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The village of Vavatsinia was founded during the Arabic raids.
The first inhabitants were shepherds coming from the nearby villages Panayia, Ayios Nicolaos and Ayia Marina.
The residents of these villages had to leave the shore to escape from the Arabs and to find rescue on the mountains, together with their animals.
Vavatsinia Village
History
The village of Vavatsinia was founded during the Arabic raids.
The first inhabitants were shepherds coming from the nearby villages Panayia, Ayios Nicolaos and Ayia Marina.
The residents of these villages had to leave the shore to escape from the Arabs and to find rescue on the mountains, together with their animals.
The village has taken its name from one black currant tree, which still exists by the river and its producing big black currants.
The specific tree’s root was a natural water source and was a meeting place of travelers coming from the nearby villages of Ayioi Vavatsinias, Odou, Ora towards the village Lefkara.
Members of the village who have participated in the struggles of the Greek nation in the last two centuries :
– Kyriakos Christou. According to the book by Loizos Philippou, ‘cypriot Fighters’ published by the Archdiocese of Cyprus, Kyriakos Christou from Vavatsinia took part in the Greek struggle for independese of 1821.
– Nicos Patsalos. Nicos took part in the struggle for independence of 1955-1959. He was a very popular member of the village.
– Alexandros Papachristophorou. During the Turkish invasion Alexandros fought at Mia Milia and is one of the many missing persons. Both his parents were from Vavatsinia.
The Holy church of Saint George
The church of The All Holy Mother of God
The Holy church of Saint George
“This is the main church in the village, dedicated to saint George The Glorious. It was built in 1912…
The Holy church of Saint George
“This is the main church in the village, dedicated to saint George The Glorious. It was built in 1912 and entirely paid for by Michalis Tsolakides who had emigrated to Egypt but who never forgot his village of Vavatsinia. The church which is of the basilica style is to the 23 April and on 3 November. The church was built on the spot where there was a large “Trimithia” bush where villagers used to light a candle in honour of saint George.
The church of The All Holy Mother of God
“This was the first church of the village, was rebuilt in 1850 and is located east of the village.
The church of The All Holy Mother of God
“This was the first church of the village, was rebuilt in 1850 and is located east of the village. The church is famous for its singular “gynaeconiti” or gynaeceum (ladies section discreetly situated on a first floor level at the rear of the church) and is under the protection of the Antiquities Department. The church commemorates on 15 August after celebrations ensue.
The Holy church of Saint George
“This is the main church in the village, dedicated to saint George The Glorious. It was built in 1912…
The Holy church of Saint George
“This is the main church in the village, dedicated to saint George The Glorious. It was built in 1912 and entirely paid for by Michalis Tsolakides who had emigrated to Egypt but who never forgot his village of Vavatsinia. The church which is of the basilica style is to the 23 April and on 3 November. The church was built on the spot where there was a large “Trimithia” bush where villagers used to light a candle in honour of saint George.
The church of The All Holy Mother of God
“This was the first church of the village, was rebuilt in 1850 and is located east of the village.
The church of The All Holy Mother of God
“This was the first church of the village, was rebuilt in 1850 and is located east of the village. The church is famous for its singular “gynaeconiti” or gynaeceum (ladies section discreetly situated on a first floor level at the rear of the church) and is under the protection of the Antiquities Department. The church commemorates on 15 August after celebrations ensue.
The church of Christ the saviour
Panagia Chapel (of Koumniou)
The church of Christ the saviour
This a small church located north of the village on the Machairas road.
The church of Christ the saviour
This a small church located north of the village on the Machairas road. It was built on land donated by Mrs. Androulla Palate and the remains of an old church dedicated to Saint Nicolaos; it is to be found south east of the village.
Panagia Chapel
(of Koumniou)
The “Koumniou” church of the Holy Mother of God. It was constructed in 1979…
Panagia Chapel (of Koumniou)
The “Koumniou” church of the Holy Mother of God. It was constructed in 1979 to replace an earlier Chapel that had been demolished.Unfortunately, it is in desperate need of repair, and the church committee hopes to gather funds to construct a new one based on the original’s design.
The church of Christ the saviour
This a small church located north of the village on the Machairas road.
The church of Christ the saviour
This a small church located north of the village on the Machairas road. It was built on land donated by Mrs. Androulla Palate and the remains of an old church dedicated to Saint Nicolaos; it is to be found south east of the village.
Panagia Chapel (of Koumniou)
The “Koumniou” church of the Holy Mother of God. It was constructed in 1979…
Panagia Chapel (of Koumniou)
The “Koumniou” church of the Holy Mother of God. It was constructed in 1979 to replace an earlier Chapel that had been demolished.Unfortunately, it is in desperate need of repair, and the church committee hopes to gather funds to construct a new one based on the original’s design.
