays, in the courtyard of the church and the surrounding areas, a sizable fair takes place.

Climbing

Climbing

Rock climbing in Cyprus is more varied than many of the other areas around the Mediterranean. Unusually, there is a greater quantity of recorded traditional routes than sports, and the rock type is more complex than simply limestone.

The Cyprus climate is amongst the best in Europe and offers an all year round experience, with the optimum times to visit being spring and autumn. Combine this with its varied and numerous resort possibilities then it makes a good choice as a climbing holiday location.
Mosque

Mosque

Turkish-Cypriots of Tochni, as Muslims, were celebrating separately, according to their own religion, their religious duties. They have a mosque (without minaret) which is in a very good condition and is located on the north side of town, where it was built and most of the Turkish-Cypriot homes. They used to pray at the mosque every Friday afternoon in the presence of their community Hoxha, who read excerpts from the “Koran”.

Tochni School in Cyprus

Tochni School

Quarry in Cyprus

Quarry

All Accommodation

Cyprus Villages Agrotourism
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Vasilopoulos House
Danae House
Vasilikos House
Myrto House
Dolphin Guest House and Studios
Adamos Hotel Apartments
Mespilo House, Panoramic Apartments
Niovi House
Vrakas House
Apartment Myrto House
Kleanthis House
Apartment Vasilikos House-3
Apartment Vasilikos House-1
Apartment Danae House
Apartment Adamos House
Apartment Mespilo House

The best Restaurants in the Village of Tochni

Agrino Restaurant in Cyprus

Tochni Tavern

LOVE & EXPLORE TOCHNI VILLAGE

The countryside in Cyprus is blessed with natural and man-made beauty with an abundant historical heritage. Its beautifully unique natural environment is complemented by its traditional villages and architecture which lend it a special character and are always welcoming of visitors in the traditional warm and hospitable Cypriot way.

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Pano Lefkara Village

Written by chooseyourcyprus on 06/04/2022. Posted in Larnaca.

Pano Lefkara Village in Cyprus

Pano Lefkara Village

Larnaca

PANO LEFKARA WEATHER

The beautiful village of Pano Lefkara

Pano Lefkara Village in Cyprus

Lefkara is where the Cypriot folk needlecraft art is born – the famous “lefkaritiko” – which the reputation of has gone beyond the frontiers of Cyprus and has become known in most of the European countries but not only there.

Lefkara owes its welfare and prosperity as always spotted to this needlecraft art and to its trade launched in the late 19th century, flourishing during the 20th century first thirty years.

History

Lefkara owes its welfare and prosperity as always spotted to this needlecraft art and to its trade launched in the late 19th century, flourishing during the 20th century first thirty years.

GEOGRAPHICAL POSITION – CLIMATE – POPULATION

The village is situated at the foot of the Troodos Mountains in the south eastern region, 650m above sea level, 45 km from Nicosia, 30 km from the Larnaca airport and just 12 km from the Nicosia – Limassol highway.

It is not really far from the sea, yet, it is located high enough for the moist air coming in from the sea to get dry by the time it reaches the village.

Therefore, Lefkara becomes an excellent destination during summer time because of the relatively low humidity from May to October and also the mild temperatures in the region.

Today, the population of the village, which in the post-second-world period exceeded 2500 inhabitants, is not more than 1000 inhabitants amongst whom there are many expacts, because of emigration and rural-urban migration. A significant number of locals have been living in New York, London, South Africa and even Australia.

The name of Lefkara village derives from the colour of the surrounding calcareous rocks: “White rocks = Lefkara”. Considering the archaeological findings, the Lefkara region has most probably been inhabited for centuries. Though there is not any relevant evidence, the settlement is likely to have progressively been established and has developed reaching its current status during the Arab raids between the 7th and 9th century A.D. The inhabitants of the island were forced by the situation due to the raids to move from the coastal areas where they were living in this period to the inland ones, looking for safer places to settle.

However, the very first written historical statement about Lefkara is brought out in Cypriot big type letters: Saint Neophytos the Recluse, who was born in Lefkara in 1134, according to the information provided by him.

During the occupation period by the Franks, Lefkara became the see of the Greek Orthodox Bishop of Limassol, Amathus and Curium and was one of the four Orthodox Bishops’ sees. This occurred following a papal decision according to which the Cyprus Church administration should be placed under the jurisdiction of the Latin Archbishop resulting to the Greek Orthodox Bishops being forced to abandon their sees in the cities and settle in the rural areas.

Later Lefkara during the occupation period by the Venetians (1489 – 1570 A.D.) is referred to as a summer resort for the Venetian nobles and their families. According to some researchers, the Lefkara needlecraft known as “lefkaritiko” goes back to this period and the nobles’ wives influenced to some extent the technique used by the Lefkara women.

Furthermore, it is said that Leonardo da Vinci, the big Renaissance artist visited Cyprus in the late 16th century as a guest of Catherine Cornaro – Queen of Cyprus. He then visited Lefkara and bought a big tablecloth embroidered on all sides, which was donated to the Milan Cathedral.

In 1570 the Turks conquered Cyprus and according to historical sources of the western world, Lefkara made its submission to the Turks and obtained some prerogatives. Yet according to more recent data contained in the folk poem “The Lament of Cyprus” a totally different version is provided, giving evidence of the large village where civilians arrived to save themselves, ending up in being the first victim of the Ottoman incursions. Therefore, the village was ransacked and its population was massacred. A further significant event likely to have occurred during that period is the small surrounding settlements being abandoned for safety reasons and the fact that their population moved to the main Lefkara settlement.

Some years later, the British colonization occurred in 1878 and namely in 1883 Lefkara and Morphou were declared the first rural municipalities in Cyprus. A Town Hall becoming operational there has been a determining fact for the further development of this large village, contributing drastically in its progress and its inhabitants’ welfare. Then a number of regulations were enacted, setting in order so many things in the large village. An abattoir, a municipal market with a distinct butcher’s shop and a pig meat shop are established. Street lamps are installed to enhance local electrification. A group of experts in street lamps lighting and road sweepers are appointed. The problem of water scarcity is dealt with, whereas in 1934 an electric generator is installed in Lefkara to supply all houses with electricity resulting from an agreement co-signed by the Municipality and a private company. In 1938 a telephone line connecting Lefkara with Larnaca is installed.

The Folk Art Museum
Lefkara laces or Lefkaritika

The Folk Art Museum

The visitors of Lefkara must not fail to see the Patsalos house. It houses the Museum of Popular Art and hosts exquisite embroidery samples, some of which date back to the 19th century.

Lefkara laces or Lefkaritika

The tradition of lace-making in the village of Lefkara in southeastern Cyprus dates back to at least the fourteenth century.

The Folk Art Museum

The visitors of Lefkara must not fail to see the Patsalos house. It houses the Museum of Popular Art and hosts exquisite embroidery samples, some of which date back to the 19th century.

The Folk Art Museum

The visitors of Lefkara must not fail to see the Patsalos house. It houses the Museum of Popular Art and hosts exquisite embroidery samples, some of which date back to the 19th century.

The Museum became a reality thanks to the donation of Stelios Ioannou, a local businessman, and the care of the Department of Antiquities. It was inaugurated in August 1988 by the then speaker of the House and originating from Lefkara, Dr. Vassos Lyssarides.

This house itself is a typical sample of the popular architecture of the 19th century, with all tratitional elements such as ports in the front doors, huge Interior solar oven, hull, inner courtyard with flowers, and many more.

This house has a big comfortable room that served as a bedroom, dining room or even as a storeroom for the wrist.

A very impressive element in the construction of local houses in Lefkara village is the arch – this is also indicated in the Museum.
Lefkara laces or Lefkaritika

The tradition of lace-making in the village of Lefkara in southeastern Cyprus dates back to at least the fourteenth century.

Lefkara laces or Lefkaritika

The tradition of lace-making in the village of Lefkara in southeastern Cyprus dates back to at least the fourteenth century. Influenced by indigenous craft, the embroidery of Venetian courtiers who ruled the country beginning in 1489, and ancient Greek and Byzantine geometric patterns, Lefkara lace is made by hand in designs combining four basic elements: the hemstitch, cut work, satin stitch fillings and needlepoint edgings. This combined art and social practice is still the primary occupation of women in the village who create distinctive tablecloths, napkins and show pieces while sitting together and talking in the narrow streets or on covered patios. Unique mastery of the craft is passed to young girls through years of informal exposure and then formal instruction by their mother or grandmother in applying cotton thread to linen. When she has learned her art thoroughly, the lace-maker uses her imagination to design work that embodies both tradition and her own personality. Testament to the ability to appreciate multiple influences and incorporate them into one’s own culture, lace-making is at the centre of daily life for women of Lefkara and a proud symbol of their identity.

Timios Stavros Church
Panagia Livadiotissa Chapel

Timios Stavros Church

The magnificent Lefkara Church is dedicated to the Holy Cross and dates back to the 14th century. According to the byzantinologist Athanasios Papageorgiou the eastern part of the Church dates back to the 14th century, namely after considering rescued frescoes behind the church’s iconostasis. This date is also confirmed by the metrical “Olivianos’ inscription”, which appears at the bottom of the Lefkara Golden Cross. There is written evidence that Olivianos was a Lefkara Bishop in 1307 during the occupation period by the Franks. This fact is also confirmed undeniably by the founder’s note on a manuscript dating back to the 14th century, which is kept in the Church’s safe. At the end of this manuscript, which is a precious Evangeliary it is noted that it was written in 1345/46 and that the monk Gabriel who was the abbot and the founder of the “Holy and Life-giver Revealed Cross” monastery paid all the expenses. In 1740 the church was restored and the wooden sculptured iconostasis was then made by the Rhodian sculptor Hadjikyriacos who was called in by the church-warden Lourentzos to this end.

An inscription at the bottom of the icon of the Deposition of Christ gives evidence that in 1761 the iconostasis was gold-plated and the then Kition Bishop Makarios attended the ceremony on this occasion.

In 1857 the magnificent bell-tower of the Church, the bells of which were donated by devout Christian people from Lefkara living abroad, was constructed.

In 1867 important works were carried out in the church and it was, therefore, expanded in order to have a greater congregation capacity. In 1909 common repair works in the church were deemed necessary and then the entrance was constructed as it appears today. The south door was also built. In 1953 the dome was covered with paintings. The style of the eastern part of the church is cruciform with a cupola, while the style of its more recent part is Cypriot dating back to the 19th century. Furthermore, there are six internal pillars ranged in two rows per three pillars.

The exceptional art portable icon of the Deposition of Christ dating back to 18th century

The silver Cross

The iconostasis has an invisible cavity. It is the crypt where the big wooden Cross is kept, which the church is dedicated to. According to tradition, a piece of the Cross of the Lord is contained in the centre of this cross. The Cross is entirely thin silver sheet coated. Fourteen embossed depictions from the Lord’s life, angels and the Is Apostles Constantine and Helena can be seen on the front main facet. The representation of the crucifixion is overlooking in the centre and is covered by the two side doors, which Theotokos (the Mother of God) and Ioannis (John) are represented on. This representation is surrounded by four angels. Constantine the Great, the “Betrayal of Jesus”, “Golgotha” and Saint Helena are illustrated in a row horizontally on the Cross. “The Throne of the Second Coming” and the “Resurrection of Jesus” as well as the representation of the “Deposition” and the “Burial of Jesus” are illustrated in a row vertically on the Cross from top to bottom. Olivianos’ picture with the relevant metrical inscription is illustrated to the far bottom level.

According to tradition, a piece of the Holy and Life-giver Cross of the Lord is contained in the Cross.

Panagia Livadiotissa Chapel

North of Lefkara, on the road leading to the village of Kornos and after a 20’ walk one encounters the Byzantine chapel of Panagia Livadiotissa.

Timios Stavros Church

The magnificent Lefkara Church is dedicated to the Holy Cross and dates back to the 14th century. According to the byzantinologist Athanasios Papageorgiou the eastern part of the Church dates back to the 14th century..

Timios Stavros Church

The magnificent Lefkara Church is dedicated to the Holy Cross and dates back to the 14th century. According to the byzantinologist Athanasios Papageorgiou the eastern part of the Church dates back to the 14th century, namely after considering rescued frescoes behind the church’s iconostasis. This date is also confirmed by the metrical “Olivianos’ inscription”, which appears at the bottom of the Lefkara Golden Cross. There is written evidence that Olivianos was a Lefkara Bishop in 1307 during the occupation period by the Franks. This fact is also confirmed undeniably by the founder’s note on a manuscript dating back to the 14th century, which is kept in the Church’s safe. At the end of this manuscript, which is a precious Evangeliary it is noted that it was written in 1345/46 and that the monk Gabriel who was the abbot and the founder of the “Holy and Life-giver Revealed Cross” monastery paid all the expenses. In 1740 the church was restored and the wooden sculptured iconostasis was then made by the Rhodian sculptor Hadjikyriacos who was called in by the church-warden Lourentzos to this end.

An inscription at the bottom of the icon of the Deposition of Christ gives evidence that in 1761 the iconostasis was gold-plated and the then Kition Bishop Makarios attended the ceremony on this occasion.

In 1857 the magnificent bell-tower of the Church, the bells of which were donated by devout Christian people from Lefkara living abroad, was constructed.

In 1867 important works were carried out in the church and it was, therefore, expanded in order to have a greater congregation capacity. In 1909 common repair works in the church were deemed necessary and then the entrance was constructed as it appears today. The south door was also built. In 1953 the dome was covered with paintings. The style of the eastern part of the church is cruciform with a cupola, while the style of its more recent part is Cypriot dating back to the 19th century. Furthermore, there are six internal pillars ranged in two rows per three pillars.

The exceptional art portable icon of the Deposition of Christ dating back to 18th century

The silver Cross

The iconostasis has an invisible cavity. It is the crypt where the big wooden Cross is kept, which the church is dedicated to. According to tradition, a piece of the Cross of the Lord is contained in the centre of this cross. The Cross is entirely thin silver sheet coated. Fourteen embossed depictions from the Lord’s life, angels and the Is Apostles Constantine and Helena can be seen on the front main facet. The representation of the crucifixion is overlooking in the centre and is covered by the two side doors, which Theotokos (the Mother of God) and Ioannis (John) are represented on. This representation is surrounded by four angels. Constantine the Great, the “Betrayal of Jesus”, “Golgotha” and Saint Helena are illustrated in a row horizontally on the Cross. “The Throne of the Second Coming” and the “Resurrection of Jesus” as well as the representation of the “Deposition” and the “Burial of Jesus” are illustrated in a row vertically on the Cross from top to bottom. Olivianos’ picture with the relevant metrical inscription is illustrated to the far bottom level.

According to tradition, a piece of the Holy and Life-giver Cross of the Lord is contained in the Cross.
Panagia Livadiotissa Chapel

North of Lefkara, on the road leading to the village of Kornos and after a 20’ walk one encounters the Byzantine chapel of Panagia Livadiotissa.

Panagia Livadiotissa Chapel

North of Lefkara, on the road leading to the village of Kornos and after a 20’ walk one encounters the Byzantine chapel of Panagia Livadiotissa. The chapel is an excellent sample of the Byzantine architecture of the 12th century. From this spot one can enjoy the panoramic view of the river Sirkatis valley with the impressive rock of Kourvellos in the middle. In the area there are a few perennial olive trees, the so called ‘frangoelies’ due to their existence since the francocracy.

Activities
and Attractions

Cyprus’s agrotourism offers a variety of places to visit. Places, both familiar and unfamiliar, that will soothe you and provide you with utter serenity and beauty. From Pano Lefkara to other villages, one can escape and experience a lovely and easygoing atmosphere.

