Cyrpus: Troodos places of interest - Part 2

TROODOS GEOPARK

The Troodos Geopark visitor is located in the old Asbestos mine (Amiantos mine). An area with enormous historical value which now hosts an extraordinary botanical garden with information about the flora of the area, a seed bank of endemic species and also a plethora of evidence for the past mining activity and the community which once flourished there. Te Geopark visitor is situated in the newly restored elementary school of the abandoned asbestos mine. The building is an example of fine architecture with historic characteristics and features.

EAST of TROODOS – PITSILIA

The region east of Mountain Olympos is known as Pitsilia and includes about 40 villages. Its tallest peaks are Madari (1612m) and Papoutsa (1554m). The picturesque villages nestle on the mountainside, amid vineyards. Or are hidden in valleys, maintaining much on their traditional charm. The surrounding hills and valleys are full of vines. , almond, hazelnut, walnut and other fruit trees. The changing landscape, the variety of shapes and colours. , the old churches and chapels and the warm hospitality of the local inhabitants make the Pitsilia region one of the most beautiful parts of Cyprus. The Pitsilia area is accessible either from Lemesos or from Lefkosia.
From Lemesos- Lemesos – Gerasa- Agios Theodoros- Agros road or Lemesos – Trimiklini – Pelendri- Agios road.
From Lefkosia- Lefkosia- Palaichori- Agios road or Lefkosia- Kakopetria – Karvounas- Kyperounta road.

LOUVARAS

In the village centre stands the small church of Agios Mamas built in 1455 and decorated with wall paintings signed by artist Philippos Goul. An old olive press recently restored is at a short distance from the church.

AGROS VILLAGE

Agros is the heart of the Pitsillia region situated in a beautiful valley with a dry climate and cool springs. The village was given its name by forty monks who came to Cyprus from Asia Minor during the iconoclastic period named it after the place they had left behind. Megas Agros, A 9th century monastery built by monks from Costantiinople once stood where the 19th century Byzantine style church of Panagia Eleousa stands today. Agros also has a museum of icons. The village is also known for its traditional products such as aromatic rosewater, hiromeri, (smoked ham), loukanika, spicy smoked sausages and lountza, (smoked fillet of pork).

KYPEROUNTA VILLAGE

The church of Timios Stavros and Eclesiastical museum.

The church of Timios Stavros ( Chrurch of Holy Cross) houses the ecclesiastical museum which contains icons and religious objects belonging to the village churches, it also has a garden with traditional plants and herbs.