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Villages Of Cyprus - Louvaras Village

Information on Louvaras Village

Louvaras Village Photo © CyprusExpat.co.uk

Louvaras Village is located in the Pitsilia region of the Troodos Mountains and lies in the Limassol District of Cyprus. The village lies close to Kalo Chorio, Zoopigi, Gerasa and Apsiou Villages.

The village is built at an average height of 900 metres above sea level. The height of the village allows for a cool climate during the long hot Cyprus summer, as well as bearing the brunt of the cold during the short winter months, when it is not unusual for snow to fall.

The village has a long history dating back to the 15th century, where the location of the village offered the first inhabitants a safe place to defend against attack from roaming pirates and armies.

The ample regular supply of water from the ravine nearby, later called Kato Vrysi, was also a deciding factor for the location of the village. Over the years the source of the water from the ravine was controlled by the construction of a stone well with taps, where the villagers were able to collect water for consumption and to irrigate their crops.

A picnic area has been created by the Kato Vrysi area to the south of the village, with stone benches and a place where people may use their bbq to cook souvla and souvlaki. The picnic area is located in a nature area surrounded by almond trees and other natural vegetation.

The climate and height of the village helped the prosperity of the village by enabling the cultivation of the black xynisteri grapes, which in turn was processed into the high quality Commandaria wine the village is famous for. The production of Commandaria wine began during the Frankish period under the authority of the Knights based in Kolossi Village in Limassol.

The old mill that was used to process the olives into olive oil and the grapes to make the Commandaria wine has recently been renovated and is located near the Agios Mamas Church.

The population of Louvaras Village has 700 registered permanent residents an increase from the 2001 census, which recorded only 380 registered permanent residents. The increase has been partially due to the improved road network to Limassol and the surrounding areas. The villagers are able to remain in the village and commute to Limassol for employment or education, due to a short drive of 25 - 30 minutes. The younger children must travel to the nearby village of Kalo Chorio for their education, as the village school closed a number of years ago.

The village acquired it's name, according to legend, from the payment to mineworkers who used to work in the nearby mines in the early life of the village. The payment was in the form of Louvrin, the metal that was mined, and which the mineworkers received as their salary. The name of the village became known as the village of Louvrin and the name evolved over the years to the present name of Louvaras Village.

The Agios Mamas Church was the first church of the village and was built in 1455. The church is located in the old centre of the village. The Timios Prodromos Church was built later in 1863 and is also located in the old centre of the village.

The Kakomallis Picnic Area is located around 5 kms south of Louvaras Village. The picnic area lies in the middle of a pine forest anf offers a paradise for nature lovers and hikers, with a number of hiking trails leading off from the site. The picnic area is very popular all year round with space for several hundred visitors. The specially designed area has wooden benches and safe locations to light fires for bbq's.