Village Alleys in Cyprus

Village Alleys

The Embroideries in Cyprus

The Embroideries

Architecture

Architecture

The houses here are not those of farmers but the homes of merchants and artisans. The houses are stone-built, some with doorways providing glimpses of flower-filled and vine-covered courtyards, while others are two-storey colour washed residences with balconies and intricately patterned tiled floors.
Pigi

Pigi

At the lowest South-East point of the village, is the famous “Pigi” (faucet). At this faucet, the “Pigi”, there is plenty of water flowing all through the year.

They began building the village around this faucet. They say that “Pigi” is the core of the first settlement of the village.

Until now the houses are built amphitheatrically around the “Pigi”.

Starting from the “Pigi” all the roads climb upwards, following the soil slopes. The roads match with the stone walls and the old cobblestone streets. Up until today the “Pigi” is used as a place for the Baptism Ceremony on January 6, the day of Epiphany.

The Silversmith's Craft in Cyprus

The Silversmith’s Craft

Kourvellos

Kourvellos

Further down the huge sharp stone of “Kourvellos” can be seen with a height of more than 40 m which resembles the stone of “ Meteora” and it should attract certainly the interest of geologists.
School of Timiou Stavrou

School of Timiou Stavrou

It was built in 1920 on plots given by the Church of the Holy Cross and at the expense of the Ecclesiastical Committee. Its cost was approximately 4000pounds. It was named after the Church of the Holy Cross, due to the donation.

The big clock that adorns the school is a donation of an embroidery trader, Mr Loizou Loizo. Today the school houses the district Primary School of the village.

Lefkara Blooming Almond Trees in Cyprus

Lefkara Blooming Almond Trees

Dipotamos Dam in Cyprus

Dipotamos Dam

Monument of Heroes and Missing Person of Lefkara in Cyprus

Monument of Heroes and Missing Person of Lefkara

Lefkara Athletic Stadium

Lefkara Athletic Stadium

Several football teams, local and foreign ones, are visiting the village for training purposes before the opening of the football season at their countries. Also at the same time they have the chance to arrange official and friendly matches under normal temperature conditions.
Lefkara Dam

Lefkara Dam

Four km to the North of the village, following the road to the village of Kornos, there is the Lefkara Dam and Three km to the South of the village near to Kato Lefkara is thw Dipotamos Dam. Lefkara Dam is one of the large dams of Cyprus, with a capacity of about 14 million c.m of water. In years with a normal precipitation a quantity of about six million c.m of water can be collected within the catch area of the dam.

The whole landscape of the dam is reminiscent of Swiss lakes or of Norwegian fiords. The visitors can fish in the dam’s water trouts or cyprines and they can also seek for “mirofores” and narcissus around the nearby hills. On “green” Monday hundreds of people come here to celebrate the traditional fiesta of this day.

Walking Trail in Cyprus

Walking Trail

Municipality of Lefkara Cultural Center

Municipality of Lefkara Cultural Center

The building was provided by the City Hall to house the generators that a private company had set up in 1933, after a contract with the local Municipality, to supply electricity to the village. The ownership though passed in 1956 at E.A.C. (Electricity Authority of Cyprus). When the generators were removed from the building, a symbolic rent was handed over to the City Hall. The City Hall then, with its own costs, turned it to a youth cultural centre.
Lefkara Cycling Route

Lefkara Cycling Route

Four km to the North of the village, following the road to the village of Kornos, there is the Lefkara Dam and Three km to the South of the village near to Kato Lefkara is thw Dipotamos Dam. Lefkara Dam is one of the large dams of Cyprus, with a capacity of about 14 million c.m of water. In years with a normal precipitation a quantity of about six million c.m of water can be collected within the catch area of the dam.

The whole landscape of the dam is reminiscent of Swiss lakes or of Norwegian fiords. The visitors can fish in the dam’s water trouts or cyprines and they can also seek for “mirofores” and narcissus around the nearby hills. On “green” Monday hundreds of people come here to celebrate the traditional fiesta of this day.
Take Me There

Old Aquaduct in Cyprus

Old Aquaduct

Mosque in Cyprus

Mosque

Fruit Gardens in Cyprus

Fruit Gardens

All Accommodation

Kasparis View Residence
RedBlue Door Traditional Listed Houses
Ample Places
Lazaros Stonehouse
Archontiko Kiverniti
Aunt Maria’s
Whitestone Mill
Iosiphis Stonebuilt House
Lefkara View
7Kamares
Kozakos Luxury Houses
Christiana’s stone studios
Lefkara Hotel & Restaurant

The best Restaurants in the Village of
Pano Lefkara

Platanos Restaurant

Platanos Restaurant

TIME
11:00 am – 22:00 pm FOR RESERVATIONS
Tel: +357 24 342160
Lefkara Da Vinci Pizzaria & Cafe

Lefkara Da Vinci Pizzaria & Cafe

TIME
09:00 am – 19:00 pm FOR RESERVATIONS
Tel: +357 97 660551
Lefkara Pavilion

Lefkara Pavilion

TIME
09:00 am – 22:00 pm FOR RESERVATIONS
Tel: +357 24 342211
Coffee Yard Cafe-Restaurant

Coffee Yard Cafe-Restaurant

The Coffee Shop and Roof Terrace provide an additional venue with a breathtaking view across Cyprus towards the Salt Lake at Akrotiri. While away the afternoon with a coffee, an ice cream or delicious dessert.The Wine Cellar offers a vast selection of local produce with an opportunity to sample many of the tastes of traditional Cyprus.

Don’t forget to taste our refreshing juices of our own production (e.g. orange, pomegranate, etc).

TIME
09:00 am – 19:00 pm FOR RESERVATIONS
Tel: +357 24 105115

LOVE & EXPLORE PANO LEFKARA VILLAGE

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Arsos Village

Written by chooseyourcyprus on 06/04/2022. Posted in Limassol.

Arsos Village in Cyprus

Arsos Village

Limassol

ARSOS WEATHER

The beautiful village of Arsos

Lofou Village in Cyprus

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.

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.

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.

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.

Activities
and Attractions

Cyprus’s agrotourism offers a variety of places to visit. Places, both familiar and unfamiliar, that will soothe you and provide you with utter serenity and beauty. From Arsos to other villages, one can escape and experience a lovely and easygoing atmosphere.

Village Square in Cyprus

Village Square

The Six Fountains in Cyprus

The Six Fountains

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.
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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 in Cyprus

Functions and Festivals

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 in Cyprus

Traditional Products

Centre of Traditional Flavours and an Information Technology Centre of Krasochoria (Wine Villages). in Cyprus

Information Technology Centre of Krasochoria (Wine Villages)

Kallena Arsos Botanic Garden & Branch in Cyprus

Kallena Arsos Botanic Garden & Branch

All Accommodation

Cornaro House
Magdalous House
Arsorama Village Homes
Fotini’s House
Kantara House
Arsos Nest
Arsos Village Apartment

The best Restaurants in the Village of Arsos

Arsos Restaurant Snack Cafe

Arsos Restaurant Snack Cafe

TIME
09:00 am – 00:00 pm FOR RESERVATIONS
Tel: +357 99 277277
Agora

Agora

TIME
11:00 am – 22:00 pm

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Platres Village

Written by chooseyourcyprus on 04/04/2022. Posted in Limassol.

Platres Village in Cyprus

Platres Village

Limassol

PLATRES WEATHER

The beautiful village of Platres

Lofou Village in Cyprus

Today the village is well known as Platres, without the prefix “Pano” (Upper) preceding it, in contrast to the neighbouring village Tornarides as is referred to “Kato Platres” (Lower). It’s a misperception that Platres is a quite new village founded during the recent years. Platres is a very old village and is mentioned among the 119 villages of the Limassol district that existed during the Lusignan (Frank Rule, 1192-1489 AD) and the Venetian Era (1489-1571 AD).

There are three versions regarding the etymology of Platres village naming:

1. That Platra -in plural Platres -took its name from the word “platra” (pratria) which means the one that weaves and sells sheets used by the farmers.

2. There are written reports of Platres being a feud during the Frank Rule and has had that name ever since. In the French language there is the word “platre-s”, which in Greek translates to “white”, “plaster’, and other words. There’s information that during the Frank Rule, on the South side of Troodos and above modern-day Platres, there was a Frank Monastery, its monks dressed in white and called by the name of “Platrai”.

3. The village took its name from the word “platsa”, which then became “Platra” and then “Platres” (in plural). Population.

The village has had great fluctuations of population. In 1881 the village had 100 inhabitants, in 1901 the population increased to 154, in 1931 to 396, in 1946 to 502, in 1960 it decreased to 413, and in 1982 it increased to 442. Today Platres has 250 permanent inhabitants. During summer time and especially during August, that number rises up to 10,000.

Most of the inhabitants of the village are occupied in the tourism industry (hotels, restaurants, and nightclubs); a few are occupied with fruit cultivation and some others in services that have their establishments in the village.

Location

Platres can be found in the district of Limassol and is 25 kilometres north-west of city of Limassol. It’s also 45 kilometres south-west of the capital Nicosia and 5 kilometres from Troodos square.

Altitude

The village is built amphitheatrically with a variation in low and high altitude in certain parts of the village. An average altitude of Platres is around1200 meters.

Climate

The altitude and location of the Village are ideal. Platres climate is perfect. During summer time the climate is dry, with little or no humidity with the temperatures well below average of those on other areas on the island.

Rainfall

Rainfall in Platres is one of the highest in Cyprus and the proof is dense forest and lush vegetation surrounding the village.

Temperature

The temperature all the year round and is ideal. During summer time the climate is dry, with little or no humidity with the temperatures well below average of those on other areas on the island.

Police Station
Traditional Buildings

Traditional Buildings

Police Station

Platres Police Station building. Built by the British and situated near Platres village square.

Platres Hospital (Rural Health Center)

Originally the building was used as a Gymnasium, now it serves on a Rural Health Centre for the Troodos area. It is located south of Platres near Faneromeni Church.

Police Station

Police Station

Platres Police Station building. Built by the British and situated near Platres village square.

Platres Hospital (Rural Health Center)

Originally the building was used as a Gymnasium, now it serves on a Rural Health Centre for the Troodos area. It is located south of Platres near Faneromeni Church.

Traditional Buildings

Police Station

Platres Police Station building. Built by the British and situated near Platres village square.

Platres Hospital (Rural Health Center)

Originally the building was used as a Gymnasium, now it serves on a Rural Health Centre for the Troodos area. It is located south of Platres near Faneromeni Church.

Community Council Offices Platres

The offices of the Platres Community Council are housed in an old two-storey building in front of the “Giorgos Seferis Hall”. There a re shops on the ground floor and on the 1st floor are the offices of the Council.

The old building of the Electricity Authority

The offices of the Electricity Authority are located next to the community council building. Built out of local stone around 1930 the building in currently in a very good condition and is used on the local offices of the Electricity Authority.
Traditional Buildings

Panayia Faneromenis Holy Church
Panayia Iamatiki Chapel (Samatziotissas)

Panayia Faneromenis Holy Church

The first church of Platres was the chapel of “Panagias Faneromenis”, situated between Platres and Kato Platres. In 1880 a more recent church, carrying the same name, was built closer to Platres.

Panayia Iamatiki Chapel (Samatziotissas)

Building of the chapel started during 1940 on the ruins of an old church and completed on 1975.

Panayia Faneromenis Holy Church

The first church of Platres was the chapel of “Panagias Faneromenis”, situated between Platres and Kato Platres. In 1880 a more recent church, carrying the same name, was built closer to Platres.

Panayia Faneromenis Holy Church

The first church of Platres was the chapel of “Panagias Faneromenis”, situated between Platres and Kato Platres. In 1880 a more recent church, carrying the same name, was built closer to Platres.

Later on, the church was demolished and a new, bigger, more majestic church was built at the same place funded by Mr. Frixos I. Demetriou.

The inauguration of the new church occurred in 1973. It is an architecturally and aesthetically beautiful Church, a jewel and a monument of the community and it’s worth seeing by the visitors of Platres.
Panayia Iamatiki Chapel (Samatziotissas)

Building of the chapel started during 1940 on the ruins of an old church and completed on 1975.

Panayia Iamatiki Chapel (Samatziotissas)

Building of the chapel started during 1940 on the ruins of an old church and completed on 1975.

The chapel is dedicated to Panayia Iamatiki (the One that heals) but the name that prevailed is chapel of Panayia Samatziotissa since is build within the region Samatzia close to Forest Park Hotel.

A liturgy takes place at the chapel twice a year, on the Tuesday of Easter Week and on the 31st of August.

Activities
and Attractions

Cyprus’s agrotourism offers a variety of places to visit. Places, both familiar and unfamiliar, that will soothe you and provide you with utter serenity and beauty. From Platres to other villages, one can escape and experience a lovely and easygoing atmosphere.

Giorgos Seferis Hall in Cyprus

Giorgos Seferis Hall

Kalidonia Waterfall in Cyprus

Kalidonia Waterfall

Millomeris Waterfall

Millomeris Waterfall

Millomeris waterfall is located in the south-eastern region of Platres one kilometer away from the starting point of the nature trail that leads to the Waterfall.

Water falls from a height of 15 meters and Millomeris is among the highest natural Waterfalls of the island. Millomeris was not well known until the recent years, since its location was not accessible. Among the works carried out from the community council (roadways and nature trail) Millomeris Waterfalls attracts many visitors and tourists with its natural beauty.
The fountain of Roxanne Koudounaris

The fountain of Roxanne Koudounaris

It is a beautiful monument, with very nice architecture, built with marble and local stone. Constructed in 1936 and located in Caledonia Street opposite of the Valley of Hariton.

Platres Heroes Monuments in Cyprus

Platres Heroes Monuments

Nature Trails

Nature Trails

Kalidonia Nature Trail

Starting point: About 700m from the road between Troodos and Platres near the President’s summer residence. Also accessible via a forest road which begins at the tourist road 2 kms from the Square.

oints of interest: The trail follows a course along Kryos Potamos river, which never runs dry. It passes the Kalidonia Falls and ends at Psilo Dendro, in Pano Platres.

Psilo Dendro – Pouziaris Nature Trail

Starting point: The junction of the Platres – Mesa Potamos forest road and the Moniatis – Platres – Troodos road near Psilo Dendro. Three different routes start from the above point. The first route is circular. It passes through dense thickets of Pine to Pouziaris peak, from there to Kaminouthkia stream, then to Vryses and back to the starting point at Psilo Dendro. Length: 8 kms Time: 3 hours The second route is an uphill walk towards Pouziaris and ends at a point of the Troodos Square – Makria Kontarka (Persephone) Trail (I) via which one can go to Troodos Square (II). Length: (I) 7 kms Time: (I) 3 hours Length: (II) 9.5 kms Time: (II) 4 hours The third route initially follows the same course as the previous route, up towards Pouziaris, but then takes a secondary forest road to Kryos Potamos at the starting point of the Kalidonia trail. Length: (I) Psilo Dendro – Kryos Potamos 5 kms Time: (I) 2 hours Length: (II) Psilo Dendro – Kryos Potamos – Kalidonia Falls – Psilo Dendro 8 kms Time: (II) 3 hours.

Point of interest: For the first kilometer it passes through dense pine thickets (Pinus brutia) changing to black pine (Pinus nigra ssp. pallasiana), after 3 km. Panoramic views.

In many cases, there are signposts in place, to indicate the starting point of the trail, as well as flora and geology features along the route.

Although walking in Cyprus can be enjoyed throughout the year, the recommended seasons are during late Autumn (November) and spring, when the Cyprus rural and forest areas are at full bloom.
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Troodos Cycling Routes

Troodos Cycling Routes

Enjoy the natural beauty of Cyprus through the cycling Routes of Troodos. At an altitude of one thousand meters above the sea, in ideal weather conditions, through a cycling routes network of 57 kilometers in length which the height difference does not exceed the 400 meters, the cyclist can cross cyclically throughout the Troodos mountain range.

