Abandoned Villages: Istinjo
The Oven Again

Notice that this oven is built into the wall? According to a source I found while I was researching the Foinikas blog, ovens built into walls are very unusual in Cyprus, and originated from the Templars, when they ruled the area. So either the Templars have been involved in Istinjo as well as Foinikas, or the person who wrote the article I read was getting a bit over-excited. One thing I didn't see in Istinjo was any archways. This is another sign of Templar influence. So perhaps the ovens weren't Templar originated, or perhaps, somebody from Istinjo had visited Foinikas and fancied a similar oven? We will be revisiting Foinikas soon, as there is more to explore in late summer, so I will see if I can dig a little deeper in the meantime.

Beautiful Views

The Istinjo residents will have had some beautiful scenery to live in.
Nature Reclaimed

Sorry, but I am a sucker for pictures showing nature reclaiming land once used by humans. Imagine this in 50 years time?
All Mod Cons

Some houses are more dilapidated than others. I imagine this has been used since 1974.
Back to Nature (again)

The re-emergence of nature even helps disguise the dumped rubbish, a little bit.
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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.
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