TroodosThe Troodos area serves to highlight the variance in Cyprus' geography. Over 125km of mountains and forest provide a completely different environment to the coastal areas. The lush greenery is a world away from the sandy beaches or bright lights of the coastal tourist locations, and during the winter its ski slopes are packed with people enjoying the unusual experience of snow skiing in a mediterranean tropical holiday destination.Troodos has long provided a calm and serene location, as its tree lined peaks and lush valleys offer an excellent opportunity to become close to nature. Many monks have sought the tranquility and isolation afforded by the mountains throughout the history of the island. Mount Olympus is the highest point on the island, at 1951m (6400ft) and features large oversized radar domes for the British military installation which are referred to as the golfballs due to their visual similarity. One can drive almost all the way to the peak, and on foot walk to the edge of the hillside and take in an unequalled panoramic view of the island. Many vineyards dot the slopes and hillsides of Troodos, and production of Commandaria is a perfect use of the environment and fertile growing conditions. Over half of the species of flora and fauna which are exclusive to Cyprus exist solely in the Troodos region, and a large portion of the central region is designated a protected nature reserve. There are numerous hidden waterfalls within the forests -- a rarity in the eastern Med. A journey through the Troodos region is almost like journey back in time, as many quiet villages filled with friendly locals whose daily existence is little changed over the years. Soujouko, a local sweet made from soaking fruit and nuts in grape juice, is produced in addition to excellent local halloumi cheese. ChurchesOne monastery and nine churches in Troodos are in UNESCO's World Heritage Sites list.
Many Byzantine churches dot the hillsides throughout the region, often with rich and wonderous murals and frescoes hidden inside their Orthodox architecture. The tomb of Archbishop Makarios is located near Kykkos Monastery at Throni. Tylliria is located on the northwest slopes of the Troodos mountains, and was the location of copper ore mines which are now defunct. The region has historically never been settled, the only general human inhabitants have come from logging or mining activities. The period of British rule saw action taken to undo the damages of historic logging activities, and notably the large Paphos Forest in the western region grew out of these efforts. Cedar Valley contains almost all of the Lebanese Cedar trees growing in Cyprus. It is located within the nature reserve, and provides shelter to wild sheep. The British declared the sheep a protected species 100 years ago when numbers dwindled to less than twenty -- now over 1500 of of them now roam the region. Their large powerful curled horns and visage are a recognised symbol of the island, and were featured upon the old Cypriot Pound coinage. In the midst of the Paphos Forest lies the abandoned 19th century monastery of Stavros tis Psokas, which now houses the offices of the Forestry Commission. There exists a restaurant, a campsite and some guest rooms at the location as well as a small collection of tame sheep. This is an excellent point to start for experienced hikers wishing to traverse the peaks of Tripylos or Zaharou. Agios Ioannis Lampadistis is one of the most interesting monasteries in Cyprus. Its complex, under one roof, includes three separate churches, two dating from the 11th centuries and the other from the 15th century. The eldest, St Irakleidios, contains three dozen frescoes from the 12th to 15th centuries celebrating the life of Jesus. The churches were joined together in the 15th century when the roof and a common portico were built, along with the 15th century Latin Chapel which is decorated throughout with two dozen Byzantine paintings and Greek texts. Kalopanagiotis, a local mountain village, has existed since medieval times and houses a small health resort. Its sulphur springs are therapeutic for those with rheumatic or gastic conditions, and its locally produced breadbaskets are beautifully carved. The oldest of all mountain churches is located in the village of Moutoulla, in a valley below Pedoulas. The intricately carved entrance and vaulted roof are of interest, along with the amazing collection of frescoes and murals dating back to the 13th century. Pedoulas, in the upper part of the Marathassa valley, has a mineral water spring is the source for much bottled water on the island. Also within Pedoulas is the Church of the Archangel Michael dating to 1474. It is one of the ten listed churches in Troodos due to the magnificience and realism of its painted interior. Nearby Prodromos is the highest village on the island at 1400m and a perfect point to start onces exploration of the Marathassa valley region. Kykkos is the most imposing and wealthiest of all monasteries on the island, in the middle of the mountains in a secluded location. It is the home of a painted icon which is claimed to have the power to cause rain, and which is alleged to have been painted by the hand of Saint Luke. The main hall of the museum located at the monastery has an impressive exhibition of liturgical vessels, vestments, and holy books in addition to a beautiful collection of ancient icons in the Rotunda. The monastery church is entered via an arched doorway which is flanked by a gold mosaic featuring representations of saints and angels akin to the main entrance to the monastery itself. The cloisters feature mosaics highlighting the history of the monastery and are of classic arched design with sweeping terraced areas above. VillagesChionistra is the traditional name for Mt Olympus, which in English means 'the snowy one'. The slopes feature the distinctive 'upside down' umbrella pine trees with interspersed juniper and cedar trees, and in the springtime are covered in wildflowers. There are two ski runs and two cross-country trails to fulfil the desires of winter tourists and ski afficionados.Troodos itself is home to a few souvenir shops, cafes, and car parks for the tourists. Donkey and horse rides are on offer, and a playground also serves to entertain children while parents enjoy a coffee and the view. The Troodos National Park Museum has an impressive collection on display as well as a short film presentation about the local environment, and of particular note is the botanical-geological path highlighting the diversity of the mountains. A short drive away is the location of the former residence of the British Governor of Cyprus which now serves as a summer villa for the President. Trooditissa monastery is located a few kilometers from Platres, and was founded in 1250 in the same location as an ancient sanctuary. In the 8th century, during the Iconclastic Wars, a monk hid an icon of the Virgin Mary which was painted by Saint Luke. The icon remained lost for nearly two hundred years until it was rediscovered due to a miraculous light emanating from the hiding place. The present monastery was built some 250 years ago, and featured an intricate iconostasis covered in gold leaf. The aforementioned icon, an image of the Queen of Heaven Panagia, is featured and is covered with curtains of gold and silver. A dozen or so monks make their home at Trooditissa. Platres, located on a steep hillside overlooking the Kyros stream, is a popular mountain resort. Its climate, stemming from its location and surrounding forests, make it a favourite holiday destination for Cypriots. Colonial-style architechure from the days of British rule is noticed in the villas and in the designs of the new hotels and restaurants. Many walking trails commence from Platres, of note are the trail leading from the Psilodentro restaurant past the Caledonia waterfall, and the Pouziaris mountain trail. The village of Vouni is a protected historical site, and today the former town serves as an open-air museum celebrating its heritage which a few local cafes and restaurants. The nearby donkey sanctuary provides shelter and care to about 150 animals which are infirmed, elderly or were abandoned. Koilani, Lofou and Silikou villages are examples of the beauty of the region and benefit from the local soil, high in lime content, which allows the lush varieties of fruit trees and grapevines to flourish. The Church of the Annunciation and its tall belfry tower over Lofou, with many beautiful icons inside dating back to the 16th century. The village originally dates from the Byzantine era and appears in historic Lusignan records about the area. Museums
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