Stelios Mavros Park in Cyprus

Stelios Mavros Park

Krios River in Cyprus

Krios River

Flora and Fauna in Cyprus

Flora and Fauna

Psilodentro Area

Psilodentro Area

It is one of the most famous and beautiful areas of Platres. Located in the north part of Village next to Krios river at high altitude and is famous for its special, cool refreshing climate.

At Pslilodentro area there is a restaurant and cafe as well as a trout fishery, an attraction for local and tourist’s visitors of Platres.
Ayia Irini Area

Ayia Irini Area

Located in the northeast of the village on the road leading from Mesa potamos to Psilodentro Area. From the rock of Ayia Irini hills you can see Platres village and enjoy the outstanding natural beauty.

Athletic Sports Center in Cyprus

Athletic Sports Center

Milia Bridge

Milia Bridge

MIlia Bridge is one of the old surviving landmarks that still stand intact. It’s situated just below the village inside the forest. It provided a crossing point over Krios Potamos.
Picnic & Camping Sites

Picnic & Camping Sites

If you’re an outdoor lover, then you probably like camping. It’s the best way to experience the great outdoors. In the area there is one camping site (Troodos camping) and seven picnic sites:

1. (Kampos tou Livadiou picnic site)

2. ( Pashia Livadi A & B picnic sites)

3. ( Almyrolivado A, B, C & D picnic sites)

Chocolate Workshop in Cyprus

Chocolate Workshop

All Accommodation

Forest Park Hotel
New Helvetia Hotel
Petit Palais Platres Hotel
P.S.N. Platres
Platres Valley Houses
Pinecone Platres – 3 Units
Cozy mountain apartment
Platres Forest View Cottage
POED Residences
Feels like home Platres
Villa Efrosyni by AgroHolidays
Kallithea INN
Villa Elisabeth by AgroHolidays
Persephone Cottage by AgroHolidays
Semiramis Lodge

The best Restaurants in the Village of Platres

The Village Restaurant (Tavern)

The Village Restaurant (Tavern)

TIME
12:00 am – 16:00 pm FOR RESERVATIONS
Tel: +357 99 663772
John’s Restaurant

John’s Restaurant

TIME
12:00 am – 00:00 pm FOR RESERVATIONS
Tel: +357 25 421840
Skylight

Skylight

TIME
09:00 am – 23:00 pm FOR RESERVATIONS
Tel: +357 25422244
Kaledonia Rotis Taverna

Kaledonia Rotis Taverna

The Coffee Shop and Roof Terrace provide an additional venue with a breathtaking view across Cyprus towards the Salt Lake at Akrotiri. While away the afternoon with a coffee, an ice cream or delicious dessert.The Wine Cellar offers a vast selection of local produce with an opportunity to sample many of the tastes of traditional Cyprus.

Don’t forget to taste our refreshing juices of our own production (e.g. orange, pomegranate, etc).

TIME
12:00 am – 17:00 pm FOR RESERVATIONS
Tel: +357 25 421019

LOVE & EXPLORE PLATRES VILLAGE

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Lofou Village

Written by chooseyourcyprus on 04/04/2022. Posted in Limassol.

Lofou Village in Cyprus

Lofou Village

Limassol

LOFOU WEATHER

The beautiful village of Lofou

Lofou Village in Cyprus

Lofou is 26 kilometers northwest of Limassol in the “ampelochoria” between Limassol and Paphos.

Lofou is a circular town on hills at 780 meters with an annual rainfall of 650 cm. Narrow, steep mountains surround it. Two canals of “Kryos” and “Kouris,” both from “Kouris,” split the countryside.

Lofou is 26 kilometers northwest of Limassol in the “ampelochoria” between Limassol and Paphos.

Asphalted roads link Lofou to adjacent settlements. It is connected to “Pera Pedi” village in the north (6.5 km) and “Saint Therapon” village in the southwest (4.5 km). The southeast was connected to “Alassa” village. Flooded by “Kouris” weir, the community was rebuilt elsewhere. Lofou is connected to Sylikou, Monagri, and Doros from the east.

Limassol-to-village takes 25 minutes today. Visitors may reach the settlement in 15 minutes by driving up the main road to Platres and turning left after Alassa village.

The community is named for its hilltop location amid mountains. The Greek word “lofos”—meaning “hill”—inspired Lofou. The village was once called “Lofos” in the early 20th century. Simos Menandros (1970) suggests that the village’s renaming from “Lofos” to “Lofou” was due to a change in local farmers’ vernacular. Morphological changes made “Lofou” feminine. The village is commonly known as “Lofou.” No historical evidence exists to determine when “Lofou” was founded. The Bronze Age must have occupied the area. The village’s old pots can confirm this.

The majority believe the settlement was formed before the Franks seized Cyprus in the late 12th century. The Arab attacks led the people to flee to the island’s interior. Since the community was concealed in the mountains, it provided protection and was perfect for their purposes.

The settlement was first mentioned in writing in Frankish Cyprus. In a medieval handwritten document by Leontios Machairas, King Jacob I (1382-1398) of Cyprus gave Lofou and other villages to his brother Janot de Luzinian, Lord of Beirut. Lofou was listed as a king of Cyprus hamlet in a late 15th-century Venetian handwritten writing provided by Mas Latri (1861). Mas Latri calls the village “Lofou”.

Historical records show that shepherds from “Finika” herded their flocks as far as the village’s current position. They slept in a nearby cave. Lofou’s original residences were farms in the valley. Shepherds built “stiathkia” shelters and later stone buildings with wood and mud or clay roofs (Porakos, 2004).

The village was known as “Lofos” during Ottoman administration (Papadopoulos, 1965). T. Papadopoulos (1965, p. 208) said that Lofou had only Greek Cypriots in 1832. Mas Latri further notes that the 1862 census showed the community had more than 200 people. In 1855, an organized primary school began, and the Lofou church was built during the end of Ottoman rule.

British domination turned Lofou into a massive vineyard. Vine planting transformed the village. The vines blooming on the well-built and maintained terraces was breathtaking. Locals grew wheat and locust trees.

Lofou and Cyprus suffered an economic and political disaster in the following decade. Farmers’ lives became very difficult, even intolerable, during this time. Since they couldn’t borrow money, residents sold their homes at unrealistically low prices. Political tensions increased in Lofou and Cyprus. Cyprus failed to unite with Greece. The British Government declined their request, disappointing the public and inflaming politics.

It is widely believed that Lofou residents created Ypsonas, one of Limassol district’s main settlements, in the 19th century. This assumption is false. Ypsonas was settled in medieval times and inhabited by Lofou circa 1770. Ypsonas had few residents until the early 1900s. Lofou farmers began moving permanently to Ypsonas. During British rule in Cyprus, Lofou lost inhabitants to Ypsonas. After the First and Second World Wars, Ypsonas’ population soared while Lofou’s plummeted.

The Cyprus Republic’s years confirm that Ypsonas’ population increase and Lofou’s decline are final developments. 1946–1986 was a “blessing and a curse” for Lofou. “Curse” because the community was abandoned and its occupants lost their vibrancy. As a remarkable example of a typical Cypriot village in the countryside, the village remained intact during that period. We can admire magnificent historic architecture today.

The village’s spirit began with Lofou Association’s foundation in 1987. Lofou Association also wants to strengthen Lofitians’ and friends’ friendship, brotherhood, cooperation, and understanding. The village’s efforts to restore and maintain private and public structures may be most essential. The Department of Urban Planning encourages house restoration and gives financial assistance as part of a larger village rehabilitation effort. The entire historic village is in a special zone where houses must be conserved or built to strict standards. Today, the village’s restored houses with their beautiful wooden balconies, narrow cobblestone streets, neoclassical school, magnificent church, traditional olive and flour mill in the rural museum, taps and cisterns, and many other small beautiful details attract visitors and each one of us. The “Palouze Festival” on the last Sunday of September, the remembrance of Lofou’s hero “Ioannis Stavrianos,” and the Virgin Mary’s feast on March 25 draw large crowds to the village. Finally, the village’s two historic taverns, the newly built hotel, and other old buildings may offer visitors typical Cypriot hospitality.

Folk Art Museum
Olive press Museum

Folk Art Museum

The Folkloric Museum in Lofou is a private collection of Mr. Petros, a Cypriot who loves his country, culture and tradition.

Olive press Museum

The Olive Oil Press is located northeast of the church of the village and at a distance of approximately 300 metres. It was manufactured in Lemesos in around the end of the 19th century at “I. Kyriakides & Co Engineering workshop and Foundry”.

Folk Art Museum

The Folkloric Museum in Lofou is a private collection of Mr. Petros, a Cypriot who loves his country, culture and tradition.

Folk Art Museum

The Folkloric Museum in Lofou is a private collection of Mr. Petros, a Cypriot who loves his country, culture and tradition. All these items, were collected with much patience and obstinacy. A small but interesting at the same time museum, that you should visit.
Olive press Museum

The Olive Oil Press is located northeast of the church of the village and at a distance of approximately 300 metres. It was manufactured in Lemesos in around the end of the 19th century at “I. Kyriakides & Co Engineering workshop and Foundry”.

Olive press Museum

The Olive Oil Press is located northeast of the church of the village and at a distance of approximately 300 metres. It was manufactured in Lemesos in around the end of the 19th century at “I. Kyriakides & Co Engineering workshop and Foundry”. The word “LEMISSOS” is inscribed with upper case letters on the press.

The building is a rectangular stony construction which consists of two rooms. The first room contained all the means necessary for the production of olive-oil (e.g. the press), while the second room was used as a storage room.

Nowadays, various objects from the olive oil press are still preserved. The stony mill is of course preserved, as well as the millstone, the iron presser and some storage utensils. On the corner of the olive oil press one can admire the “niskia”, which was used to boil water. The pole which was used to push the millstone so that it could crush the olives is also salvaged today.

The olive oil press area has already been restored after efforts were made by the previous Community Council. According to the current Community Council’s short-term plan, the olive oil press will be electrified, while a long-term plan aims at placing all the utensils that were used for the production in one room and place the flourmill, another important piece of machinery from the previous century, into the second room.

Finally, it is worth mentioning that the olive oil press is still owned by the church of Lofou. The reason for that is that the church bought the olive oil press and the olive mill because it used to own a lot of olive trees. The people who took their olives there used to pay the church of Lofou either by using some of their product or in cash.

Panagia Chrysolofitissa Church
Agios Georgios Chapel

Panagia Chrysolofitissa Church

Standing on a hill west of Lofou is the main church of the village which is dedicated to the Annunciation of Virgin Mary. The church was constructed in the 19th century.

Agios Georgios Chapel

The Chapel of Agios Georgios is built west of the village, near the centre of the village. It is a well preserved chapel which was renovated in the year 2000.

Panagia Chrysolofitissa Church

Standing on a hill west of Lofou is the main church of the village which is dedicated to the Annunciation of Virgin Mary. The church was constructed in the 19th century.

Panagia Chrysolofitissa Church

Standing on a hill west of Lofou is the main church of the village which is dedicated to the Annunciation of Virgin Mary. The church was constructed in the 19th century. More specifically, the construction of the central building of the church began in 1854 and was completed in 1872. It is a single-roomed church bearing features of gothic art and mainly on its roof. Its floor is covered with small square mosaic marbles with dimensions 20×20. The church is 30.5 metres long and 13 metres and 30 centimetres wide.

The interior of the church is adorned by exquisite hagiographies, an imposing chancel, the despotic throne, the pulpit and the wooden faldstool.

In the church there are old icons of Virgin Mary, one dated back to the 11th century which is located inside the Holy Bema and a second one which, according to Gunnis, is dated back to the 16th century.

Externally, the church is adorned by two bell towers made of stone which were completed at the beginning of the 20th century and more specifically in 1910.
Agios Georgios Chapel

The Chapel of Agios Georgios is built west of the village, near the centre of the village. It is a well preserved chapel which was renovated in the year 2000.

Agios Georgios Chapel

The Chapel of Agios Georgios is built west of the village, near the centre of the village. It is a well preserved chapel which was renovated in the year 2000. The internal part of the chapel is adorned by a large icon of Agios Georgios which was painted by the monks of Mount Athos Kyrillos and Nimfonas. Located next to the church is a large water basin, as well as a cemetery with carven stony graves. What is also worth mentioning is that some of the graves have been classified as Type B Monuments./p>

Activities
and Attractions

Cyprus’s agrotourism offers a variety of places to visit. Places, both familiar and unfamiliar, that will soothe you and provide you with utter serenity and beauty. From Lofou to other villages, one can escape and experience a lovely and easygoing atmosphere.

Lofou Walking Trail in Cyprus

Lofou Walking Trail

Vineyards in Cyprus

Vineyards

The Faucet of Elitzi

The Faucet of Elitzi

The ‘faucet of Elitji’ is located approximately one kilometre northeast of Lofou half way towarch Sylikou. The faucet owes its name to the homonymous region. The source that was supplying water the faucet is at the base of a steep mountain. The people of Lofou built a large tank of water in front of the source. The tank is decorated beautifully with big windows, from which the residents of Lofou were getting water. The whole project regarding the construction of the building was completed in 1842. The faucet served the water needs of Lofou residents until 1953, the year in which the British concreted faucets in various parts of the village.

Today visitors may go to the ‘faucet of Elitji’ either from the dirt road Lofou – Sylikou, or the walking trail that has been created recently by Lofou Community Council. It is also worth noting that Lofou Community Council has recently constructed a nice patio in front of the ‘faucet of Elitji’, so as to serve the people who visit the faucet and those who enjoy the walking trail.
Palouzes Festival

Palouzes Festival

The Community Council and the Lofou Association of expatriates organizes every year in September, the Palouze Festival in the courtyard of the elementary school.

The aim of the festival is firstly the promotion of Cypriot rural heritage and rural revitalization and other community support.

The visitors can taste Palouze for free. At the festival you can also see folk craftsmen, potters, woodcarvers, exhibiting their traditional creations. For the children there is a work corner which provides special moments and the opportunity to ride on donkeys.

Palouzes (Grape Must Dessert)

This is a classic Cypriot dessert of grape must thickened with flour.Traditionally this is made during September and October using the must (pressed grape juice) from the grape harvest.

Guest House in Cyprus

Guest House

Agioi Pateres Cave

Agioi Pateres Cave

The chapel of the Holy Fathers in Lofou was built with the initiative of both the Lofou Community Council and the Lofou Ecclesiastical Committee. It is a very small building, measuring just four square meters, and is located northwest of the village, less than a kilometer from the traditional core of Lofou.

In the area where the chapel now stands, was the cave of the Holy Fathers. Pottery and human bones were found inside the cave during the construction of the chapel. In this cave existed for decades a candle, which was lit systematically by the villagers of Lofou.

Although small, the chapel of Holy Fathers is filled with icons of Saints and Fathers of the Orthodox religion. The icons were donated to the chapel by many devoted people of Lofou. The many icons in such a small space create a sense of religious devoutness to the followers. The priest performs community vespers in the chapel once a year in the eve of the feast of the Holy Fathers on the 14th of October.
Hatjiroussos Cave

Hatjiroussos Cave

The ‘cave of Hatjiroussos’ is located in the center of the traditional core of the village at the base of a steep hill. It is an impressive perimeter cave with a depth of about 10 meters and a height of about two meters in a total area of about 60-70 square meters. The cave got its name from the homonymous family that first inhabited in its place. It is said that the Hatjiroussos family was the first to reside in the current position of the village of Lofou. This is estimated to have occurred during the Ottoman rule.

