Category: Discover Cyprus

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.

Located in the Lefkosia (Nicosia) district, the old village of Alona sits at an altitude of 1.200 metres on the Troodos mountain range, in the picturesque Pitsilia area. Just 53 km away from Lefkosia, the village can be reached by following the E902 route, and then the E903.

The village produces the local spirit ‘Zivania’, and the tradition is celebrated with an annual Festival in November. Visitors can sample and buy Zivania, learn all about its production, and enjoy an entertainment programme, whilst there are also many stalls selling traditional produce.

Interesting sights of the village include two ancient churches; that of Panagia Kardakiotissa – which dates back to the 15th century – and that of Agios Georgios, which houses an exceptional icon of the saint that dates back to 1835. A major celebration takes place annually in the village square in honour of the saint every November 03.

Also, at the village square is the start of a scenic nature trail that unfolds through to orchards of hazelnut and cherry trees. In spring, you will see violets, ferns and even lily pads along the damper areas of the trail, whereas in winter, wild cyclamens dominate the landscape.

The village is naturally beautiful and its leafy scenery provides inspiration for artists, including many greats of modern Cypriot painting.