Larnaca – Chirokitia, Lefkara Village, Aggeloktisti Church

The ancient site of Choirokoitia, is included since 1998 in UNESCO world Culture Heritage official list. It is a site of a Neolithic settlement found in a better state of preservation than most other from this period, not only in Cyprus but in whole of the Eastern Mediterranean. Five dwellings in close proximity have been reconstructed following the Neolithic model, using the same methods and traditional materials and have been furnished with copies of objects actually found inside the house during excavations, in order to give a better impression of layout of the village as it was in antiquity.

Our next stop is the picturesque village of Lefkara, famous for its silverware and handmade lace called “Lefkaritiko”. The fame of this embroidery was spread to many countries. According to the tradition, Leonardo Da Vinci visited the village in the 15th century only to be amazed by the local made lace, so as to transfer it on one of his paintings and he even took back with him Lefkara lacework which he presented to Milan Cathedral. As with all of Cyprus countryside, Lefkara is too endowed with historical, natural and human riches, moreover enhanced by the preserved traditional character and architecture. The village has been built amphitheatrically around a spring, which most likely was the main reason for the initial settlement.

This tour offers a fascinating exploration to the traditional village of Lefkara, where people still continue the crafts that have been handed down through generations, permitting to stroll through the narrow paved streets and admire the houses built entirely of limestone, with wooden doors and windows. We will have the opportunity to view beautiful traditional old preserved Houses, in which we bear witness of the old Cypriot way of life and admire the local crafts, Lefkara Lace and Silverware richly exhibited.

There is free time to visit the lace and silver shops, as well as to explore the church dedicated to the Holy Cross. According to the tradition, the church was build by Agia Eleni and it contains a fragment of true Cross. The rich gilt iconostasis dates from the 18th century.

Our last Destination is the ancient kitio where we will visit Aggeloktisti Church. Northwest of Kiti, on a very gentle rise, stands a very interesting Church of Cyprus, the Byzantine Church of Panagia Angeloktisti (The Angel-built). According to the tradition, it was built by Angels, who at midnight descended from the Heavens and built the church. Dim traces of frescoes on the walls witness that most probably the church was originally entirely painted. The most glorious item to be seen is the mosaics in the central apse, which shows the Mandona holding a Child. She stands between the Archangels Mikhail and Gabriel.