Abandoned Villages - Makounta
We recently assisted on a litter cleanup along the nature trail to Argaka Reservoir. While we were there, we couldn't help but notice the abandoned village of Makounta on the other side of the valley. We were also curious where the nature trail went once it passed the reservoir. So the other day we returned with our camera. This is what we found...
Makounta from the Nature Trail
From a distance, Makounta looks completely abandoned. Incidently, if you want an interactive map showing you were it is, you can find it here in the directory.
Overhead
From above, you can see a couple of buildings that still show signs of habitation. However, most of the buildings are in a very poor state of repair.
Makounta itself has a fairly interesting recent history. Abandoned by Turkish Cypriots in 1975, it was then populated by displaced Greek Cypriots. Then, according to the PRIO website, the following happened in 2001:
"However, in 2001 around 60 Turkish Cypriot Roma crossed the island’s Green Line and settled in Makounta, primarily in tents and other makeshift accommodations. Eventually, the RoC government built twenty prefabricated houses for them in 2003. The 2001 census put the total population of the village at 66, but after the arrival of this group of Roma the numbers increased to around 150."
Prefab Sprout
This curiously-shaped building is not one of the prefabs. It looks more like a stable to us. However, the prefabs are in that direction. When we arrived, we turned the opposite direction and headed for the ruins.
Very Ruined
As we suspected from the look of the overhead, Makounta is in a very poor state of repair.
Signs of Life
There are a couple of houses still inhabited though. This was one of them. The solar panels are a bit of a giveaway.
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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.
