Category: Villages

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Pomos – Portrait of a Cypriot Village

Pomos is one of the remaining unspoiled and undisturbed areas of Paphos. An ideal location to get away from it all.

Pomos village, hanging on the cliffs of west coast Cyprus, lies about 20 km afar from Polis Chrysochous, on the way to Akamas nature reserve. It is a laid back village very peaceful and quiet. It is ideal for those wanting to live the authentic Cyprus way of life, away from the hassle and bustle of tourist’s resorts. This tranquil and calm area prides itself with amazing views of the coastline and sandy beaches, making it the ideal place for rest and relaxation.

BEACH

The beach that shows up in front of you is not only virgin but it has expansion of one kilometre. The beach of Pomos has something special. It has enough width and it is constituted from a fine but also coarse-grained sand, mixed with few colourful pebbles. Until the Akrotiri it is probably one from the most picturesque seaside water side of Cyprus. The mountain falls almost vertically to the sea while the chutes are covered with pines and fruit-bearing trees. Besides the lacy water sides with the numerous coves and the pointy small capes, give the scenery a unique picturesqueness.

Just now, some tourist apartments appeared in this remote silent place. This tourist units are the most impressive sight in the sand. The sand between the navy blue color of the sea and that of the pines, solitary and almost unknown in the wide public, is attractive to those who are interested in relaxation peace and quietness. You can only hear the noise of the waves. You feel your body to be penetrated by a soft cool breeze. You enjoy a limpid clear sky ,with stars that send you their bright or blurred light.

This incomparable beauty and peace, this sublime harmony in light and colour that you meet here in the sand of Pomos is something rare. It is probably, this moment, the most quiet tourist place of the island. So few visitors, local and foreigners to enjoy this expanded virgin sand! It is not sure though how long this peace and lonely life of this place will last.

PORT

The littoral place of the village contributed to the development of fishery. In the offshore area next to the Akron Pomos, there is a fishery shelter which in 1984 took in four fish boats that kept busy seven residents of the area. With state expenses since 1983 the port of the area developed significantly.

The professional fishermen but the amateurs too have enclosed the area all over enjoying the fresh alluring fish.

Today, the development is enough bigger, in an extent that fresh fish does not only serve the people who are there to enjoy the marvellous sight but also the restaurants of the area.

CAPE

The cape of Pomos or the Akron Pomos as it is more known , is in the area of Tilirias about two kilometres north of the village in which he took its name . Its formation took place because of the hard rock that is around it and which resisted the mordant energy of the waves. The route from the nearby village Nea Dimmata until the Akro Pomo is perhaps one of the most picturesque offshore routes in Cyprus. The mountain falls almost vertically to the sea while the steep slopes are covered with pines and fruit bearing trees. Besides the lacy seaside with the numerous coves and the sharp small capes give the scenery a unique picturesqueness.

DRAGON’S CAVE

In the past tradition said that ships arrived in the area and made burglaries. In this cave there was the famous Dragon who protected the area from all the evil things that happened then. It is a rocky cave, with an opening to the sea some kilometres further from the port, to the cape. The cave has lots of depth and sweet water comes from there.

SUNSET

While the sunset begins, the few scattered clouds take a soft golden colour and create a marvellous view. The Sunset here is Bucolic and blissful, wonderful and wild, head along this far north western coast of the island. The location of Pomos is the ideal place to watch the sunset. The scenery and nature are unique. Even in the same place every sunset is different from day to day. Pomos is one of the best sunset view points not only in Cyprus but all over Europe.

PACHYAMMOS

The small village of Pachyammos, just 3,5 km from Pomos is majestically beautiful and the mountains lead straight into the sea. The main point of interest is the impressive church of Agios Rafael, an important pilgrimage site for the faithful due to the belief in the miraculous curing powers of the saint.

The narrow sandy Blue Flag beach of Pachyammos makes for a nice stop Pachyammos Village Beach is an idyllic refuge for those seeking a remote and private stretch of bay to enjoy their day in tranquillity. The scenery and the views ascending the hill are simply amazing. Drive through the serpentine mountain road and enjoy the beautiful contrast of the wild green of Tiliria on your left and the dramatic coastline of hill girt bays and seaweed-covered rocky shores in the deep blue colours of the Mediterranean on your right. .

WHERE TO STAY?

Stunning natural environment, friendly, laid back people, great apartments and villas for your accommodation, wonderful beaches, stunning sunset, Pomos is the ideal place for those seeking active holidays in the nature.