Today the cave has been preserved partly by Lofou Community Council. The maintenance work has, however, paused in order for the cave to be scientifically investigated by the Geological Survey Department of the Republic of Cyprus. At first sight, it appears that the ‘cave of Hatjiroussos’ is a monumental place that may be used in order to witness the lifestyle of the people of Lofou in older times.

Kourris Dam in Cyprus

Kourris Dam

All Accommodation

Oinoessa Traditional Boutique
Metamorphosis Mansions
Agrovino
Apokryfo
Relaxing stone house
Folia Lofou
Lofou Traditional Stone House
Mpalkonaki Lofou
Xenios Cottages
Constantias stone houses
Komi Lofou Traditional House
Ta Lofitika 2
Apanemia Inn Studio
Lofou Palace Traditional House
Kazani House Lofou
Apanemia Inn House
Lofou Traditional House

The best Restaurants in the Village of Lofou

Agrino Restaurant

Agrino Restaurant

The AGRINO restaurant serves traditional cypriot cuisine full of originality and prepared with wholesome fresh produce. The dining room has a warm atmosphere with cyprus stone flagged floor, stone walls and open fireplace. It opens into the courtyard where breakfast, lunch, drinks and candelit dinners are served in the summer or whenever the temperature allows. The courtyard barbeque kitchen with wood burning oven adds a strong local flavour to the cuisine.

Breakfast features locally baked bread, greek yoghurt, homemade preserves along with seasonal fresh fruits. Light homemade platters and salads are available for lunch. Dinner is a meze of carefully prepared wholesome dishes. After dinner drinks can be served on the TERRACE overlooking the village and surrounding countryside. Wines can be selected from our large collection of mediterranean wines stored in the underground cellar, the STERNA.

TIME
08:00 am – 22:00 pm FOR RESERVATIONS
Tel: +357 25 813712
Agrovino Taverna, Courtyard and Bar

Agrovino Taverna, Courtyard and Bar

Costas and his family have been running the taverna for many years and with a host of experience in Cypriot cuisine and hospitality, they have become well known right across the region.The Restaurant offers a wide ranging traditional menu with specialities such as homemade Moussaka and Afelia being all-time favourites with many regular customers.The full Greek meze which is the order of the day on Sundays will leave you feeling as if you won’t need to eat again until the following Sunday!

TIME
?? FOR RESERVATIONS
Tel: +357 25470202 – 99 468151
Kamares Taverna

Kamares Taverna

The Tavern “Kamares” is located in the picturesque village of Lofou and its a traditional place, built of stone and decorated with antiques. Enjoy quality food with 18 varieties of appetizers, salads, main dishes with 13 exclusive, unique, our own recipes, and a wide variety of pastries.

TIME
12:00 am – 22:00 pm FOR RESERVATIONS
Tel: +357 25 470719
Coffee Shop and Wine Cellar

Coffee Shop and Wine Cellar

The Coffee Shop and Roof Terrace provide an additional venue with a breathtaking view across Cyprus towards the Salt Lake at Akrotiri. While away the afternoon with a coffee, an ice cream or delicious dessert.The Wine Cellar offers a vast selection of local produce with an opportunity to sample many of the tastes of traditional Cyprus.

Don’t forget to taste our refreshing juices of our own production (e.g. orange, pomegranate, etc).

TIME
10:00 am – 23:00 pm FOR RESERVATIONS
Tel: +357 25 470002

LOVE & EXPLORE LOFOU VILLAGE

Omodos Village

Written by chooseyourcyprus on 31/03/2022. Posted in Limassol.

Omodos Village in Cyprus

Omodos Village

Limassol

OMODOS WEATHER

The beautiful village of Omodos

The beautiful village of Omodos in Cyprus

Omodos is located about 42 kilometres north-west of the city of Limassol, in the geographical region of the wine-making villages. It is built near the west bank of the Cha-potami river at an average altitude of 810 meters.The village is surrounded by tall mountaintops, the tallest of which are “Afames” (1153 m.) and “Kremmos of Laona” (Laona’s Cliff, 1092 m.).

Omodos is located about 42 kilometres north-west of the city of Limassol, in the geographical region of the wine-making villages. It is built near the west bank of the Cha-potami river at an average altitude of 810 meters. The village is surrounded by tall mountaintops, the tallest of which are “Afames” (1153 m.) and “Kremmos of Laona” (Laona’s Cliff, 1092 m.).

The village receives an annual average rainfall of about 760 millimetres; vines and various fruit-trees (apple, plum, pear, peach, and apricot trees) are cultivated in the region. There also are uncultivated areas that are taken over by varied natural vegetation. A small part of the village -in its north part -is taken up by the state forest of Pafos.

Regarding transportation, Omodos is connected with the village of Mandria (4 km.) in the north-east and the villages Vasa Koilaniou (3 km.) and Malia (5.5 Km.) in the south-west.

The village was quite probably created at the end of the Byzantine era or the beginnings of the Frank Domination era, after the Pano and Kato (Upper and Lower) Koupetra settlements, found in the east bank of the Cha-potami river, were dissolved. According to tradition, Isaac Comnenos -who was the despot of Cyprus (1185-1191) -found refuge in Koupetra after his defeat by the English King Richard Coeur-de-Lion in Kolossi until Richard summoned him to Limassol for talks and a truce. This means that Koupetra existed in 1191 and dissolved later.

After the break-up of the Koupetra settlements a new settlement was created around the original Holy Cross Monastery, taking the name Omodos.

In any case, the village did exist during the Frank Domination era. De Masse Latri mentions it as a feud. The mediaeval annalist Leondios Machairas reports that Omodos had been granted to the nobleman Jean de Brie by the king of Cyprus, Jacob I, on the occasion of his election in 1832. The village is found marked in old maps as Homodos, Homocios, and Omodos.

For the Greek name of the village the predominant interpretations are the following three: Coming from the Cypriot word “modos”, which means, “taking your time”, with tact, carefully. The inhabitants of Koupetra, after observing a light at the opposite mountain every night, went to see what was going on and found that the light was coming out of a thick and unapproachable, prickly bush; in order to get through it they had to cut it down, telling one another “me to modo sou” (meaning “take your time, act carefully”), until they finally entered a cave with a wooden cross and a candle inside. Many streets that lead to the surrounding villages start from the village. Out of the adverb “omou” (with) and the word “odos” (street), Omodos was formed. It is reported in Frank documents that the feudal lord Homodeus lived in the region and it is very probable that the village was named after him.

Since ancient times Omodos is renowned for its superb grapes and tasty wines. According to tradition, the -of excellent quality and sweet smelling -wine Afames, which took its name from the mountain that bares the same name and is located east of the village, was the cause for the island being conquered by the inebriate Sultan Selem II so that he could have this famous wine as his own.

The known mediaeval winepress, found at a small distance from the Holy Cross Monastery, is evidence to the fact that production of traditional wine took place in Omodos since ancient times. The inhabitants of Omodos, apart from growing vines and producing excellent wine and “zivania” (traditional alcoholic beverage), also handle the making of “soutzoukos” (must-stick with almonds), “palouze” (must jelly), “kkiofterka” (dried must jelly in rhomboid pieces), and “koulourka” (rusks). The “arkatena koulourka” (crunchy rusks with yeast) of Omodos are also well known and sought after throughout Cyprus. Also, genuine and of excellent taste sweets are made out of local fruits. Home handicraft flourishes in Omodos. The village’s women, apart from the plentiful and hard work that they offer next to their husbands for the cultivation of the earth, are also occupied with handmade embroideries, making wonderful brocades, tablecloths, threaded quilts, and narrow-knit and Chantilly laces.

Omodos, built at the slope of the mountain, between a verdant carpet of vines, surrounded by mountains that appear as though they were placed in a masterly layout, is one of the most picturesque villages of Cyprus. The large plaza of the village, unique in its graphic quality and size, in front of the majestic monastery of the Holy Cross, the mediaeval Winepress, the narrow alleys, and the stone-made houses all “drowned” in green lend a special beauty and charm to the village. Moreover, the village’s houses themselves present some interest as far as folkloric architecture is concerned, with the tiled roofs or terraces, the picturesque upper storeys, the paved and flowery yards with jars inside, the wooden doors and the variously decorated gateways, and the balconies and elongated rooms being the main elements. Folkloric art is also preserved in a traditional manner inside the houses where one can observe the old, tall bed with the in-wrought mosquito net, the chiselled couch, the chairs with straw-fibre, the walls decorated with frames made out of silkworm cocoons, the fire-stove and chimney with its copper-made pots, the “tsestos” (wicker-made hamper) and the “tatsia” (very fine sieve). In addition, the large, red jars used for the storage of wine are found in the house’s stockroom, which is -above everything else -a workroom for the processing of grapes. The old plough, the wineskin, the grapes’ grinder, the hampers, and the caldron for the “zivania” are also still preserved.

Ecclesiastical Treasury Museum
Struggle Museum

Ecclesiastical Treasury Museum

The museum houses a large number of valuable objects and precious treasures of Orthodoxy, saved from earlier generations, who in turn passed on to their offspring.

Struggle Museum

The national liberation struggle of Cyprus against the British colonial administration, known as the EOKA struggle, started on the 1st of April 1955 and ended with the Zurich — London agreements in February of 1959.

Ecclesiastical Treasury Museum

The museum houses a large number of valuable objects and precious treasures of Orthodoxy, saved from earlier generations, who in turn passed on to their offspring.

Ecclesiastical Treasury Museum

The museum houses a large number of valuable objects and precious treasures of Orthodoxy, saved from earlier generations, who in turn passed on to their offspring.All these works of art exhibited in a specially designed area.

Some of the remarkable items to be exhibited are the following:

• Byzantine icons of excellent craft • Ancient gospels of 1769 and 1728.
• Old books, some belonging to monthly editions, from the 16th-19th century. Some old editions include hand-written reminders which are very old.
• The golden-embroidered, big Russian Sepulchral.
• Big, wooden, graven gilded lamps and stands for the gospels.
• Excellently crafted communion cups and other holly vessels like grippers used in the Holly Communion.
• Ancient holly canonicals, belt fasteners and clerical belts.
• Silver reliquaries etc.
Struggle Museum

The national liberation struggle of Cyprus against the British colonial administration, known as the EOKA struggle, started on the 1st of April 1955 and ended with the Zurich — London agreements in February of 1959.

Struggle Museum

The national liberation struggle of Cyprus against the British colonial administration, known as the EOKA struggle, started on the 1st of April 1955 and ended with the Zurich — London agreements in February of 1959. The Struggle of EOKA is the culmination of long-standing struggles on behalf of the People of Cyprus in order to conquer their freedom. Omodos was always present in all of the struggles for the freedom of Cyprus. Its contribution dates back to the first quarter of the previous century. With Church Steward Dositheos, from the Holy Monastery of the Holy Cross in Omodos, as the head figure, the inhabitants actively participated in the Greek revolution. Omodos’s inhabitants also actively participated in the two World Wars, as well as in the national liberation struggle of EOKA 1955 — 1959. The contribution of Omodos was great and the price that was paid was heavy. Arrests, imprisonment, the blowing up of a hide-out, and other catastrophes.

Holy Cross (Timios Stavros) Church
Apostolos Philippos Church

Holy Cross
(Timios Stavros) Church

The ornament and true pride & joy of Omodos is the Monastery of the Holy and Life-giving Cross, built at the heart of the community. It rises majestically and with its imposing presence it becomes a significant part of Cyprus’s cultural heritage.

According to tradition, one night the inhabitants of the neighbouring villages Pano (Upper) and Kato (Lower) Koupetra, which do not exist today, observed a fire in some bushes at the area where the monastery stands today. When it dawned they went to the spot where the fire was seen but there was no sign. This phenomenon repeated for several nights. So they started to dig the earth, discovering a small cave in which they found the Cross. In order to thank the Lord, they constructed a chapel over the cave and kept their precious treasure there, which became a sacred place of adoration for them. With the passage of time the chapel expanded and was converted into a Monastery with many monks and a vast fortune -not only in Cyprus but also abroad – maintaining a grange (monastery dependency) in Constantinople (Istanbul) and real estate in Russia.

According to tradition, the Monastery was established before St. Helen’s arrival in Cyprus in 327 AD. The exact date of establishment is unknown. Perhaps it existed before the village and Omodos was later established around the monastery. Various historians of Cyprus such as Neofytos Rodinos, the Russian monk and traveller Barsky, the Dean Kyprianos and others, refer to St. Helen’s visit to Cyprus and to the fact that she left a part of the Holy Rope and the Holy Rood in the Monastery. This rope, with which the Romans bound Christ to the Cross, is described as red coloured and “stained by the blood of Christ”.

After several miracles by the Cross, the Monastery gained substantial reputation and evolved to a great place of adoration. The historical Monastery of Omodos has gone through various phases as the aeons went by. During the harsh centuries of Turkish domination, the Monastery managed to sustain itself and achieve great things. Around 1700 it secured a sultan’s “firman” (decree) of impunity and immunity. In 1757 water was transferred to the monastery and the cistern and fountain, found in the south-west end of the monastery, were built by the priest-monk Germanos. In 1917 the entire property of the monastery was given to Omodos’s inhabitants. A few years later it was deprived of its last monks and was converted to a parish.

Apostolos Philippos Church

The Country Church of Apostle Philip is the oldest of Omodos’s country churches and it is located…

Holy Cross (Timios Stavros) Church

The ornament and true pride & joy of Omodos is the Monastery of the Holy and Life-giving Cross, built at the heart of the community. It rises majestically and with its imposing presence it becomes a significant part of Cyprus’s cultural heritage.

Holy Cross
(Timios Stavros) Church

The ornament and true pride & joy of Omodos is the Monastery of the Holy and Life-giving Cross, built at the heart of the community. It rises majestically and with its imposing presence it becomes a significant part of Cyprus’s cultural heritage. The Monastery of the Holy Cross is one of the oldest and most historic monasteries of the island.

According to tradition, one night the inhabitants of the neighbouring villages Pano (Upper) and Kato (Lower) Koupetra, which do not exist today, observed a fire in some bushes at the area where the monastery stands today. When it dawned they went to the spot where the fire was seen but there was no sign. This phenomenon repeated for several nights. So they started to dig the earth, discovering a small cave in which they found the Cross. In order to thank the Lord, they constructed a chapel over the cave and kept their precious treasure there, which became a sacred place of adoration for them. With the passage of time the chapel expanded and was converted into a Monastery with many monks and a vast fortune -not only in Cyprus but also abroad – maintaining a grange (monastery dependency) in Constantinople (Istanbul) and real estate in Russia.

According to tradition, the Monastery was established before St. Helen’s arrival in Cyprus in 327 AD. The exact date of establishment is unknown. Perhaps it existed before the village and Omodos was later established around the monastery. Various historians of Cyprus such as Neofytos Rodinos, the Russian monk and traveller Barsky, the Dean Kyprianos and others, refer to St. Helen’s visit to Cyprus and to the fact that she left a part of the Holy Rope and the Holy Rood in the Monastery. This rope, with which the Romans bound Christ to the Cross, is described as red coloured and “stained by the blood of Christ”.