Vavatsinia Nature
Vavatsinia Nature
At the village of Vavatsinia you can enjoy an amazing climate, in one of the cleanest area of Cyprus, where its climate is semi-arid. The landscape is spectacular, covered with closed broadleaved deciduous forest. The climate is classified as mild with dry and hot during the summer season, which is the usual climate that you can find in the mountain villages of Cyprus, following the climate of Mediterranean.
Village Square
Village Square
The square of the village is situated at the entrance of the village. It has been constructed paved after the initiative of the Community Council and the funding of the District Administration Larnaca.
The square & park
The square and park
The square and park to be found within the area of the village stream, and where the first well of the village is situated which was the main source of drinking water at the time. There where also dug a number of other underground sources of water to augment the village’s water supply. From the square the visitor can walk along the footpath which crisscrosses the stream and can then rest on the platform to be found at its lower part.
Athasia (almond tree) footpath
Athasia (almond tree) footpath
This is north of the village and one comes across it on travelling to Machairas Monastery. Signposts are to be found giving directions leading to the Athasia cave. The area where the cave is located is called Kakarmata and is within the forest of Machairas. The cave was excavated during the Frankish period by prospectors for copper.
Village Architecture
Village Architecture
At Vavatsinia village you can find traditional houses and buildings, were you can explore the ancient architecture of the village, discovering at the same time the ancient history of the village through centuries of history.
Distillery
Distillery
This is to be found at the centre of the village and was renovated in 2007. The distiller is a gift from Kyriakos Agathokli and is used by many villagers for the making of zivania.
The old pine tree
The old pine tree
The old pine tree, the trade mark of the village. It s to be found on the grounds of the Saint George coffee house. The building which houses the coffee house was the first schoolhouse of the village. From statements made by the village elders the school preceded saint George’s church and the pine tree was planted by school children.
The indigenous tree called ‘Vavatsinia’(mulberry tree)
The indigenous tree called ‘Vavatsinia’(mulberry tree)
At Vavatsinia village you can find traditional houses and buildings, were you can explore the ancient architecture of the village, discovering at the same time the ancient history of the village through centuries of history.
Machairas Cycling Route
Machairas Cycling Route
Vavatsinia village is a great point for cyclist. The most popular cycling route is the Machairas route. This 25 kilometres excursion ascends into Machairas forest and on to the Pitsylia area. From Machairas Monastery the route heads west passing through the small villages of Lazanias and Gouri, where it turns south to Farmakas. From Farmakas it heads southwest, descending towards the main Lefkosia (Nicosia) – Palaichori road, with Palaichori dam to the left. From there the road turns left to go through Apliki, climbing steadily for 5 kilometres until it reaches Palaichori itself.
Start Point: Machairas monastery
End Point: Palaichori
Total Distance: 25 kilometres
Difficulty Rate: Although the entire route is on paved roads, there are several steep uphills. It requires a street bicycle with at least 14 speeds or a mountain bike with 21 speeds.
Road Conditions: For the most part this route is on paved roads.
Height Gain: 240 metres
The School
The School
This is to be found on the eastern part of the village. It was built in 1945 by HadjiSocrates Papaloizou who had emigrated to Egypt but always had the interest of the village at heart. The regeneration of the school gardens was undertaken by volunteers from the village.
Vavatsinia Camping Site
Vavatsinia Camping Site
The camping site of Vavatsinia it’s been used by visitors and tourists, both foreign and Cyprus residents, especially during the summer season. The site it’s located about 2 to 3 km from the village and it is in the heart of the forest near Vavatsinia.
Elenis traditional dairy
Elenis traditional dairy
Situated behind the main church this dairy run by Eleni and her family produces excellent halloumi cheese, anari and trachana.
Tel: 00357 24342812
The sanctified Place (‘Agiasma’) of Saint George of Vavatsinia
The sanctified Place (‘Agiasma’) of Saint George of Vavatsinia
It is to be found at the centre of the village near the main church and the spring water at its site is held to be reverent
Events
Events
The Events of the village, Christmas, Easter and Summer (Panagias Name Day celebrate the Community) organized by the Community Council and the Youth Centre and supported by the Association of Expatriates and Friends Vavatsinias.
The best Restaurants in the Village of Vavatsinia
Vavatsinia Tavern “Takis”
| TIME 08:00 am – 21:00 pm |
FOR RESERVATIONS Tel: +357 24 342780 |
|
H Perinia
| TIME 10:00 AM – 22:00 PM |
FOR RESERVATIONS Tel: +357 243 42966 |
|
Marias Restaurant
Located at the entrance to the village this restaurant can cater for small or large numbers of people and still traditional food, sweets and a variety of jams and marmalades are prepared by Maria and her family. The view is breathtaking.
| EMAIL estiatoriomarias@gmail.com |
FOR RESERVATIONS Tel: +357 24 342640 |
|
