Kato Archimandrita
A few weeks ago we visited the sleepy village of Archimandrita. We touched briefly then, on its abandoned neighbour, but got distracted with other things before we were able to visit it and tell you what we found. Better late than never, here is our look at Kato Archimandrita, abandoned due to its remoteness and ruled now by goats.
The Village
It is quite easy to get lost on the way to Kato Archimandrita, so I thought I should show you the route from the main road. However, that makes for fairly dull viewing, so I have started the blog with a few pictures showing what you can expect when you get there. This shot was taken from the other side of the valley that Kato Archimandrita is nestled in. On the left you can see the old monastery. In the centre is a row of buildings ascending the slope. To the right, obscured by trees, is a single house that is still in use (and looking lovely). There is also a functioning church there.
Near The Wind Farm
As you can see, we are quite close to the wind farm. We could occasionally see the wind turbines waving at us.
Deserted
This is what Archimandrita's Official Website has to say about the village.
One of the most important historical events of Archimandrita is the move of the residents of Kato (Lower) Archimandrita to Pano (Upper) Archimandrita. In particular, up until 1962, Archimandrita was divided into the Upper and Lower village. However, the residents of Kato Archimandrita asked to move at the location where the village is presently located, which at the time was known as Pano (Upper) Archimandrita. The reasons that led the residents of Kato Archimandrita to move, as these are summarised in the Great Cyprus Encyclopaedia, concerned the “isolation” of the village, the absence of a school and “a suitable road” linking Pano with Kato Archimandrita, as well as water supply problems. Nowadays, the only remains of Kato Archimandrita are some deserted houses and a renovated chapel dedicated to Virgin Mary.
Old Water Mill?
Is this an old water mill below the village? We will explore that in a bit. First though, having wetted your appetite, let's go back to the main road and find out how to get here.
Turn Here
Driving from Kouklia to Archimandrita, you will come to a right turn with a signpost clearly pointing to Kato Archimandrita. It is just before a big concrete water tank. In this photo I am standing by the tank looking towards Paphos, as the view is nicer.
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MapAbandoned Villages - Kato Archimandrita
A few weeks ago we visited the sleepy hamlet of Archimandrita. We touched briefly then, on its abandoned neighbour, but got distracted with other things before we were able to visit it and tell you what we found. Better late than never, here is our look at Kato Archimandrita, a village abandoned due to its remoteness and ruled now by goats.
Blog ArticleKato Archimandrita
Kato Archimandrita was abandoned in the Sixties, because its residents wanted to move to Archimandrita, and enjoy the improved facilities like a school, electricity and running water. Now it lies in ruin, save for a single family, living in undeniably charming isolation.
360 PanoramaKato Archimandrita
Kato Archimandrita was abandoned in the Sixties, because its residents wanted to move to Archimandrita, and enjoy the improved facilities like a school, electricity and running water. Now it lies in ruin, save for a single family, living in undeniably charming isolation...
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eBookCyprus Road Trip 01: the Kathikas - Panagia Loop
Let me take you on a journey around the region of Paphos, Cyprus. Starting at Paphos itself, we travel to Akoursos, then Kathikas, Kritou Terra and Simou. We continue past Lasa and Kannaviou, before taking in the delights of Panagia. Getting a bit more adventurous, we visit the abandoned villages of Statos and Agios Fotios, before passing through Choulou, Letymbou and Polemi, and rejoining the main Paphos - Polis road.
The route is suitable for all types of vehicle, and requires no off-roading. The guide contains about 130 photographs including shots of all the road signs you need to pay attention to, as well as some of the highlights you may experience along the way.
There are also several maps which will help you keep your bearings.
You can do this journey in a day, or you can break it up into chunks. You can also do it in reverse, to get some completely different views. It is entirely up to you.