Pomos is built next to the sea , in a medium height of 10 metres. The scenery of the village has an obvious leaning to the sea. The creation of tourist units in the enchanting beach of the village, offered the opportunity to the foreigners but to the local people to enjoy the magic of the scenery and their calm. Located on the north – west part of Cyprus, Pomos is an area of natural beauties, excellent sea and beaches. The National Park of Akamas Peninsula is just a few kilometres away. Akamas peninsula: The national park of Akamas is just next to Polis Chrysochous. From Polis you are able to explore this unique unspoilt area.

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Pedoulas – Portrait of a Cypriot Village

Located in the Troodos mountains, in the Marathasa Valley of the Lefkosia (Nicosia) district, the village of Pedoulas sits at an altitude of 1.100 metres. It can be reached from Lefkosia by following the E901, then the B9, followed by the E908, and finally the F960.

Pedoulas sits amidst orchards and is particularly known for its cherries and the products made from the fruit.

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. During the Frankish and Venetian periods, Pedoulas was considered a royal estate. Pedoulas was the pioneer centre for tourism, due to its excellent climate and picturesque scenery. Initially, visitors in the 19th century were accommodated in local traditional houses and hotel tourism wasn’t developed until the beginning of the 20th century.

After the Second World War, Pedoulas’ economy prospered and it became the cultural and commercial centre of the fourteen villages which form the Marathasa Valley.

There were schools, churches, public buildings and services, water supply systems, tanneries and an extensive cultivation of cherries and vineyards, its cherry produce was the largest in Cyprus.

Tourists and visitors can enjoy the exceptional climate and unique scenery in a tranquil setting, at the same time taste a great variety of fruits and its pure and healthy water. Above all, they will experience the friendly and traditional hospitality of the villages.

The village is very significant in religious terms thanks to its important church of Archangelos Michael (1474), which ranks among the most impressive Byzantine churches in Cyprus with its amazing frescos. The church is part of the route of 10 Byzantine churches, which are included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Close to the church is the Pedoulas Byzantine Museum, which was established in order to house and preserve icons and artefacts from churches in the region, with exhibits dating from the 12th century.

Its other interesting sites include the Folk Art Museum, which exhibits the villager’s daily way of life, customs and traditions of the past, and the natural spring, which is said to hold the key to longevity. Many visitors enjoy a refreshing drink of water from the spring when they pass through the village, or stay for a while at one of its quaint hotels.

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. During the Frankish and Venetian periods, Pedoulas was considered a royal estate. Pedoulas was the pioneer centre for tourism, due to its excellent climate and picturesque scenery. Initially, visitors in the 19th century were accommodated in local traditional houses and hotel tourism wasn’t developed until the beginning of the 20th century.

After the Second World War, Pedoulas’ economy prospered and it became the cultural and commercial centre of the fourteen villages which form the Marathasa Valley.

There were schools, churches, public buildings and services, water supply systems, tanneries and an extensive cultivation of cherries and vineyards, its cherry produce was the largest in Cyprus.

Tourists and visitors can enjoy the exceptional climate and unique scenery in a tranquil setting, at the same time taste a great variety of fruits and its pure and healthy water. Above all, they will experience the friendly and traditional hospitality of the villages.

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Kokkinotrimithia – Portrait of a Cypriot Village

