Month: December 2015

Although located in the Lefkosia (Nicosia) district, due to the Turkish invasion of 1974, the village of Kato Pyrgos is now only accessible via the Pafos (Paphos) region; reached by-following the A1 and the A6 motorways. After arriving at Pafos, take the B7, then the E704 to find the village in the heart of the beautiful area of Tylliria.

Built on the northern foothills of Troodos, the village uniquely combines coastal front with hillsides, and its surroundings of both beach and mountains – coupled with the fresh fish that comes from the fishing shelter of the village – make it a popular holiday resort.

The village is also home to the historic and significant Chapel of Panagia tis Galoktistis (Virgin Mary) which contains hagiographies dating back to the 12th and 14th centuries. Legend tells that the chapel was built with milk (‘Galoktistis’ in Greek) after the Virgin Mary answered the prayers of the villagers to heal their diseased sheep.

An old oak tree stands in the village square, dating back to 1898, and is over 20 metres high.In the nearby fields of the village, a variety of fruit is cultivated, and Pyrgos peaches are particularly famous. Kato Pyrgos is also known as one of the island’s main natural charcoal producers.

Located in the Lefkosia (Nicosia) district, 56 km away from the capital, the small village of Katydata can be reached by following the B9 towards the mountainous region of the Solea Valley.

The village has two rivers passing through it –  Karkotis and Setrahos – which give it its name, derived from the words ‘kato’ (under) and ‘ydor’ (water). It has maintained this name through the centuries and was referred to as ‘Cattidata’ in Medieval times.

Its main church is dedicated to Agios Ioannis Theologos, and was built in 1870, on top of the relics of an older church.

The nearby Skouriotissa copper mine has been exploited since antiquity and was – and still is – the biggest on the island. It is the only active mine in Cyprus today, and still produces copper cathodes. Nearby, there is also an interesting mine museum that showcases the mining activity of the area.

Located in the Lefkosia (Nicosia) district, just 36 km from the capital, the small mountainous village of Gourri sits at the foothills of the Machairas mountain forest – in the Pitsilia area – and can be reached by following the E903 and then the E904.

There are various versions of how the village was founded and named. One tells that it was established around 800 AD, taking its name from the Kourries clan who were in control of the east side of the mountain, whilst another believes it comes from the Frankish feudal lord, Jacob de Gourr.

Aside from its charming character and scenic views, the village also has an interesting Folk Art Museum, which opened in 2015, as well as the church of Agios Georgios. According to an ancient inscription in the interior of the church, the inauguration occurred on May 24, 1898, whilst sections of its iconostasis date back to 1906.

While visiting Gourri, take the opportunity to purchase local, traditionally-made sweets and preserves, including homemade marmalades and ‘glyka tou koutaliou’ (fruit and vegetables preserved in syrup), all made by the local housewives. A short drive away you will also find the scenic village of Fikardou and Machairas Monastery.

Located in the Lefkosia (Nicosia) district, Fikardou village sits at an altitude of 900 metres in the region of Pitsilia. The historical site can be reached by following the E903 and then the E904, finally reaching this secluded and idyllic village.

The name of the village is believed to have originated from the Greek for ‘den of fugitives’ (‘figa andron’), from the fugitives who were recruited by two dominant clans that controlled the region between 400 AD – 800 AD.

Now almost-deserted, the village was declared an Ancient Monument in 1978 by the department of antiquities, and won the Europa Nostra award in 1987. The village was carefully restored to preserve the 18th century houses with their remarkable woodwork and folk architecture. Two of these – the House of Katsinioros, and the House of Achilleas Dimitris – are now owned by the Department of Antiquities, and have been turned into museums, exhibiting rural items and depicting rural life in years past.

After touring the village, visitors will find a traditional Cypriot welcome at the quaint little coffee shop, whilst the Monastery of Machairas is less than 15 minutes away.

Located in the Lefkosia (Nicosia) district, the village of Evrychou is the agricultural centre of the Solea region. Located about 50 km southwest of Lefkosia, the village can be reached by following the B10, and then the B9 straight to the heart of Solea Valley.

Its verdant landscape is dotted with small streams that run down the slopes towards the Karkotis Valley, which is lined with rockroses, terebinths, fleabanes, and pine trees. Although the village is a major producer of many kinds of fruit, it is most famous for its apples.

Evrychou retains its traditional character with old houses made of local stone, with tiled inclining roofs and wooden balconies. Amongst its village churches, the most notable are those of Agios Georgios and Agia Marina. The old water mills of the village ‘Mill of Styllis’ are also a must-see, and serve as an excellent example of Cypriot folk architecture.

A unique attraction of the village is the Cyprus Railways Museum, which is housed in the old railway station. Original documents, drawings, photos and various objects related to the now-defunct Cyprus railway system are exhibited, along with scale models of the main stations and rolling stock.