CYPRUS – Troodos places of interest 1

Ten Byzantine period churches from Troodos are listed UNESCO World Heritage sites: Stavros tou Agiasmati, Panagia tou Araka, Timios Stavros at Pelendri, Agios Nikolaos tis Stegis, Panagia Podithou, Panagia Asinou, Agios Ioannis Lampadistis, Panagia (Moutoulla), Archangelos Michael at Pedoulasa and Sotiros at Palaichori.

The imposing Troodos mountain range raises its highest peak to 1951m above sea level and stretches across most of the southern and western part of Cyprus. The tranquil region provides a cool refuge for long walks in the summer among idyllic pine scented in the summer among pine-scented forests. Covered in snow in the winter, it offers an opportunity for skiing and other winter sports.

Nestled in the Troodos mountains are some of the most beautiful hill resorts of the island, with mountain streams, Byzantine monasteries and picturesque villages built in terraced hillsides. The Troodos area has been renowned since antiquity for its rich mines. In Byzantine times it became a centre for art. As monks and ordinary citizens built churches and monasteries far from the Arab raid threatened coastal areas.

Besides the Machairas region to the east and the Troodos proper region surrounding the tallest peak of Mount Olympos (1951 m) there are four other distinct regions. Each other with its own character and charm. These regions are the Pitsillia area to the east of Mountain Olympos, the Solea Valley to the North, the Marathasa valley to the west and the Krassochoria region to the south (the north-western part of Limassol district. )

TROODOS SQUARE

Troodos Visitor centre is situated 200m west of Troodos square. It is the first of its kind in Cyprus and provides information about the Troodos National park. Its importance in the development of the region, the various facilities and activities available, as well as information about the mountain environment in general. The centre has a reception area with information on geology, flora and fauna of the Troodos mountain range. A nature trail where one can see a good sample of various plants and rock formations of the region is linked to the building.

PLATRES VILLAGE/ RESORT

Platres village is the largest and most stylish mountain resort in the Lemesos district, a popular place for excursions and a refuge from the intense summer heat. The beauty of the area has immortalised in a poem by Greek Nobel laureate George Seferis. Mesa potamos monastery is an old monastery near Platres situated in an idyllic area with a small waterfall.