Until a few years ago, the landscape seemed lunar. Dug slopes, stripped off trees, pushing the holidaymakers to travel to the top of Troodos. The upper Amiantos from many years ago, was turned into a mine, devouring the flesh of both the mountain and the people.
An unknown number of people died from inhaling amianthus fibers, after some years of working in the mine. When it turned out that amianthus was the cause of these deaths, mining and its use were ceased.
The vast expanse of the isolated mountain with millions of tons of rubbles, began to be a real risk in the case of landslides for the village Kato Amiantos, located at the foot of the mine. The administrative company, afforestated it largely but this did not prevent the real risk of landslides.
When leaving the area behind the company left some crumbling buildings that were part of the management of the mine.
This area was chosen by the members of the institution "AG Leventis " in cooperation with the Department of Forests of Cyprus to create the "Troodos Botanical Garden". There are hundreds of references about the utility and content of the botanical garden, therefore we will not mention them. We will refer to the impressions of a visitor.
At the entrance of the former mine, a drinking water faucet was created. The area was embellished and adequately transformed, so as to be exempted from the "stigma" of the mine. Some small sources that exist, end up in a tributary of the Kouris river. Within a hundred meters, there is parking area as well as the entrance to the botanical garden.
From the moment you enter it, you will be impressed with its design. Narrow cobbled streets lead you between thematic and similar vegetal "exhibits". The creator, based on the Chinese garden creation mentality, placed lakes that "host" lilies of various colors. Wooden bridges with an open arch, join the shores together. Frogs "deafening" you with strange voices, and the type of mosquito fish in large herds "patrol" throughout the length and breadth of the lakes.
Small waterfalls, created by a source located high in the mountains, create a tropical landscape, a miniature but so beautiful. On the southern vertical slope of the mountain, there is a sight where you can see many peaks of the Troodos Mountains.
In renovated buildings found south of the garden, there is a visitor center. The people of the Department of Forests and staff of the "Leventis" institution make sure to give you any information that you may need, related to the garden and its purposes. From there you can buy relative bibliography (thus helping to fund the development and expansion of the botanical garden) and also see documentaries in the appropriately configured projection room.
When leaving the botanical garden you will surely take home the best impressions for the way Troodos’ biodiversity is presented as well as the kindness and willingness of the people who manage to enlighten you about the species housed in the area.
Troodos Botanical Garden, is a very good destination with great interest that should be included in the program of organized excursions. Abroad, there are similar destinations with a high entrance fee, because maintenance is expensive and difficult. Currently in Cyprus is free, although this should change. It is worth it.
Watch the video of our visit:
