Old Kakopetria Village

Nestled in the Solea Valley, southwest of the capital city of Nicosia, lies the charming town of Kakopetria. At an elevation of 667 meters, it is the highest village in the area and boasts a permanent population of approximately 1,200 residents, with a few hundred more who either own a summer house or work in Nicosia but originate from Kakopetria. The town is surrounded by lush forestland and built on the banks of the Kargotis and Garillis Rivers, which join together to form the river Klarios. The old part of the town is located west of the valley, between the two rivers, and is where the village was originally established. The narrow streets are lined with sloped, tiled-roof houses, almost all of which have an upper floor and a wooden balcony. As you wander through the old streets, you'll see locals sitting on their verandas and selling traditional sweets to tourists. One of the reasons for Kakopetria's establishment was the abundant water supply provided by the Karkoti and Garillis rivers, which allowed for the construction of watermills. Two of the most notable watermills were the Mill of Gonia and the Mill Chatzistafrinou. The former was built above the main road on the left bank of the river St. Nicholas-parapotamou Karkotis, while the latter was located near the main road to the bridge, between the delta formed by the rivers. Today, visitors can learn more about the history of the watermills at the Linos Museum, located in the old Kakopetria. Aside from the watermills, Kakopetria also boasts several beautiful churches. One of the most notable is the church of St. Nicholas of the Roof, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This cruciform church with a dome has a semicircular apse on the inside and a three-sided one on the outside. It was initially built without a narthex and has only one entrance on the west wall. The semicircle blind arch above the entrance is decorated with fialostomia and is a sight to behold. In addition to exploring the town itself, visitors should also take the time to enjoy the surrounding forest. One way to do so is by following one of the nature paths and admiring the old watermills and the "Stone of androgens." Overall, Kakopetria is a town steeped in history and natural beauty. Its old part is particularly picturesque, with its narrow streets, sloped roofs, and wooden balconies. It's an ideal destination for those looking for a tranquil retreat or a glimpse into Cyprus's past.