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Omodos Village

Omodos Village

Omodos is a historic mountain village in Cyprus’s Troodos range, known for its Byzantine monastery, traditional architecture, and wine-making heritage. Located 42 kilometers northwest of Limassol at an elevation of 800 meters, the village lies within the Krasochoria district, the traditional wine-producing region of Cyprus. Its location in this wine heartland has shaped the local economy and identity for centuries. The village centers around a large cobblestone square, possibly the largest in Cyprus at 3,000 square meters, dating back to 1910. Stone houses with red-tiled roofs, wooden balconies, and flower-filled courtyards line narrow streets that wind through the settlement. The architecture reflects a careful balance between preservation and modern use, with many traditional homes now serving as guesthouses, wine cellars, and small museums. Historical Foundation According to local legend, the village formed around a miraculous discovery. Residents from the neighboring villages of Ano and Kato Koupetra, which no longer exist, observed a mysterious fire appearing in the bushes at night. When they investigated at dawn, they found no trace of fire. After this event repeated over several nights, they excavated the site and uncovered a small cave that contained a wooden cross. A chapel was built above the cave to house the sacred relic, and this structure became the foundation of the Monastery of the Cross. The monastery predates the…

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Nicosia Municipal Arts Centre (NiMAC)

Nicosia Municipal Arts Centre (NiMAC)

NiMAC is housed in the renovated building of the Old Powerhouse, located in the historical centre of Nicosia, after an agreement between the Electricity Authority of Cyprus and the  Nicosia Municipality. The institution operates in association with the Pierides Foundation and serves as the oldest and largest contemporary art center on the island. The building is in itself a fine example of industrial architecture, and was recognized with the Europa Nostra award in 1994 following its restoration. The power station once supplied electricity to Nicosia, and its transformation into a cultural venue demonstrates successful adaptive reuse of industrial heritage. The complex includes multiple exhibition halls, an educational center for children, and the Demetrios Z. Pierides History of Art Library. Since 2017, the OPAP City Theatre has operated in another renovated industrial building within the complex, promoting experimentation in both performance and visual arts. From Power Plant to Cultural Hub On January 14, 1994, the Arts Centre opened its doors for the first time to the art lovers of the capital. Mayor Lellos Demetriades and Demetris Z. Pierides, President of the Pierides Foundation, welcomed the public in the presence of former President Glafkos Clerides to the first major thematic exhibition entitled The Tree: Source of Inspiration, Cause of Creation. The conversion of the Old Powerhouse into an arts center marked a…

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Wild Oregano treasure hunt

Wild Oregano treasure hunt

Imagine wandering the sun-drenched paths of Cyprus's Troodos Mountains, where a humble herb releases a spicy, earthy aroma that whispers of age-old remedies and hearty island feasts. This is oregano, a wild treasure that's flavored Cypriot life for centuries, inviting us to uncover its simple joys and hidden strengths. A Spicy Star in the Mint Family Oregano is a fragrant herb from the vast Lamiaceae family, a group that includes over 7,000 species worldwide, like mints, sages, and basils – all sharing square stems and leaves packed with essential oils that give them their punchy scents and flavors. In Cyprus, it grows as a tough little bush in rocky spots, a classic example of Mediterranean wild plants that thrive in harsh, sunny environments. A Gift from Mountain Spirits The name "oregano" springs from ancient Greek words – "oros" for mountain and "ganos" for joy – beautifully capturing how this resilient plant thrives on sunny hillsides and brings simple delight to those who stumble upon it. In Cyprus, its tale reaches back to the island's earliest settlers around 10,000 years ago, who likely gathered it for nourishment and healing, much like their kin across the Mediterranean waves. Locally known as ρίγανη (rigani), it echoes this joyful legacy, cherished by ancient inhabitants for its seasoning and soothing powers long before tales were…

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