The Abandoned Village of Theletra - Part 1

Published 10th of December, 2019

Old Theletra was abandoned several decades ago. The threat of landslides drove the population up the hll to a new settlement. Since then the village has mainly been left to crumble, save for its church and a few buildings which are still inhabited. At first glance, there is not much to see here, aside from some picture-postcard views. But get adventurous, and there is a whole host of places to explore...

View From New Theletra

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If you are feeling adventurous, you can drive to Old Theletra from Miliou, by farm tracks. We covered that route in a previous blog a week ago. You can also drive direct from the B7. The turning is just before Giolou, if you are coming from Stroumpi, and it is signposted. At the moment the road is pretty good, though in rain that situation can change. So for the sake of this blog, we are approaching from above. If you drive through New Theletra, which is off the Kathikas-Stroumpi road, you will come to this scene. Continue on the road as it winds down the hill.

Theletra-On-The-Hill

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And there Theletra stands. It is built into the side of the hill. This is significant, as you shall see, because the roof of one house becomes the garden for another. A lot of the houses are literally built on top of each other.

From a distance, you could be mistaken for thinking this is an ordinary village. It doesn't look like a wreck.

Close Encounters

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However, as you approach, you will soon see that many of the buildings are in fact dilapidated.

Distant Sulphur Spring

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If you follow our blogs regularly you will know this view. That gorge leads to the sulphur spring near Miliou. You can't walk down most of it, more's the pity. However, it still looks lovely.

(Incidentally, if you are new to our blogs, we include links to related blogs at the bottom of each page. So once you have had your fill, continue the fun with the other adventures.)

Inside

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What can we see from looking in here? Well, for a start, the buildings are in a better state than the average abandoned village. In Foinikas, Maronas and the like, you would see bare stone. But that's not all. Look down...

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