After several miracles by the Cross, the Monastery gained substantial reputation and evolved to a great place of adoration. The historical Monastery of Omodos has gone through various phases as the aeons went by. During the harsh centuries of Turkish domination, the Monastery managed to sustain itself and achieve great things. Around 1700 it secured a sultan’s “firman” (decree) of impunity and immunity. In 1757 water was transferred to the monastery and the cistern and fountain, found in the south-west end of the monastery, were built by the priest-monk Germanos. In 1917 the entire property of the monastery was given to Omodos’s inhabitants. A few years later it was deprived of its last monks and was converted to a parish.
Apostolos Philippos Church

The Country Church of Apostle Philip is the oldest of Omodos’s country churches and it is located…

Apostolos Philippos Church

The Country Church of Apostle Philip is the oldest of Omodos’s country churches and it is located in the “Pente Litharia” (Five Rocks) venue west of the village and at a distance of about 3 kilometres from it.During ancient times, this country church was probably also a shrine for the god Apollo. This is witnessed by the fact that a large, age-long laurel tree stands next to the country church. Its circumference is 8 meters and its height is 17 meters. Its age is approximately estimated to be a few centuries. There are three old icons in the country church, one of Christ, one of Apostle Philip, and one of the Virgin Mary the “Zalithariotissas”, which today are in the Museum of Byzantine icons of the Holy Cross Monastery. The country church was renovated in 1773 by the Metropolitan Bishop of Pafos, Panaretos, and it was also repaired in 1851. New maintenance operations took place recently with the expenses paid by the Antiquities Department, now permanently having the church under its protection. On the Saint’s day, which is on the 14 th of November, a liturgy takes place and hundreds of faithful attend it so as to honour the Apostle.

Activities
and Attractions

Cyprus’s agrotourism offers a variety of places to visit. Places, both familiar and unfamiliar, that will soothe you and provide you with utter serenity and beauty. From Omodos to other villages, one can escape and experience a lovely and easygoing atmosphere.

Village Square in Cyprus

Village Square

Linos

Linos

Cyprus was known from ancient times for the vines and manufacture of good wines.Omodos is a classic example, which has been famous for it’s selection of grapes and tasty wines. According to the tradition, exceptional quality wine of Afami, that took the name from the mountain, east of the village, gave a reason, to the drunkard Sultan Selim B to conquer the island in order to it have this eminent wine on his own. The fact that Omodos is a well-known wine maker since ancient times is also confirmed by the existence of Linos, which was used for pressing grapes. In the old ages, as technical means for pressing the grapes, for production of wine, they used the Linos (Mill for pressing of grapes).
Xavouza

Xavouza

According to the traditional song “steile me mana sto nero” (mother send me to the water), the task of carrying water to the house in the old days was handled by the young ladies. They used to carry it home from the closest source using a clay pitcher.

Vineyards / Wineries

Vineyards / Wineries

The vineyards constituted for Cyprus one of the main occupations from the old years up to today and it was closely connected with the life and the customs of the Cypriot viticulturist. Of course, Omodos, one of the most important wine villages of Limassol could not be an exception to this. With the byway of centuries the vine in the Omodos found hospitable environment, soft climate and territorial conditions, all ideal for his growth. With primitive means, the mattock and the plough, but first of all with hard work and sweat, the villagers with faculty achieved to change the wild and very tall hills into vine growing areas. From very old until today the vine constitutes the unique source of income for Omodos. The economic importance of vine is very big, because many families, more than 500 viticulturists, they depend indirectly or immediately from the culture of vine. Roughly the cultivated are about 6,700 decaries and the production of their product reach roughly the 4000 tons of grapes. Still, the vine develops a big rate of ground that does not flourish economically other type of agricultural product. Still the environment becomes more beautiful with its green color. The viticulturists from Omodos, even today, even though their is intense urbanism observed in the region they try to maintain, not only the vine, but at the same time and the natural environment. Of course, today apart from the local traditional varieties, the white and black, there is cultivation of new wine varieties like Chaperon Sauvignon, Shiras, Siartone, Risling e.t.c It is undeniable, that at Omodos they are produced grapes of quality, which in their turn produce wines of exceptional quality.
EOKA Hideout

EOKA Hideout

Omodos’s contribution to the liberation struggles of our nation has been voluminous, significant, and expressed through deeds. Courageous and dynamic people could not be held back from the liberation struggle of 1955 – 1959. From the beginning until the end, many inhabitants of Omodos connected to and assisted the EOKA organisation in any possible way. Quite a few were the cases of combatant locals that were arrested and tortured by the British and several were those that were locked up in detention rooms. Many wanted fighters from all over Cyprus passed through or stayed in Omodos, for small or large periods of time. Among them was also Grigoris Afxentiou. One effect of the rich activity developed by Omodos’s fighters, which were inspired by noble and high ideas that are common in all the free nations, was the creation of a hide-out in the house of Aristos and Maroulla Theodorou from Omodos, after instructions given by Grigoris Afxentiou.

All Accommodation

Afames House
Omodos Katoi Holiday Homes
Omodos Cozy Houses
Stou Kir Yianni
Omodos Maria’s Apartments
Omodos Square Mansion
Kanarinis Apartments
Softades Cottage
Omodos Village Houses
Omodos Dream Cottages

The best Restaurants in the Village of Omodos

Ambelothea Tavern

Ambelothea Tavern

TIME
12:00 am – 22:30 pm FOR RESERVATIONS
Tel:+357 25 421366
Makrinari Tavern

Makrinari Tavern

TIME
12:00 am – 17:00 pm FOR RESERVATIONS
Tel: +357 25 422151
Omodhos Taverna

Omodhos Taverna

TIME
09:00 am – 16:00 pm FOR RESERVATIONS
Tel: +357 25421493
Katoi Restaurant & Special Events

Katoi Restaurant & Special Events

TIME
12:00 am – 16:00 pm FOR RESERVATIONS
Tel: +357 99674444

LOVE & EXPLORE OMODOS VILLAGE

Galata Village

Written by chooseyourcyprus on 29/03/2022. Posted in Nicosia.

Galata Village

Nicosia

GALATA WEATHER

The beautiful village of Galata

Galata is located 60 kilometres west of Nicosia in the beautiful valley of Solea. It has an altitude of 620 metres above sea level. It is built in the two banks of the River Klarios that crosses through it and it is literally drowning in green. It is conjunct with the neighbouring community of Kakopetria.

Galata is located 60 kilometres west of Nicosia in the beautiful valley of Solea. It has an altitude of 620 metres above sea level.

It is built in the two banks of the River Klarios that crosses through it and it is literally drowning in green. It is conjunct with the neighbouring community of Kakopetria. Both these twin hamlets receive thousands of tourists throughout the year.

Galata is famous for its tasty fruits that it produces in large quantities, especially apples of every variety, apricots, peaches, cherries, damsons, grapes, and others, as well as a variety of fresh vegetables.

If one wants to enjoy a few unforgettable summer moments in Galata, he / she must sit at the village’s plaza. There, in the shadow of the age-old oak and the plane-trees with the Kargotis (Klarios) River, he / she will have unforgettable moments.

The houses of Galata -both the modern and the traditional ones -possess grace and beauty. One is particularly impressed by the wooden balconies and the wooden stairs of the old, traditional houses.

The tiled, inclined roofs, the local stone with which the houses’ walls are made, the latches and bolts, the gateways with their wooden transoms, all these are unfeigned witnesses of contrived folkloric architecture, which is unfortunately dying away as time goes by.

Chiefly however, what is found here is an excellent cultural heritage. The six Byzantine churches with the pyramid-like roofs and their rectangular tiles present to the visitor an unparalleled Byzantine architecture, mainly from the 16 th century››. (Journeys in Cyprus, G and M Karouze).

The History and Tradition regarding Galata — the village’s name.

In very old times, there where legend merges with history, in the “Esso-Galata venue west of today’s village, some shepherds lived along with their flocks. The people who lived in the lower lands, the “katochorites” (lower-village inhabitants), went there in order to buy milk. The people would say amongst them “lets go over there to the ‹galataes› (plural, milkmen) and buy some milk”. Out of “galataes”, always according to tradition, came the name Galata.

Another tradition reports that the first settlers came from Galatia of Asia Minor and were named “Galates” (Byzantine era). So their small settlement was named Galata.

In his Chronicle (Annals), Leontios Machaeras reports that Galata belonged to the feud of the “Regas” (king) since 1196.

Galata is again mentioned by Leontios Machaeras in his Chronicle: ‹‹ … Learn…. These Maria said to me…. who took care of Mr. Erricos de Giblet in the village of Galata… ››.

Thus we come to the conclusion that during the Frank Domination era Galata belonged to the De Giblet family.

In Mediaeval maps Galata is found marked under the name Golata and Galata (Iacomo Franco 1570, Galata).

This is what the Russian traveller, Vasiliev Barksy, wrote in 1735 regarding Galata:

He first visited Galata and then the village’s monastry of Podithou as he prescripes it.Then he returned back to the village were he spend the night.

‹‹ I went to the nearest village, named Galata, and spent the night close to a Christian along with my companions, which were priests. Let it be known that the villages of Solea have very few Muslim inhabitants, the majority being Greek Orthodox Christians, with many churches and priests. This village is the most beautiful of all. It has many fruit-bearing trees and running water and it is located next to the aforementioned river Klarios ››.

The Village of “Lampadou”

It is not known where exactly the village of “Lampadou” was built. However, the inhabitants of Galata as well as those of the surrounding villages -by tradition -starkly believe that this village or small settlement was located close to the country church of St. George the “Perachorites”, east of Kakopetria and to the left of the tourist road to Troodos.

“Lampadou” or “Lampadis” or “Lampadistos” has been the birthplace of two of our Church’s Saints, St Herakleidios and St. John the “Lampadistes” (the Illuminator).

The following reasons reinforce and confirm the view that Lampadou was located in the aforementioned area.

• According to St. John the Illuminator’s “Akolouthia” (service) of 1667, he came from ‹‹ the hamlet of Lampadou of the Galaton district ››.

• In an unpublished manuscript (Φ13 β) it was mentioned that: ‹‹ He was a Cypriot -St. John the Illuminator -from the region of the Solea district, from the village Lampadou ››.

• The Russian traveller Barsky who in 1735 spent one night in Galata, during his tour ‹‹ in all the monasteries of Cyprus ›› mentions: ‹‹ John -a saintly man -the Illuminator from the village of Lampadis, where the Saint was born and which now has been abandoned as I have ascertained when I was in Solea ››.

• One of the “Aposticha” (types of verses) that refers to St. Herakleidios goes like this: « Τόπους αμειβόμενος οι του Σωτήρος Απόστολοι προς Σολέαν ιθύνονται και δόξαν κηρύττοντες Ιησού του Λόγου , άχρι της Λαμπάδου , ένθα και εύρον τον φαιδρόν θείον και πάνσοφον Ηρακλείδιον , δοχείον καθαρώτατον και μύστην υπάρχοντα Ελληνικής διαθέσεως , όν διδάξαντες έλεγον , σέβειν ένα Θεόν ημών », narrating how the Apostles, preaching the Word of God, came to Lampadou and taught St. Herakleidios about Christianity.

• In the service of St. John the Illuminator of 1774, h is mentioned as descending ‹‹ from the village Lampadistou of Solea››.

• Sofronios, the former Metropolitan Bishop of Leontopolis writes in his 1935 opus “Hagiology of the Orthodox Church”: ‹‹ Saint John the Illuminator, from Cyprus (October 4 th ). In no hagiographer have I encountered a memoir of him… He is celebrated in Cyprus, descending from Lampadou (a village by the hamlet of Galata) and thus having this name ››.

• At a small distance outside Galata there is a bridge called “giofyrin t’ Aerakleidkiou”, that is bridge of St. Herakleidios.

• There is a venue quite near Galata named “Moutte tis Lampadou” (nose or peak of Lampadou).

• In the Byzantine churches of Galata and Kakopetria there are frescoes depicting St. Herakleidios and St. John the Illuminator.

• ‹‹ Again the mention of a settlement under the name Lampas in the “district of the Galates” indicates that the settlement must have been in the Solea region (where the large village of Galata is) ››. (History of the island of Cyprus, volume II, Andros Pavlides).

St. Herakleidios

From the Hagiography of St. Herakleidios -and also from other sources -we can conclude that he was an idolater (heathen) and a son of a certain Hierokleous or Hierokles, a heathen priest. It is known that the ancient people in Cyprus, like the ancient Greeks, believed in the twelve Gods of Olympus.

When the Apostles Paul and Varnavas came to Cyprus in 45 AD to preach the Nazarene’s religion, they passed by Lampadou that was close to Galata. Here the Apostles met the then young Herakleidios along with his father who -at that moment -was offering a sacrifice to the Gods. Hierokles invited them to take part in the sacrifice. The Apostles refused. They only asked to be shown the wrote to Pafos.

Hierokles allowed his son, Herakleidios, to escort the Apostles and show them the way.

As they were walking, the Apostles taught to Herakleidios the true religion of Jesus Christ and its superiority, in comparison with the religion he believed in. Herakleidios was thrilled with the new religion, became a believer, and was baptised. The Apostles ordained him as the bishop of Tamassos.

St. John the “Lampadistes” (Illuminator / torch bearer)

St. John the Illuminator descended from Lampadou, as his surname reveals, just like St. Herakleidios. ‹‹ … from the renowned island of Cyprus, from the village of Lampadou in the district of Galata››. (Costas Myriantheas St John the Illuminator)

He lived during the 11 th century. His parents were the priest Kyriakos and his mother Anna.

He was nurtured with the essence of the faith and learned the holy scriptures from an early age. Because of his great love for God, he dedicated himself wholeheartedly to Him.

When he was 18 years old his parents were pressing him to be engaged, forgetting that their son was the fruit of their prayers and pleas.

After the engagement, John decided to break his engagement and dedicate himself to God. He announced to the parents of his fiancee his irreversible decision. In spite their bitterness and their feelings of being insulted, they pretended that they still had loving feelings for him. They invited him to dinner and poisoned him and as a result John was blinded. The scene of this lethal dinner with the poisonous fishes that they offered to him is depicted in a large portable icon, which is found in his monastery in Kalopanagiotis.

He was now blind. But he says “If they have taken from me the eyes of the body, the eyes of the soul exist, so that I will praise the name of God with greater zeal”.

With the help of a servant who had the same name as he did, he leaves Lampadou and ascends to the monastery of his fellow-villager, St. Herakleidios.

He lived three years of angelic, ascetic life “teaching everyone that -if they want- they are able to live ‘close’ to Christ”.

He was 22 years old when he delivered his “snow-white soul” to the Lord.

“Folkloric Art” Museum

The Museum of Folkloric Art

Galata’s Museum of Folkloric Art was established in the summer of 1990 by the -then -Assistant Principal of the School, Mr. Athanasios Papadopoulou.

After a great deal of troubles, rushing around, visiting many villages even up to Pafos, and with the love and contribution of Galata’s inhabitants, he managed to create a beautiful Museum that was quite rich in exhibits and one of the first in Cyprus.

The Museum’s founder declares:

‹‹My ambition was to salvage -as soon as possible -tools, vessels, garments / attires, furniture, kitchenware, and a collection of items of everyday use that belong to some other eras… I was seeing them thrown away and abandoned in yards, in gardens, and in half-ruined houses, being consumed by the rain, the rust, and the all-subduing Time. I grieved for them, I felt for them, I wanted to protect them, to take care of them, to repair and maintain them, and to place them in a suitable area so that our souls will kneel before them like before holy icons. ››

All of the Museum’s items, over five hundred of them, are categorised according to profession. Tools and utilities of the shepherd, the farmer, the silk-breeder, the builder, the butcher, the potter, the lumberjack, the wine-shop owner, the shoemaker, and the carpenter. There’s a rich collection of attires, a large variety of kitchenware, and various furnishings that you will feel glad to come to and saunter in.

The openings of Galata’s F.A. Museum were conducted by the Minister- at the time -of Education, Mr. Christoforos Christoforou on the 11/11/1990.

A great benefactor of the Museum is the dear departed Michalakis Kythreotis, who “portioned” it with the amount of 2,000 C.P.

The Museum is open in the morning and in the afternoon.

