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Located in the Larnaka (Larnaca) region, the village of Athienou is a large community found midway between the city of Lefkosia (Nicosia) (38 km) and the town of Larnaka (33 km), and can be reached by following either the A3 and the B17 route, or the A2 and B2 route.
Athienou has been inhabited since the Neolithic period, and is the continuation of the ancient city-kingdom of Golgoi.
The village is famous for its delicious traditional bread - known locally as ‘Athienitiko’ - and its pastries, as well as its dairy products, which visitors can watch being made.
Other interesting sights include the archaeological site of Athienou-Malloura, the Kallinikeio Municipal Museum (which also exhibits finds from the Malloura site), and several old, restored buildings - including a traditional flour mill.
Athienou’s churches of Panagia Chryseleoussa, Agios Fokas and Agios Georgios are particularly notable for their historically significant icons and frescoes.
Located in the Lemesos (Limassol) district, the quaint village of Anogyra sits at an altitude of 170 metres and just 45 km away from Lemesos town. The village can be reached by following A6 route and then the F607.
Anogyra was once a main carob-grower and is famous for its traditional sweet ‘Pasteli’, which is made from carob syrup, and only produced traditionally in the village.
The history of the village dates back to the Neolithic era, and its name may originate from the plant ‘anagyris’ (which grows in the village), or that the village that exists today constituted the upper (‘ano’) part of the village once known as ‘Gyroi’.
Its interesting sites include the Pastelli museums, the Olive-Park - Oleastro, the church of Timios Stavros (Holy Cross), and a winery. The village is also a perfect destination for agrotourism.
The custom of Pasteli making is celebrated annually in September with a Pasteli Festival that features the sweet being made in the traditional way, along with local food and a programme of folkloric entertainment.
Located in the Lefkosia (Nicosia) district, the village of Evrychou is the agricultural centre of the Solea region. Located about 50 km southwest of Lefkosia, the village can be reached by following the B10, and then the B9 straight to the heart of Solea Valley.
Its verdant landscape is dotted with small streams that run down the slopes towards the Karkotis Valley, which is lined with rockroses, terebinths, fleabanes, and pine trees. Although the village is a major producer of many kinds of fruit, it is most famous for its apples.
Evrychou retains its traditional character with old houses made of local stone, with tiled inclining roofs and wooden balconies. Amongst its village churches, the most notable are those of Agios Georgios and Agia Marina. The old water mills of the village ‘Mill of Styllis’ are also a must-see, and serve as an excellent example of Cypriot folk architecture.
A unique attraction of the village is the Cyprus Railways Museum, which is housed in the old railway station. Original documents, drawings, photos and various objects related to the now-defunct Cyprus railway system are exhibited, along with scale models of the main stations and rolling stock.