Cyprus is famous for its beautiful coastlines and blue beaches. Apart from its seaside villages, it has an equally beautiful mountain wealth. Villages perched in the mountains offering a great view and the opportunity for a natural escapade. There is one of the most beautiful villages in Europe there, called Lefkara.
The history of the village and its location
The village which is divided into Upper and Lower Lefkara is located about 34 km southwest of the city of Larnaca.Built at an altitude of 575 meters, like most mountain villages that Cyprus has, it is located to the southeast of the Troodos mountain range offering a panoramic view. Lefkara has existed from the Byzantine years. The first written testimony of the existence of the village called Lefkara comes from the Typical Testament of Agios Neophytos, who states that he was born in Lefkara in 1134.
As for the name of the village, what happens is the same as what happens with other famous villages that Cyprus has. It is a complex name that means the White Mountains. This name comes from the limestone rocks that exist in the area, which create a white, rough limestone and protolithic landscape. Lefkara is undoubtedly a village that steals the show, as it is said, from the very first moment you get there.
The characteristic folk architecture (Cyprus is famous for it) with its stone-built houses, cobbled streets, hospitable residents and local cuisine complete the image of one of the most beautiful villages exist in Cyprus. And also in the whole of Europe.
What you can see and what you can do in Lefkara, the village that is one of the points of pride of Cyprus.
It's a village where you'll get more than enough walking and many new experiences. You will enjoy your walks in the narrow streets with the houses of folk architecture and admire the rich white embroidery and the small masterpieces of silversmithing. You'll get a complete picture if you go to the Local Ethnological Museum of Traditional Embroidery and Silversmithing. Urban furniture from the 19th and early 20th centuries have been placed there. The furniture of these rooms creates the atmosphere of a typical mansion of Lefkara. In other rooms on that floor, traditional uniforms, silverware and an interesting collection of white embroidery are exhibited, for which the village was famous all over the world.
But history does not stop at the past and what has been done to date. Cyprus retains its tradition. Young people are still trained in art. This encourages the new generation to engage in these arts. In fact, the Lefkara Handicraft Centre offers technical assistance and training to those involved in the tradition.
Next stop is the church of the Holy Cross with the large silver cross which, according to tradition, bears a piece of the Holy Wood. Apart from the large church of the Holy Cross, Lefkara is full of chapels, about 18 of them, that you can search for and visit. Cyprus is also famous for its churches and chapels.
For nature lovers and those who love hiking, the route with natural obstacles that connects the villages Upper Lefkara and Lower Drys is connected to the path from Upper Lefkara to the Church of the transfiguration of the Saviour and offers an excellent perimetric view of the area.
Don't forget
If you find yourself in Lefkara, one of the most beautiful villages in Europe, there are a few things you should definitely try.
- Try the Turkish delights of Lefkara which are particularly famous. Visit the local Turkish delight-making cottage industry, The Beautiful Lefkara, that has been operating in the community for a century and a half.
- Ask for the traditional tavas. It is a fine Cypriot dish that is delicious and highly connected to the picturesque Lefkara, where it's been cooked for centuries. Hence the name of Lefkaritikos Tavas.
- Visit the Byzantine church of Panagia Livadiotissa. It is an impressive sample of Byzantine architecture. From there you can enjoy the panoramic view to the valley of the River Sirkatis with the impressive rock of Kourvellos in its centre.
Cyprus and its villages always give you an excuse to travel, especially if you know that you will find yourself in one of the most beautiful places in Europe.
Photo Source: www.lefkara.org.cy
External photography source: talefkara.blogspot.com
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