Kokkinotrimithia is a village in the Nicosia district in Cyprus and it is about 11 kilometres from the city of Nicosia. According to the inventory in 2011 it had 4.077 residents. It borders with Mammary which is at the north of the village, the Paleometocho which is at the south and Akaki which is to the east. The residential area of Kokkinotrimithia is divided into three zones, A and B communities and the central village. Also Kokkinotrimithia is the industrial area of the capital.
The population of Kokkinotrimithia is 5000 residents according to the inventory in 2013. History Kokkinotrimithia appeared on the Venetian maps as Tremitousa and according to Voustronius, is was given to Belaraz during the 14th century. According to the same historian during 1464-1468 it was given to the Venetian Louka Bragdine. However the history of Kokkinotrimithia becomes lost in the depth of history until the Age of the copper.
The village became well known was a prison camp where thousands of Greek-Cypriots were taken prisoners during the freedom war of EOKA 1955-1959. The prison camp was built by the English so that the political prisoners would be held there. It is located about 2km from the village and it operated during the end of 1955 until the beginning of 1959.
The camp is made up of many tall rows of wire, with wooden towers for the guards. After the Turkish invasion in 1974, the village had many refugees which increased the population and extended the residential area with the two refugee communities. To the north of Kokinotrimithia is the building of the Police Station which originally was a train station which operated in Cyprus during the first half of the 20th century. Architecture The centre of the community exhibits very nice samples of the local architecture.
Kokkinotrimithia has a total of five churches, four which have an interested due to their antiquity. In the centre there is the church of the Virgin Mary which is dated back to 1905. A little further there is a beautiful chapel of Saint George , which seems to be built on the ruins of an older church built during the 11th or 12th century and is a true gem for the community.
At the old cemetery there is an old church of the Archangel Michael which was built during the 16th century. The community churches The church of Entry of the Virgin Mary It is located between two churches, Archangel Michel and Saint George and it is devoted to the entry of the Virgin Mary.
According to witnesses, they began building the church in 1900 and it was completed in 1906. The church is built with stone and is celebrated on the 21st of November every year. The church of Archangel Michael It is the most ancient church in the village and the exact date which it was built is unknown.
In historical books it is mentioned as the 16th century and in others in the 17th century. From the description of the church it is definite that it was completed by 1615. According to witnesses, this small chapel seems to be a chapel of the medieval feud because it is known even today as being Venetian.
To the right of the church there is a mural of Archangel Michael in very bad condition. The surrounding area of the church is used as a cemetery. The church of Saint George According to tradition the four churches in the village form a cross and that is why the fifth one was built later on. One of these churches is that of Saint George. It was built in the area which were the ruins of an older church and the residents lit candles to honour Saint George.
The builders managed to preserve some of the parts of the first chapel and it was rebuilt in 1989. At the church courtyard there is a monument in honour of the fallen and missing persons from the 1974 war. The church of Saint Mamandos It is located at the west of the village, in the area of Petrakoura. It was built a little while after the invasion at the first refugee community.
The church is about 6×14 metres. It is dedicated to Saint Mama the Saint of the Akrites to remind everyone the town of Saint Mamantos, Morfou and the neighbouring villages. The church is celebrated on the 2nd of September. The church of Apostle Varnavas Besides the ancient churches which are in the village, there is also a new one built during the last few years, dedicated to Apostle Varnavas the founder and protector of the church of Cyprus. This church operated for the first time during Christmas in 2005. It is the largest and most impressive church in the community. Education In the community there is a community kindergarten which existed since 1982 and during the year 2007-2008 the new public kindergarten operated as well.
The village of Kokkinotrimithia has two primary schools. The A ‘Primary school has operated since 1883 and the B’ Primary School since 1994-1995. It also has a regional gymnasium which operated in 2002. The M.Koutsofta and A.Panagidi Lyceum is also at the borders of the village and is in the Kokkinotrimithia region.

Detention Camp of Kokkinotrimithia

The Detention Camp of Kokkinotrimithia is located about 2 kilometers east of the homonymous village of Nicosia in Cyprus.

They were built during the EOKA liberation struggle, from 1955 to 1959, by the English in order to imprison political prisoners. The Kokkinotrimithia detention camp was the largest concentration camp in Cyprus (built after the Nicosian Central Prison and the castle of Kyrineia, a place of martyrdom) and operated from the end of 1955 until the beginning of 1959. They consisted of a series of parapets, were covered with high rows of wire mesh, as well as the wooden observatory towers for the guards.

The detention camp inmates were divided into two categories, those convicted and those who were imprisoned for an indefinite period, awaiting trial. The torture of the English in Cyprus (penalty of whipping and others) did not differ much from the torturing they did to prisoners of the Kokkinotrimithia detention camp. However, each prisoner had the right to receive a visit from his relatives, usually every Sunday, while throughout the week they were engaged in the construction of small items, as well as in carpentry.

In the Detention Camp of Kokkinotrimithia were sentenced 39 fighters, and thousands of ordinary citizens were imprisoned. Other sites that functioned as concentration camps are located in the villages of Pyla and Mammari, while the police stations of Paphos and Platres were also used as temporary detention facilities.

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Lefkara – Portrait of a Cypriot Village

Lefkara – Portrait of a Cypriot Village

The home of Lefkara Lace

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.
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 were established. Street lamps were installed to enhance local electrification. A group of experts in street lamps lighting and road sweepers were appointed. The problem of water scarcity is dealt with, whereas in 1934 an electric generator was 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 was installed.