Excerpts from an article of Mr. Lakis Fourouklas in the “Proina Nea” (Morning News) newspaper, 15/9/1990.

……We will now guide you through the Museum’s grounds, its entrance by itself predisposing you for what you will see next.

It is a rather small place that -at a first glance -reminds you the traditional Cypriot house with all the elements co-existing in one single room.

The entrance is a traditional, wooden, double door made of pinewood while the roof is made of reeds resting on wooden beams.

The walls are whitewashed and the whole prevailing atmosphere reminds you of the old, village houses that -as they say -are warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Despite the lack of space, Mr. Papadopoulos has managed to classify the various objects, which are contributions of the village’s inhabitants, into unities that at the same time bond together with a natural harmony.

So, the tools of the farmer, the shepherd, the builder, the shoemaker, the silk-breeder, and many others, as well as kitchenware co-exist in the same area. In a few words, the museum’s exhibits outline the village household from the beginning of the century and onward.

Right as you enter the museum, you will face a “Pouaro” (chest of drawers) that dates back to 1925 and on your left a teacher’s desk from 1915. Above them there are paintings and kitchen utensils, some of them dating back to the previous century and reminding us of other times.

On the right there are -craftily placed -traditional Cypriot attires, an old sewing machine, as well as a child’s bed made of iron and covered with a white marquisette. On our left there are all sorts of objects that are considered necessary in the traditional Cypriot house such as bread-planks, jugs, wooden shovels, rakes, demijohns for “Zivania” (strong, transparent alcoholic beverage), a loom, and other things.

Of course, tools like the ones of the shoemaker, the plough, the yoke for the horses, the “adhrakti” (kind of distaff with blades), the silk-breeder’s apparatus, the spindle, the spinning wheel, and so many others that have marked the life of our country in the beginning of the century.

And all these housed in a very small area.

For all of the museum’s exhibits there is a book where both the names of the donators as well as the date that the contributions were made are recorded.

“Folkloric Art” Museum

Galata’s Museum of Folkloric Art was established in the summer of 1990 by the -then -Assistant Principal of the School, Mr. Athanasios Papadopoulou.

The Museum of Folkloric Art

Galata’s Museum of Folkloric Art was established in the summer of 1990 by the -then -Assistant Principal of the School, Mr. Athanasios Papadopoulou.

After a great deal of troubles, rushing around, visiting many villages even up to Pafos, and with the love and contribution of Galata’s inhabitants, he managed to create a beautiful Museum that was quite rich in exhibits and one of the first in Cyprus.

The Museum’s founder declares:

‹‹My ambition was to salvage -as soon as possible -tools, vessels, garments / attires, furniture, kitchenware, and a collection of items of everyday use that belong to some other eras… I was seeing them thrown away and abandoned in yards, in gardens, and in half-ruined houses, being consumed by the rain, the rust, and the all-subduing Time. I grieved for them, I felt for them, I wanted to protect them, to take care of them, to repair and maintain them, and to place them in a suitable area so that our souls will kneel before them like before holy icons. ››

All of the Museum’s items, over five hundred of them, are categorised according to profession. Tools and utilities of the shepherd, the farmer, the silk-breeder, the builder, the butcher, the potter, the lumberjack, the wine-shop owner, the shoemaker, and the carpenter. There’s a rich collection of attires, a large variety of kitchenware, and various furnishings that you will feel glad to come to and saunter in.

The openings of Galata’s F.A. Museum were conducted by the Minister- at the time -of Education, Mr. Christoforos Christoforou on the 11/11/1990.

A great benefactor of the Museum is the dear departed Michalakis Kythreotis, who “portioned” it with the amount of 2,000 C.P.

The Museum is open in the morning and in the afternoon.

Excerpts from an article of Mr. Lakis Fourouklas in the “Proina Nea” (Morning News) newspaper, 15/9/1990.

……We will now guide you through the Museum’s grounds, its entrance by itself predisposing you for what you will see next.

It is a rather small place that -at a first glance -reminds you the traditional Cypriot house with all the elements co-existing in one single room.

The entrance is a traditional, wooden, double door made of pinewood while the roof is made of reeds resting on wooden beams.

The walls are whitewashed and the whole prevailing atmosphere reminds you of the old, village houses that -as they say -are warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Despite the lack of space, Mr. Papadopoulos has managed to classify the various objects, which are contributions of the village’s inhabitants, into unities that at the same time bond together with a natural harmony.

So, the tools of the farmer, the shepherd, the builder, the shoemaker, the silk-breeder, and many others, as well as kitchenware co-exist in the same area. In a few words, the museum’s exhibits outline the village household from the beginning of the century and onward.

Right as you enter the museum, you will face a “Pouaro” (chest of drawers) that dates back to 1925 and on your left a teacher’s desk from 1915. Above them there are paintings and kitchen utensils, some of them dating back to the previous century and reminding us of other times.

On the right there are -craftily placed -traditional Cypriot attires, an old sewing machine, as well as a child’s bed made of iron and covered with a white marquisette. On our left there are all sorts of objects that are considered necessary in the traditional Cypriot house such as bread-planks, jugs, wooden shovels, rakes, demijohns for “Zivania” (strong, transparent alcoholic beverage), a loom, and other things.

Of course, tools like the ones of the shoemaker, the plough, the yoke for the horses, the “adhrakti” (kind of distaff with blades), the silk-breeder’s apparatus, the spindle, the spinning wheel, and so many others that have marked the life of our country in the beginning of the century.

And all these housed in a very small area.

For all of the museum’s exhibits there is a book where both the names of the donators as well as the date that the contributions were made are recorded.

Panagia tis Podithou Unesco Church
Panagia Odigitria Church

Panagia tis Podithou Unesco Church

Travelling on the Nicosia-Troodos tourist road and entering the Galata community, in your right you face the “Panagia of Podithou” church…

“Travelling on the Nicosia-Troodos tourist road and entering the Galata community, in your right you face the “Panagia of Podithou” church. The “Panagia Eleousa” church (Blessed Virgin Mary, the all-merciful), known as “Panagia tis Podithou”, is what remained form a small Monastery that today does not exist. The church is built at the centre of a long and narrow valley close to the riverside of Klarios.

The church’s shape is rectangular and -in the east -it ends in a semicircular apse. The internal dimensions without the apse are 12 x 4 meters. It is surrounded by a Π -shaped gallery that is covered by the same V-shaped, wooden roof, which is capped by tile plates made by tile-makers from Galata. It was built in 1502 by Demetrios de Coron and his wife Helen. Demetrios and his family were one of medieval Cyprus’s families of Latin descent that were Hellenized. In 1461 Demetrios was the commander in the “Pentagia” region and was in favour of Iacovos, illegitimate brother of the legitimate queen Charlotte, who was illegitimately claiming the royal crown of Cyprus. Forty-one years later, in 1502, Demetrios de Coron built the “Panagia Eleousa” church that was later renamed “Panagia tis Podithou”.

In the external side of the west wall, the Virgin Mary is figured above the central entrance. The donators are depicted under Her throne, a couple to the left and a man to the right, having a model of the church in their midst, which they offer to the Virgin Mary. Under this composition there is the following founder’s inscription:

“THIS DIVINE AND VENERABLE CHURCH OF THE ALL-HOLY, MERCIFUL MOTHER OF GOD WAS RAISED IN THE YEAR OF OUR CHRIST 1502 THROUGH EXPENSES AND MUCH DESIRE OF KIROU MISER DEMETRI DE CORO AND HIS WIFE ELENI , FOUNDERS OF THIS HOLY MONASTERY AND THOS OF YOU WHO READ THIS PRAY FOR THEM AND WISH THEM HAPPINESS THROUGH OUR LORD, AMEN”.

The “Panagia tis Podithou” church was not decorated with frescoes in its entirety. They cover the external side of the west wall, the internal west pediment, the eastern pediment, the quadrant of the apse, and the semicircular wall of the apse.. The Crucifixion in the internal western pediment does not resemble the familiar unadorned Crucifixion of the Byzantine tradition. It is a scene with many characters, influenced by Western painting. It looks more like a religious painting with many details. The Crucified Christ and the thieves, the -westernised -soldiers on horseback, the soldier that is breaking the thieves’ legs, the Virgin Mary that tumbles to the ground unconscious, the soldiers that are rolling dice for Christ’s tunic and quarrelling, Maria Magdalene embracing the base of Christ’s Cross, and -finally -the enigmatic figure of the monk on his knees.

The Holy Towel is pictured at the top of the eastern pediment. The two “visions” of the Prophet Moses are depicted further down. On the left, Moses is receiving the plates with the Ten Commandments from the hands of God. On the right, Moses is bending down so as to untie the lace of his sandal. Before him and higher above there is a depiction of the Virgin Mary with Christ in an “engkolpio” (shape of a handbook), in the midst of the Burning Bush’s flames.

In the apse’s quadrant and in a majestic composition, the Virgin Mary is depicted enthroned and having Christ on her knees while the archangels Michael and Gabriel are turned toward the Virgin Mary, holding candles and admiring her.

This fresco, which is preserved in good condition, is very impressive.

“…It is perfect in composition, very beautiful in appearance, and quite rich in internal reflection, worked with delicacy and grace, craftsmanship and studiousness, and with clarity of perception…”

(Cyprian Studies)

Under this wonderful -oval shaped – “baby-holding” Virgin Mary, there is a depiction of the Apostles’ Holy Communion in two scenes. On the left there’s the sharing of the “Artos” (Holy Bread) and on the right the receiving of the “Enos” (Wine). Then come the following Hagiographies from the Old Testament, which are mentioned amongst the Apocrypha (secret, non-canonical gospels) of St Jacob. Joachim and Anna offering the gifts, the Prayer of Joachim, the Prayer of St. Anna, the embrace of Joachim and Anna, the Birth of the Virgin Mary.

The church’s icon screen is considered as one of the best woodcut, gild-edged icon screens of the 16 th century. Unfortunately, neither the Cross up above nor the small icons high up the icon screen are in existence. The Bema Doors of the temple, works of art with great value, have been stolen in the beginning of 2003 and their whereabouts are unknown.

The name “Podithou” or “Podythou”.

The centre of the entire hagiography in the “Panagia tis Podithou” church is the Enthroned Virgin Mary Holding the Infant Christ in the apse of the Holy Bema. The positioning of the Burning Bush at the highest point of the temple is an innovation emphasising the “Vision” of Moses.

“Untie the shoes from your feet” said God to Moses when he stood before the Burning Bush in Mount Horeb, ” Apodithou ta ipodimata sou” (in Greek, remove your footwear), the priests and preachers would explain to the faithful, analysing the words of God toward Moses. Thus the name “Panagia tis Podythou” (Virgin Mary of Podythou) or “Po’ythou” in the dialect of the people until today.

In the south-east of the church there was the two-level house, the ground level of which was known as the “School of the Podithou Monastery”. Unfortunately it was demolished in 1950.

In 1735 the Russian traveller Vasilios Barsky refers to the monastery of “Podithou”, which he visited. “It ha a small church covered in tiles…” He mentions the harsh and miserable conditions under which the two monks live because of the Moslems, which grab by force foods and drinks.

UNESCO has included the church of “Panagia Podithou” amongst the 10 Byzantine churches of Cyprus that were deemed to be of particular importance and were included in the list of World cultural heritage.

Panagia Odigitria Church

In the middle of the village, higher above the main road, stands the church of “Panagia Odegetria” (Virgin Mary, the guiding one)…

Panagia tis Podithou Unesco Church

Travelling on the Nicosia-Troodos tourist road and entering the Galata community, in your right you face the “Panagia of Podithou” church…

Panagia tis Podithou Unesco Church

“Travelling on the Nicosia-Troodos tourist road and entering the Galata community, in your right you face the “Panagia of Podithou” church. The “Panagia Eleousa” church (Blessed Virgin Mary, the all-merciful), known as “Panagia tis Podithou”, is what remained form a small Monastery that today does not exist. The church is built at the centre of a long and narrow valley close to the riverside of Klarios.

The church’s shape is rectangular and -in the east -it ends in a semicircular apse. The internal dimensions without the apse are 12 x 4 meters. It is surrounded by a Π -shaped gallery that is covered by the same V-shaped, wooden roof, which is capped by tile plates made by tile-makers from Galata. It was built in 1502 by Demetrios de Coron and his wife Helen. Demetrios and his family were one of medieval Cyprus’s families of Latin descent that were Hellenized. In 1461 Demetrios was the commander in the “Pentagia” region and was in favour of Iacovos, illegitimate brother of the legitimate queen Charlotte, who was illegitimately claiming the royal crown of Cyprus. Forty-one years later, in 1502, Demetrios de Coron built the “Panagia Eleousa” church that was later renamed “Panagia tis Podithou”.

In the external side of the west wall, the Virgin Mary is figured above the central entrance. The donators are depicted under Her throne, a couple to the left and a man to the right, having a model of the church in their midst, which they offer to the Virgin Mary. Under this composition there is the following founder’s inscription:

“THIS DIVINE AND VENERABLE CHURCH OF THE ALL-HOLY, MERCIFUL MOTHER OF GOD WAS RAISED IN THE YEAR OF OUR CHRIST 1502 THROUGH EXPENSES AND MUCH DESIRE OF KIROU MISER DEMETRI DE CORO AND HIS WIFE ELENI , FOUNDERS OF THIS HOLY MONASTERY AND THOS OF YOU WHO READ THIS PRAY FOR THEM AND WISH THEM HAPPINESS THROUGH OUR LORD, AMEN”.

The “Panagia tis Podithou” church was not decorated with frescoes in its entirety. They cover the external side of the west wall, the internal west pediment, the eastern pediment, the quadrant of the apse, and the semicircular wall of the apse.. The Crucifixion in the internal western pediment does not resemble the familiar unadorned Crucifixion of the Byzantine tradition. It is a scene with many characters, influenced by Western painting. It looks more like a religious painting with many details. The Crucified Christ and the thieves, the -westernised -soldiers on horseback, the soldier that is breaking the thieves’ legs, the Virgin Mary that tumbles to the ground unconscious, the soldiers that are rolling dice for Christ’s tunic and quarrelling, Maria Magdalene embracing the base of Christ’s Cross, and -finally -the enigmatic figure of the monk on his knees.

The Holy Towel is pictured at the top of the eastern pediment. The two “visions” of the Prophet Moses are depicted further down. On the left, Moses is receiving the plates with the Ten Commandments from the hands of God. On the right, Moses is bending down so as to untie the lace of his sandal. Before him and higher above there is a depiction of the Virgin Mary with Christ in an “engkolpio” (shape of a handbook), in the midst of the Burning Bush’s flames.

In the apse’s quadrant and in a majestic composition, the Virgin Mary is depicted enthroned and having Christ on her knees while the archangels Michael and Gabriel are turned toward the Virgin Mary, holding candles and admiring her.

This fresco, which is preserved in good condition, is very impressive.

“…It is perfect in composition, very beautiful in appearance, and quite rich in internal reflection, worked with delicacy and grace, craftsmanship and studiousness, and with clarity of perception…”

(Cyprian Studies)

Under this wonderful -oval shaped – “baby-holding” Virgin Mary, there is a depiction of the Apostles’ Holy Communion in two scenes. On the left there’s the sharing of the “Artos” (Holy Bread) and on the right the receiving of the “Enos” (Wine). Then come the following Hagiographies from the Old Testament, which are mentioned amongst the Apocrypha (secret, non-canonical gospels) of St Jacob. Joachim and Anna offering the gifts, the Prayer of Joachim, the Prayer of St. Anna, the embrace of Joachim and Anna, the Birth of the Virgin Mary.

