Aquatic Destinations
Kalopanayiotis
The Community of Kalopanagiotis is a traditional
community in the Marathasa valley at an altitude of 700 meters above the
sea level and approximately 70 km away from both Nicosia and Limassol.
Houses with tiled rooftops, picturesque balconies, courtyards with
grapevines climbing everywhere are the main characteristics of the
village.
The name of the community originates from the
first inhabitant, called “Panagiotis” that built his house near the
Monastery of Saint John Lampadistis, a World Heritage Monument. Small
communities were formed by other inhabitants that followed each with its
own chapel. Kalopanagiotis is also assigned with the term “Byzantine”
because of the admirable Byzantine wealth that offers.
Nowadays, in the village there are many churches
and chapels of the 16th and 17th century such as
the churches of Saint Marina and Panayia Theotokos, the Chapels of Saint
Andronikos and Saint Athanasia, Saint George, Saint Kyriakos,
Archangelos Michael, Saint Sergios and Bachos and Panayia Theoskepasti.
Moreover, representative images and holy relics of the Byzantine art and
its evolution until the Renaissance period are exposed in the altarpiece
room.
The area in Marathasa valley was known from
ancient times for its thermal springs. It is said that in the same
location where the Monastery of Saint John Lampadistis is situated
today, there was an ancient water spring dedicated to the ancient god of
healing, Asclepius. The springs had healing properties because of the
chlorides and were used during summer by the King Solon, the Romans,
Byzantines and Franks. Until the early 1960’s women of Kalopanagiotis
and other surrounding villages used to come to the springs and do their
washing. At present, the adjacent agrotouristic accommodation units are
fully equipped to accommodate visitors wishing to experience a thermal
spring spa.
The Community of Kalopanagiotis has many
footpaths and narrow streets where visitors can walk during their
visits. The footpaths can serve as nature walks both inside the village
and also along the Setrachos River or on the hills opposite where one
can enjoy and photograph the spectacular views of the village and the
entire Marathasa Valley. A restored Venetian watermill of “Kykkos” is
situated on the side of the Setrachos River while the mill operator
reminds another way of living.
Moreover, the Kalopanagiotis Dam can be viewed
while driving down from the village. Next to the dam the fisheries
department operates a small trout farm. The fishing of trout is
permitted only after obtaining a licence and visitors are warned of the
dangerous steep slopes of the dam.
The Community of Kalopanagiotis is known for the
traditional local tastes and foods. Visitors must not forget to buy
Soutzouko (sweet made of grape juice and almonds), local honey and
preserved fruit sweets.
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