Agios Fotios
Given that I wrote a blog about Statos last week, it would be unfair of me not to cover its close neighbour, Agios Fotios. Their histories are intertwined, as they were both abandoned for the same reason. Indeed, they merged to form a new, single town, called Statos Agios - Fotios. So what was left behind...
The View From Above
Unless you are following our ace Road Trip 01, you are only likely to pass through Agios Fotios if you are going to Panagia, and if you do so it is easy not to register that this is an abandoned village. It is fairly spread out, with clusters of buildings appearing at each turn of the road as it winds up the hill. For that reason, we are starting our visit at the top end of the village, so you can see easily what is around you.
A Water Feature
The first thing you are likely to see as you descend the hill is this renovated water feature. The plaque indicates it was originally built in 1943. The letters WSID stand for the Water Supply and Irrigation Department. But what is that funny building in the distance? Is there something on the wall?
Inspection Tags
These tags indicate the location is regularly inspected.
Agios Fotios Mural
Looks like the Anti Wall Brigade have been out protesting again. It is actually a piece by the street artist Morden Gore. You can click his name to visit his website.
Another Renovation
Just along from the painted ruin is another building in much better nick. However, it is all locked up, so we shall continue down the hill.
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Related Blogs:
Paphos Life Road Trip #1
As summer approaches we thought we would put together some road trips suitable for all types of cars. No off-roading will be involved, and the emphasis will be on sight-seeing. This trip takes in over 10 villages, and covers a variety of landscapes, from Kathikas in the East to pano Panagia in the West.
Abandoned Villages - Statos
Statos is unusual, as abandoned villages go. People deserted it not because of inter-communal fighting, but because of the threat of landslides. And then, no sooner had they emptied, some of the abandoned buildings were repopulated. Were villagers returning, or had outsiders moved in, prepared to take the risk of landslide?
Abandoned Villages - Faleia
Faleia lies close to the abandoned village of Agios Fotios. It is abandoned because of the troubles, not because of any threat of landslides. According to online records, it has a population of two, and is in a desolate state. Judge for yourself just how desolate...
Old Choletria
Modern Choletria lies on the F617. You might drive through it if you are headed up to the Troodos from Paphos. However, if you are approaching from the direction of Nata, you will first arrive at Old Choletria. At first glance, there is not much to see here, but it is worth taking a slight detour to explore...
The Statos - Agios Photios Festival
Among the highlights of late Summer / early Autumn in the Paphos region are the village festivals that are held throughtout the area. Statos - Agios Photios has an annual event, and given that we have already visited the deserted forerunners of the twin village, it seemed only fair that we should check out their offering, to show you that the village is very much alive.
From Pentalia to Polemi
A few weeks ago we produced a rather long film, showing a drive from Pentalia to Polemi. I was going to do a sped-up version, but I found the full version quite relaxing, especially with the soothing soundtrack, so I have left it alone. People were curious as to the route we took, so I retraced our steps, and stopped to take some photographs along the way...Related Pages
MapAgios Fotios
Given that I wrote a blog about Statos last week, it would be unfair of me not to cover its close neighbour, Agios Fotios. Their histories are intertwined, as they were both abandoned for the same reason. Indeed, they merged to form a new, single town, called Statos Agios - Fotios. So what was left behind...
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FB PagePaphos Life on Facebook
Like us on Facebook and stay notified of new blog posts.
FB PageOur Facebook Chat Group
Paphos Chat has been created for people who like our site and want to chat using Facebook. You can also easily upload photos of any size here. A lot of people are members of the Facebook chat group and the main forum. It's entirely up to you.
ListBlog Locations
Planning a day out? Then use our map of blog locations as a handy guide. Some of the places we visit our closer to each other than you might think, so take a look and start planning your next adventure...
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.