The church’s icon screen is considered as one of the best woodcut, gild-edged icon screens of the 16 th century. Unfortunately, neither the Cross up above nor the small icons high up the icon screen are in existence. The Bema Doors of the temple, works of art with great value, have been stolen in the beginning of 2003 and their whereabouts are unknown.

The name “Podithou” or “Podythou”.

The centre of the entire hagiography in the “Panagia tis Podithou” church is the Enthroned Virgin Mary Holding the Infant Christ in the apse of the Holy Bema. The positioning of the Burning Bush at the highest point of the temple is an innovation emphasising the “Vision” of Moses.

“Untie the shoes from your feet” said God to Moses when he stood before the Burning Bush in Mount Horeb, ” Apodithou ta ipodimata sou” (in Greek, remove your footwear), the priests and preachers would explain to the faithful, analysing the words of God toward Moses. Thus the name “Panagia tis Podythou” (Virgin Mary of Podythou) or “Po’ythou” in the dialect of the people until today.

In the south-east of the church there was the two-level house, the ground level of which was known as the “School of the Podithou Monastery”. Unfortunately it was demolished in 1950.

In 1735 the Russian traveller Vasilios Barsky refers to the monastery of “Podithou”, which he visited. “It ha a small church covered in tiles…” He mentions the harsh and miserable conditions under which the two monks live because of the Moslems, which grab by force foods and drinks.

UNESCO has included the church of “Panagia Podithou” amongst the 10 Byzantine churches of Cyprus that were deemed to be of particular importance and were included in the list of World cultural heritage.
Panagia Odigitria Church

In the middle of the village, higher above the main road, stands the church of “Panagia Odegetria” (Virgin Mary, the guiding one)…

Panagia Odigitria Church

In the middle of the village, higher above the main road, stands the church of “Panagia Odegetria” (Virgin Mary, the guiding one)

The Metropolitan Bishop of Keryneia, Makarios II, used to call the church as “mikri Faneromeni” (meaning “a smaller version of the Faneromeni church”) so as to emphasise its splendour by comparing it to that of Nicosia’s.

It was constructed in 1930 with donations and voluntary work by the community’s inhabitants.

A built-in plate that is found in the north entrance reports:

“DURING THE TERM OF THE ALL-HOLY METROPOLITAN BISHOP OF KERYNEIA MAKARIOS WAS THIS VENERABLE CHURCH OF THE HOLY MOTHER OF GOD RAISED OVER THE POSITION OF THE OLD CHURCH WITH HIS EXPENSES AND THE CONTRIBUTION OF THE PIOUS CHRISTIANS. THE CONSTRUCTION STARTED ON 2/1/1929 AND WAS COMPLETED 30/10/1930 DESIGN AND SUPERVISION OF ARCHITECT FILIPOS LOIZOS”

The completion of such a structure within a year and a half is a true feat, considering the means of those days.

The built-in plate from its inauguration says:

“THIS CHURCH IS INSTITUTED DURING THE TERM OF METROPOLITAN BISHOP OF KERYNEIA MAKARIOS. WITH DONATIONS FROM EVRIPIDES GEORGIADIS AND HIS WIFE ANNA -FROM STROVOLOS -IN THE YEAR OF THE LORD 1930 MONTH OF NOVEMBER 2 A DAY SUNDAY”

The church’s entire furnishing was completed through donations by the inhabitants and monks that served in various monasteries, especially that of Kykkos. Everywhere one can read, “EXPENSES PAID BY…”.

For example, in the High Altar, ” EXPENSES PAID BY THE PRIEST AND MONK NIKODEMOS KYKKOTIS, FROM GALATA”, “EXPENSES PAID BY IACOVOS ARNOPOULOU”, et al.

Great benefactors of the community and donators of the church are the dear departed Church Steward of Kykkos, Panaretos, the Vicar of Keryneias’s throne, Iacovos Arnopoulos, and others.

The church is divided in three aisles by two series of columns and has a dome. The internal decoration of the church is beautiful, opulent, and imposing. The entire church is decorated with hagiographies.

In the church’s vestry several Holy Vessels, veils, vestments, ancient buckles, censers, a cross, a Gospel from 1745, and other items are kept.

Activities
and Attractions

Cyprus agrotourism offers a variety of places to visit. Places, both familiar and unfamiliar, that will soothe you and provide you with utter serenity and beauty. From Galata to other villages, one can escape and experience a lovely and easygoing atmosphere.

Cyprus Galata Village Old Buildings

Old Buildings

Galata’s traditional houses possess grace and beauty. Especially impressive are the ones with the wooden balconies, houses along the central road leading to Kakopetria that had a “parkoni me parmatzia” (a balcony with a grating). Some have been reconditioned while it expected that -gradually -the rest will also be reconditioned, being under the protection of the Antiquities Department.

Galata is also known as the “village of balconies” because of the many houses that had one. Almost all the traditional houses had two floors. The balcony was the wooden protrusion towards the main road, about 1.5 meters in width and 2.5 meters in length, being an extension of the second floor. This protrusion, which was roofed, was supported by 3 external beams so as to be more steady and firm, having all around it the gratings at a height of about 1 meter. These were either square or rectangular wooden frames with diagonal striped pieces, one firmly attached to the other. The village’s older balconies are those located across the chapel of St George and they connect all the way to Maragkos’s Caravansary. The owners were the teacher Lampros Hadji-Gabriel, Champis Mourtziis, Dimosthenis Kynigopoulos, and Socratis Galatis who also kept a coffee-house at the ground-floor and the Caravansary that was renovated, “Galata’s Museum of Folkloric Art” being housed at its ground-floor. They were all built in 1900.

Also very beautiful are the balconies to the west, some of them being reconditioned. These are the ones belonging to the famous hotel of “Fysa-Nikolas”, the first hotel in the Solia region, to Diogenis Georgios, to Papaloizos, and others.

The balconies of Galata were at the height of their glory during the afternoons of summer. The whole family, sitting in the balcony, enjoyed the coolness of the nearby river and watched the traffic of the main street. The father rested after the day’s hard work. The mother knitted or worked the loom, which most of the times was placed in the balcony. Grandma spun cotton or wool using the spindle, while the children shouted along with the neighborhood’s children in the balconies next door. A wonderful painting-like image made in Galata from a few decades ago, back when Galata was the “heart of Solia” and the center of trade, of buying and selling of agricultural and stockbreeding products, and also a meeting point for the people of Solia.

The rural house:

The rural house usually had two floors. From the foundations and up to a meter high, it was built with stones from the river or the mountain. From that point and up to the roof it was built with mud-bricks that the inhabitants of Galata made themselves. The roof either had local, curved tiles or beams, reeds, and an earthen cover, known as “domata”. Over the earthen roof they would spread alluvial clay (known as “konnos”) that was impermeable by the water of rain. The floor was made of brick-slabs or marble. The “mantalia” and the “romanisia” (plural, bolts – latches) were necessary for opening, closing, and securing the doors or the main gateway to the street. The stable for the animals (oxen, donkeys or horses, goats) was at the ground floor. Farther on stood the barn and then the stockroom with the large or small earthenware jars and the pitchers. In them they stored all their produce, wheat, barley, flour, wine, “zivania” (strong, transparent, alcoholic beverage), vinegar, oil, olives, ant he “kourellos” (amphora-like pot with wide mouth) with the “challoumia” (plural, white cheese of Cyprus), and various other items. In the yard there was the oven for the baking of bread and -close to it -piles of wood, both for the fireplace in the winter and for the oven. Also essential in the yard were the “goumas” (hen pen) with the chicken and a small shed for the pig, which each family necessarily raised and fattened. The pig was slaughtered during Christmas and a part of its meat was used to make the “pasta” (dried meat), sausages, “lountza” (kind of dried meat), the “karkalamia” (the skeletal parts), lard, and “zalatina” (dried meat pieces in jelly and spices). Other meats they fried and placed in the tar-coated pitchers along with pig grease until the summer for the harvest-time. Every house had its guard, a dog, as well as one or two cats.

On the second floor there were: the large room in the middle with a fire-stove and all the items necessary for the kitchen -the utensils, the dinning table, the seats -some chairs and the loom. This was the most frequented area for the family.

The other rooms -1,2 or 3 of them -were the bedrooms with the chests or trunks, in which all the garments, the sheets and generally the trousseaus of the family were kept. In the balconies they sat so as to rest and also entertained relatives or friends.

Cyprus Water Mills

Water Mills

River Clarios

River Clarios

A green veil created with nature’s most beautiful colours covers the village of Kakopetria. Pieces of land covered with wild vegetation mingle with cultivated pieces of land creating a magical scenery.

This idyllic image of the village is completed by the two side-rivers of the River Clarios which are united in the heart of Kakopetria, freely giving their water to the village. Kakopetria constantly enjoys the sound of the streams which create a sweet melody which in turn provides peace and quiet.
Galatas Fountains

Galatas Fountains

• The fountain of “Pogiatzies”

The fountain of “Pogiatzies” is located quite close to the Museum of Folkloric Art, to the right on the way to Kakokpetria. You go down some steps and face a vaulted fountain while the water of a small stream flows by your feet, coming from “Esso” (Inner) Galata and then joining with the river Klarios.

At the fountain’s highest point there is a built-in plate with the date 1733 and the sign “IC-XC NI-KA”.

It is called “Pogiatzie’s fountain” because this is where Demosthenis Loizou Pogiatzies used to wash the “vrakes” (plural, villager’s pants / galligaskins) that he dyed. In those days, the white “vrakes” that they used to saw had to be dipped in a special concoction made of sulphuric copper and dry pomegranate leafs -about 4 to 5 times -until they were blackened. (Details in the book “Galata, then and now”).

• The “Mastre Philippou” fountain

The “Mastre Philippou” (Master Philippos) fountain is found close to the village’s plaza.

It is written on it:

‹‹ FOUNTAIN OF MASTRE PHILIPPOU›› 1986

It is the property of the dear departed Filippos Loizou.

Cyprus Galata The

Archangel Rodou’s Mill Nature Trail

Central Square

Central Square

The Forestry Department has created a number of trails carefully designed to cover areas of rich natural vegetation and cultural interest. They have been landscaped on gentle gradients and are, as a rule, circular so that all age groups can easily use them.

In many cases, there are signposts in place, to indicate the starting point of the trail, as well as flora and geology features along the route.

Although walking in Cyprus can be enjoyed throughout the year, the recommended seasons are during late Autumn (November) and spring, when the Cyprus rural and forest areas are at full bloom.
Heroes Monument

Heroes Monument

Galata, wanting to express its admiration, its love, and its pride for its heroic children, for eternal remembrance and exemplification to the future generations, has raised in their honour a modest monument. It is a column of 5 metres height with an oblong, brazen piece attached to it, depicting the tattered, khaki shirt of the guerrilla who fell fighting for the freedom of our Cyprus. At the base of the monument, upon a slab of granite, the name of all of Galata’s brave men are written as follows:

– CHRYSANTHOS MYLONAS

– EVAGORAS PAPACHRISTOFOROU 55-59

– ANDREAS GEROUDES 1964

– GEORGIOS ZACHARIA

– IACOVOS GEROUDES 1974

– PANAGIOTES ATHANASIOU

Every year a national memorial takes place and wreaths are deposited in a ceremony in front of the monument.

The Heroes’ Monument is on our right as we enter the “Panagia Odegetria” church in the middle of the village.

The expenses for the entire project were assumed by the brothers Andreas and Iacovos Philippou.

The sculptor who created the Heroes’ complex is Andros Kazamias.

Cyprus Galata Village EOKA Hideouts / The heroes of Galata

EOKA Hideouts / The heroes of Galata

Chrysanthos Mylonas

Chrysanthos Mylonas was an E.O.K.A. guerrilla while he was still a student at the 5 th grade of Solea’s High School. He was serving the cause along with his cousin Evagoras Papachristoforou. Both were murdered by the traitor Costas Ashiotes next to their hideout, in the Alignos venue of Galata on 7/10/1957.

Evagoras Papachrsistoforou

Evagoras Papachristoforou was born in Kato Amiantos and was a cousin of Chrysanthos Mylonas. He was the leader of the guerrilla group that had its hideout in the Alignos venue, about 5 kilometres west of Galata.

On the 7 th of October 1957, Costas Ashiotes “at noon murdered” the group leader inside the hideout while he was sleeping. The murderer “claimed that he acted so because he was afraid that he would murder him” (Memoirs of Georgios Griva Digeni). Later, around midnight of the same day, he also murdered Chrysanthos Mylonas who had just arrived in the hideout along with Charalambos Koukoularides, the two being the group’s suppliers.

Andreas Geroudes

Andreas Geroudes was a senior in the Pedagogical Academy when -during the Turkish insurrection of 1964 -he went to Pafos along with other youths in order to serve his country. He took part in the battle of Ktima, which took place on the 9 th of March 1964. There he died heroically in combat.

Iacovos Geroudes

Iacovos Geroudes was a brother of Andreas Geroudes. While driving his commander’s car in Keryneia, he was shot by the Turks that had then invaded the island and was killed. This happened on 22/7/1974.

Panagiotes Athanasiou

Panagiotes Athanasiou was serving in the National Guard during 1974. He was a machine gunner in the “Agios Pavlos” posts close to ELDYK (Greek Forces in Cyprus). On the 15 th of August Panagiotes was located in a trench with his machine gun. Two other manned trenches were positioned a few meters to the left and to the right of his trench. On that day hard and tenacious battles against the Turkish invaders were taking place. They were fighting heroically. The Turkish forces were many and managed to enter Panagiotes’s post. The were enraged because they saw many dead Turkish men. The immediately shot Panagiotes in cold blood along with his two comrades. He was buried in the Military cemetery of Lakatamia. Later, his bones were buried at the cemetery of his community in Galata.

Georgios Ioannou Zacharia

After graduating from Solea’s High School in 1971, Georgios Zacharia enlisted in the National Guard. He served for 13 months. He was an electrician. He was called to go up in Mount Pentadaktylos from Sichari of Keryneia were he was posted in order to repair the unit’s telephone. Because there wasn’t a jeep available to transfer him, he climbed up a water-wagon that was then heading there. At some point on the way the newly dug road subsided and the water-wagon tumbled. Private Georgios Zacharia was seriously wounded. He was transferred to the general Hospital of Nicosia where he died on the 22 nd of August 1972.

All Accommodation

Stis Andronikis
River Apartments
River Patio
Xenis House
Vengera Suites

The best Restaurant in the Village of Galata

To Giofirin Tis Galatas Restaurant

To Giofirin Tis Galatas Restaurant

TIME
10:30 a.m – 11:00 p.m FOR RESERVATIONS
Tel: +357 95113483
Plateia Galatas Kafestiatorio-Mezedopolio

Plateia Galatas Kafestiatorio-Mezedopolio

TIME
08:00 a.m – 22:00 p.m FOR RESERVATIONS
Tel: +357 22923222

LOVE & EXPLORE GALATA VILLAGE

Kalopanayiotis Village

Written by chooseyourcyprus on 29/03/2022. Posted in Nicosia.

Kalopanayiotis Village in Cyprus

Kalopanayiotis Village

Nicosia

KALOPANAGIOTIS WEATHER

The beautiful village of Kalopanayiotis

Kalopanayiotis Village in Cyprus

Kalopanayiotis is located in the evergreen valley of Setrachos river on the northern slopes of the Troodos range. It is one of the fourteen villages of the Marathasa area, the most mountainous area of Cyprus. The village is 70 km away from Nicosia and Limassol and is the first village to come across as one enters the Marathasa valley driving up from Nicosia.

The House of Lavrentios
The Byzantine Museum

The House of Lavrentios

This was the martyrs’ Lavrentios family house which has been recently restored and converted into a conference and cultural center.

The Byzantine Museum

It is situated next to the Lampadistis monastery. Here one can find exhibited ecclesiastical artifax that survived though the centuries in the monastery and the other village churches.

