Rural Destinations
: Troodos
Tradition & Heritage
Tradition and heritage form an important part of
daily life in Troodos. Set amid the stunning landscape, small
communities and villages have existed for centuries.
An integral part of life in the region are local
festivals commemorating the patron saint of a village. Other events
cover a wide variety of themes such as folk art and crafts festivals,
bread, preserved sweets, meat and other local produce exhibitions and
wine tasting events.
In recent years, the Cyprus Tourism
Organisation has been sponsoring such events as a way of introducing
rural Cyprus traditions to the wider public. In addition to events
focusing on local tradition and heritage, Troodos hosts a wide range of
special leisure activities catering to all ages and tastes. These range
from ‘classic motorcar’ rallies to active day events where the whole
family can try their skills at such activities such as archery, horse
riding or mountain biking. In addition
to events focusing on local tradition and heritage, Troodos hosts a wide
range of special leisure activities catering to all ages and tastes.
These range from ‘classic motorcar’ rallies to active day events where
the whole family can try their skills at such activities such as
archery, horse riding or mountain biking.
For specific information and updated agendas on
events, activities, museums and other Troodos related enquiries contact
the Regional Body for Tourism Development and Promotion of Troodos: |
Tel. +357-25-421316
Email:
papplatres@cytanet.com.cy Museums
and other places of interest, leisure and activity
Troodos is home to many small museums and centres dedicated to
traditional skills, environment, iconography and rural life. The visitor
is advised to call beforehand to determine whether the museum/centre
will be open at the time of the planned visit. A sample selection of
such places of interest is provided below:
Centre for Byzantine iconography – located
in Omodos village, dedicated to the creation of religious icons using
traditional methods. Pylavakion
pottery museum – located in Foini village, a private museum, it
displays examples of local pottery, traditional agriculture tools and
early 20th century household items.
Museum of popular art – located in Galata village, it exhibits over
500 types of traditional tools and implements, church icons, embroidery
patterns and traditional household items.
Rural museum – located in Fikardou, a
deserted village declared ‘ancient monument’ and carefully restored to
preserve its 18th century houses. Two such houses known as ‘Katsinioros’
and ‘Achilleas Dimitris’ residences host an interesting rural museum
presenting exhibits from agricultural life in Cyprus as well as
traditional weaving. The two buildings have been awarded with the
‘Europa Nostra’ award for traditional architecture.
Ecclesiastical museums – located in the
villages of Agridia, Vasa, Koilani, Omodos and Palaichori. They house a
collection of icons and ecclesiastical objects.
Folk art museums – located in Arsos and
Omodos villages. 19th century olive
presses – Restored structures located in Agridia, Pera Pedi and
Spilia villages. Traditional
watermills – located in Galata and Platanistasa villages.
Byzantine and folk art museum – located in
Pedoulas village. The Byzantine museum is located a few meters from the
Archangelos church. It houses icons and artifacts dating from the 12th
century. Traditional rose water
workshop – located in Agros village.
Water dams – located in scenic areas in or
near Palaichori, Xyliatos, Kalopanagiotis and Alassa, these fresh water
dams offer ideal relaxing day trip locations for the whole family.
Sports Facilities – a variety of indoor
sports can be enjoyed in a modern sports hall located in Agros village
(tel.: +357-22-897109). Additional sports halls are planned in the
villages of Platres (tel.: +357-25-813112) and Kyperounta.
Skiing – During normal winter weather
conditions, Troodos can offer visitors an enjoyable skiing experience.
The location is mount Olympos (Chionistra) at 1,952m, an ideal setting
for novice and expert skiers. Ski instruction lessons and equipment
rental is available from the local ski club (tel.: +357-25-420104/5,
+357-25-420165). |
