Old Church of Saint Nicholas

The largest artificial lake in Cyprus, Kouris, is home to a hidden gem that has remained a part of the landscape despite being submerged underwater for decades. The old Church of Saint Nicholas, once a prominent part of the village of Alassa, has an intriguing history that dates back to the 17th century B.C. Built in 1929, the church was a prominent feature of the old Alassa Village, which was later submerged under the waters of the Kouris river dam. The church was restored in 1960, but its fate was sealed when the authorities decided to build the dam to dam up three rivers in 1968. Unfortunately, the village of Alassa was in the middle of the area subject to flood, and the villagers were moved to a nearby mountain. The old village, including the church of Saint Nicholas, was left to sink into the dam. The village of Alassa had a rich history that included the discovery of the largest palace of the Late Bronze Age in the area, as well as many bronze objects and a mosaic pavement taken from a Roman villa depicting the Goddess Aphrodite bathing. These artifacts are now housed in the Archaeological Museum of the Limassol District. The villagers of Alassa were relocated to a new location next to the dam, and another church in the name of Saint Nicholas was built when the new village was constructed in the 1980s. Nowadays, the ruins of the old church are the only visible reminder of the submerged village. When the water level is low enough, usually towards the end of the summer, visitors can take a walk through the ruins. During the winter, when the rains come, the church gradually disappears into the lake again, leaving only the belfry visible. Despite being submerged, the church remains a beautiful and eerie sight when the dam overflows. The belfry of the church of Saint Nicholas of Alassa is the only part that is visible, as if floating atop the water. Kouris Dam never looks the same, as it is ever-changing depending on the time of year. However, one thing remains the same: it is a beautiful place, whether or not it has any water. For those who fancy a visit to the area, the "new" Alassa is situated 12 km from Limassol on the road to Platres. Although the original village of Alassa is long gone, visitors can still experience the rich history of the area through the ruins of the old church of Saint Nicholas. The church is a symbol of the past and serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving historical sites for future generations to come. In conclusion, the old Church of Saint Nicholas is a hidden gem that offers a glimpse into the past of the submerged village of Alassa. Despite being submerged for decades, the ruins of the church serve as a reminder of the rich history of the area and the importance of preserving historical sites for future generations to come. Whether seen during the summer or winter, the church remains a beautiful and intriguing sight that is sure to leave a lasting impression on all who visit.