The House of Lavrentios

This was the martyrs’ Lavrentios family house which has been recently restored and converted into a conference and cultural center.

The House of Lavrentios

This was the martyrs’ Lavrentios family house which has been recently restored and converted into a conference and cultural center. Lavrentios was the bishop of Kyrenia who was executed by the Ottoman Turks in 1821. He was born in Kalopanayiotis and lived the first 16 years of his life in the village attending school at the nearby monastery of Lampadistis. The museum of Lavrentios is housed in one of the ground floor rooms whose original character has not been altered.
The Byzantine Museum

It is situated next to the Lampadistis monastery. Here one can find exhibited ecclesiastical artifax that survived though the centuries in the monastery and the other village churches.

The Byzantine Museum

It is situated next to the Lampadistis monastery. Here one can find exhibited ecclesiastical artifax that survived though the centuries in the monastery and the other village churches. All the exhibits have been well maintained and preserved. The building served as the first primary school of the village. It was converted to a museum in October 2000.

Agios Ioannis Lampadistis Monastery
Ayios Andronikos and Saint Athanasia Chapel

Agios Ioannis Lampadistis Monastery

It is situated on the east side of the Setrachos river opposite the old village center. In 1985 UNESCO included the monastery together with eight other…

Ayios Andronikos and Saint Athanasia Chapel

This church is a remarkable ancient monument and enjoys the care of the Department of Antiquities of Cyprus.

Agios Ioannis Lampadistis Monastery

It is situated on the east side of the Setrachos river opposite the old village center. In 1985 UNESCO included the monastery together with eight other…

Agios Ioannis Lampadistis Monastery

It is situated on the east side of the Setrachos river opposite the old village center. In 1985 UNESCO included the monastery together with eight other chapels on the Troodos range in the world heritage list. The monastery with its well preserved frescos, icons, wood carved doors etc is one of the most interesting byzantine sites of Cyprus and this together with the six other 13th – 17th century chapels rightly justify Kalopanayiotis being referred to as “the byzantine destination of Cyprus”. The katholicon (monastery church), which is dedicated to Saint Herakleidios, is dated to the 11th century. Among the wall-paintings of the narthex there is an inscription, dated to the 15th century, which describes this church as “katholiki”
Ayios Andronikos and Saint Athanasia Chapel

This church is a remarkable ancient monument and enjoys the care of the Department of Antiquities of Cyprus.

Ayios Andronikos and Saint Athanasia Chapel

This church is a remarkable ancient monument and enjoys the care of the Department of Antiquities of Cyprus. It consists of the sanctuary, the nave and narthex. He pointed tiled roof as almost all Byzantine churches of the village and retains a large number of frescoes of the 16th century. Unfortunately, the southern wall of the church collapsed due to poor maintenance and destroyed him and the wall paintings that adorned it.Today we can admire in the west pediment “Dramatic Crucifixion” and the arch of the sanctuary the Virgin between the archangels. In the northern wall there are zones with Saints as the Saints Vechianos, Peter and Paul, Anthony and Savvas Saint Barbara and Saint Friday. The venerated image of Saints Andronikos and Athanasia (13th-14th century) which was stolen in 1936 and found in New York after 70 years is one of the treasures of eikonofylakiou. The church celebrates on October 9.

Activities
and Attractions

Cyprus villages offers a variety of places to visit. Places, both familiar and unfamiliar, that will soothe you and provide you with utter serenity and beauty. From Kalopanagiotis to other villages, one can escape and experience a lovely and easygoing atmosphere.

Healing Waters in Cyprus

Healing Waters

Churches and Chapels in Kalopanagiotis in Cyprus

Churches and Chapels

Cycling

Cycling

It is countless trails in the area to individual roads suitable for this activity. Note that only the main road Kalopanayiotis – Troodos has a lot of traffic. The rural roads House Kalopanayiotis Moutoullas ideal for cycling (see. Kalopanayiotis Charter). In any accommodation rented bikes for the regulars.
Phototography

Phototography

The beauties and attractions impress visitors. Considered perfect destination for photography groups and generally for lovers of photographic art.

The Venetian Bridge in Cyprus

The Venetian Bridge

Architectural Heritage

Architectural Heritage

One of Kalopanayiotis main attractions is the large number of houses built in the old mountain village traditional style. Many of the old houses are built in this manner and the department of Antiquity has declared them “monuments” or “properties for preservation”. These houses are being gradually restored in co-operation with the antiquities department and converted into tourist accommodation units. The European Union has been very instrumental in facilitating finances for these projects.
Natural Spa

Natural Spa

The Kalopanagiotis is known as the chief spa town of Cyprus. The visitor here can benefit from the thermal baths of sulphurous waters, the spa, massage and swimming. These services are offered in some accommodation establishments.

The Watermill in Cyprus

The Watermill

Kalopanayiotis Cultural & Conference Centre in Cyprus

Kalopanayiotis Cultural
& Conference Centre

Excursions

Excursions

Visits to eat or rest at picnic sites like:

1) “Xerarkaka”, featuring a playground, benches, space for spit roasting and drinking water

2) Area of Thermal Springs, the watermill and the gorge Source for breakfast or snack

3) Picnic area of “Marathos” located on the road Pedoulas – Kakopetria and has drinking water, benches and space for roasting spit

4) Private farms or private riverside parks
Hiking or Running

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Hiking or Running

The beautiful trails in the village and surrounding countryside with breathtaking views and rich vegetation, nature trails along the river Setrachou challenge for hikers. “The Study of Nature Trail” is a unique experience.

Fishing

Fishing

In the dams of Kalopanayiotis and Poplar located in Village limits of Kalopanayiotis permitted fishing. The erasitexnes fishermen are keen for dams where trout. Trout survives in mountainous and hilly areas where the switching temperature of the water is steep for this trout do not exist in all dams.
Quad Bike Safari

Quad Bike Safari

Feel the excitement of driving a powerful four-wheel bike in some of the most stunning locations of the Cypriot countryside. The four-wheel motorcycle riding is not dependent on the weather and is therefore an activity for all time.

Excursions to the Surrounding Area in Cyprus

Excursions to the Surrounding Area

All Accommodation

Vasilikis House
Casale Panagiotis
Del Conte
Kalopanayiotis Museum Studio
Anastou’s Traditional House
ATRATSA Mountain Suites
Kalopanayiotis Cottage
I Plateia
Maison Elena
Hani Chrysomilou
This Traditional Stone Built Cottage

The best Restaurants in the Village of Kalopanayiotis

Theoxenia Kalopanayiotis

Theoxenia Kalopanayiotis

TIME
10:00 am – 11:00 pm FOR RESERVATIONS
Tel: +357 22 952000
Pantheon

Pantheon

TIME
10:00 am – 22:00 pm FOR RESERVATIONS
Tel: +357 22 952444
Byzantino Restaurant

Byzantino Restaurant

TIME
12:30 am – 11:00 pm FOR RESERVATIONS
Tel: +357 22 952444
Restaurant Loutraki

Restaurant Loutraki

TIME
12:00 am – 22:00 pm FOR RESERVATIONS
Tel: +357 22 952444

LOVE & EXPLORE KALOPANAYIOTIS VILLAGE

Pedoulas Village

Written by chooseyourcyprus on 15/11/2021. Posted in Nicosia, Troodos Villages.

Pedoulas Village in Cyprus

Pedoulas Village

Nicosia

PEDOULAS WEATHER

The beautiful village of Pedoulas

Pedoulas Village in Cyprus

Pedoulas is situated on the northern flanks of the Troodos range, 1200 meters, above sea level, and is thw loftiest village of the Marathasa valley.Its history dates back in the Byzantine times. According to tradition, Pedoulas, as well as many other Marathasa settlements, were established during the Byzantine period, when the Arab raids forced the Cypriots to leave the coastal areas and move to safer places in the mountains.

Folkloric Museum
Byzantine Museum

Folkloric Museum

In this establishment, historic items of people’s everyday life are exhibited.There are items that reflect a long forgotten…

Byzantine Museum

The Byzantine Museum is located opposite the Byzantine Church of the Archangelos Michael. It was established in 1999..

Folkloric Museum

In this establishment, historic items of people’s everyday life are exhibited.There are items that reflect a long forgotten…

Folkloric Museum

In this establishment, historic items of people’s everyday life are exhibited. There are items that reflect a long forgotten way of life, the occupations and customs of the villagers many years ago. All these have established the historical and cultural heritage of the village.
Byzantine Museum

The Byzantine Museum is located opposite the Byzantine Church of the Archangelos Michael. It was established in 1999..

Byzantine Museum

The Byzantine Museum is located opposite the Byzantine Church of the Archangelos Michael. It was established in 1999 to house and preserve exclusively icons and holy objects, taken from the six ancient Byzantine Chapels of the village.

Archangelos Unesco Church
Timios Stavros Church

Timios Stavros Church

The impressive church of the Holy Cross, in the centre of the village, with its large central dome and two tall belfries…

Archangelos Unesco Church

One of the most significant sites of interest in Pedoulas is the church of Archangelos Michael, dating back in 1474…

Archangelos Unesco Church

One of the most significant sites of interest in Pedoulas is the church of Archangelos Michael, dating back in 1474…

Archangelos Unesco Church

One of the most significant sites of interest in Pedoulas is the church of Archangelos Michael, dating back in 1474, it is one of the ten churches on the World Heritage List and is considered one of the most important Byzantine churches in Cyprus. Its walls are covered with superb frescoes.
Timios Stavros Church

The impressive church of the Holy Cross, in the centre of the village, with its large central dome and two tall belfries…

Timios Stavros Church

The impressive church of the Holy Cross, in the centre of the village, with its large central dome and two tall belfries, is another site of interest, dating back to 1935. Its beautiful iconostasis and vividly coloured wall paintings are also features of interest. Within the church a very precious Cross is kept. One of its sides is gold-plated and represents the Nativity while the other side represents the Crucifixion. Inside the Cross there are original relics of Saints.

Activities
and Attractions

Cyprus’s agrotourism offers a variety of places to visit. Places, both familiar and unfamiliar, that will soothe you and provide you with utter serenity and beauty. From Pedoulas to other villages, one can escape and experience a lovely and easygoing atmosphere.

25 Meters Cross

Cherry Festival in Cyprus

Cherry Festival

Makarios Statue

Makarios Statue

The statue of the late Archbishop Makarios the III, the first President of the Cyprus Republic, was erected in Ilisia Square in 1981 as an expression of honor and gratitude in memory of a great leader.
Natural Trails

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Water Springs

Water Springs

Βecause of the proximity to the forest, there is abundant supply of water from natural springs. Very tasteful and digestive. It is considered to be among the best drinking waters of the island.
The Old Cedar

The Old Cedar

The famous cedar tree of Pedoulas, at the outskirts of the village, on the left of the main road to Kalopanagiotis. Its about five centuries old, has a height of 18 meters and an 80cm diameter trunk.

Cycling Routes in Cyprus

Cycling Routes

All Accommodation

Elyssia Hotel
Mountain Rose Garden Hotel
Christys Palace Hotel
Two Flowers Hotel
Vasiliki Guest House

The best Restaurants in the Village of Pedoulas

Elyssia Restaurant

Elyssia Restaurant

The restaurant and cafeteria of the Elyssia Hotel offer an exceptional array of homemade Cypriot dishes, traditional sweets, crepes and coffees.

TIME
10:00 AM – 22:00 PM FOR RESERVATIONS
Tel: +357 22953737
Platanos Restaurant

Platanos Restaurant

Platanos restaurant of the well known Mr Louis has now extended its services to clients with high expectations by offering them an unforgettable stay in spacious and fully furnished apartments near the restaurant.

Visitors can now enjoy the comfort and splendour of the Cypriot house, the magic and beauty of the scenery, the calm of nature, the excellent food and the unique hospitality of Louis, that quarantees memorable holidays.

TIME
11:00 AM – 22:00 FOR RESERVATIONS
Tel: +357 22953737

LOVE & EXPLORE PEDOULAS VILLAGE

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Paphos Agrotourism Village

Written by chooseyourcyprus on 12/11/2021. Posted in Agrotourism Village.

Paphos Villages in Cyprus

Paphos Villages

Agrotourism

PAPHOS WEATHER

Few words

Agrotourism is becoming an ever more popular trend in Cyprus in recent years. “Agro” means rural. Thus, people staying in traditional rural or mountainous village houses, is known in Cyprus as “Agrotourism”. If you prefer the charm of a quiet rural environment to the hustle and bustle of a tourist resort you can choose one of many idyllic places to stay. These properties consist of traditional village houses that have been renovated…. All have modern kitchens and bathrooms and are furnished with rustic furniture and soft comfortable furnishings in a traditional weave. Most of the houses have a garden, where you can enjoy such delights as lemons and oranges fresh from the trees therein. You can enjoy the comfort of a house that will soon feel like home, many of which come with a swimming pool.

Panagia in Cyprus

Panagia

Panagia is a mountainous picturesque village in Cyprus, located at an altitude of 900m in the Paphos mountain range, at the outskirts of Paphos forest.

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Fiti in Cyprus

Fiti

The small, traditional village of Fyti can be found off the E712, about 20 kilometres from Polis. Due to an altitude of 680 metres.

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Choulou in Cyprus

Choulou

There are many wonderful sights and memorials for anyone visiting this beautiful historical village of Houlou, such as the many Chapels.

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Tochni Village

Tochni Village

The beautiful village of Tochni

Tochni Village

Ecclesiastical Museum

Ecclesiastical Museum

Ecclesiastical Museum

Ecclesiastical Museum

Ecclesiastical Museum

Sts. Kostantinos & Eleni Church

Stavros Ruined Church

Sts. Kostantinos & Eleni Church

Sts. Kostantinos & Eleni Church

Stavros Ruined Church

Stavros Ruined Church

Sts. Kostantinos & Eleni Church

Sts. Kostantinos & Eleni Church

Stavros Ruined Church

Stavros Ruined Church

Activities and Attractions

Tochni Bridges

Tochni Bridges

Cycling Routes

Cycling Routes

Nature Trails

Nature Trails

Sts. Konstantinos & Eleni Feas

Sts. Konstantinos & Eleni Feas

Climbing

Climbing

Mosque

Mosque

Tochni School

Tochni School

Quarry

Quarry

All Accommodation

Cyprus Villages Agrotourism

Eveleos Country House

Vasilopoulos House

Danae House

Vasilikos House

Myrto House

Dolphin Guest House and Studios

Adamos Hotel Apartments

Mespilo House, Panoramic Apartments

Niovi House

Vrakas House

Apartment Myrto House

Kleanthis House

Apartment Vasilikos House-3

Apartment Vasilikos House-1

Apartment Danae House

Apartment Adamos House

Apartment Mespilo House

The best Restaurants in the Village of Tochni

Tochni Tavern

LOVE & EXPLORE TOCHNI VILLAGE

Pano Lefkara Village

Pano Lefkara Village

The beautiful village of Pano Lefkara

Pano Lefkara Village

The Folk Art Museum

Lefkara laces or Lefkaritika

The Folk Art Museum

The Folk Art Museum

Lefkara laces or Lefkaritika

Lefkara laces or Lefkaritika

The Folk Art Museum

The Folk Art Museum

Lefkara laces or Lefkaritika

Lefkara laces or Lefkaritika

Timios Stavros Church

Panagia Livadiotissa Chapel

Timios Stavros Church

Timios Stavros Church

Panagia Livadiotissa Chapel

Panagia Livadiotissa Chapel

Timios Stavros Church

Timios Stavros Church

Activities
and Attractions

Activities
and Attractions

The best Restaurants in the Village of
Pano Lefkara