Between the valley created by the river Saint Minas and the historical plain where in the 7th century AD, King Janus of Cyprus, faced the army of Mamluk invaders and the on hill top, in the mountainous area of Larnaca, the village of Choirokoitia is built. It is 33 kilometres away from the city of Larnaca and is located at the crossroad of the districts of Nicosia, Larnaca and Limassol.
When hearing the name "Choirokoitia" the Neolithic settlement that has been discovered in the area and the archaeological findings that cause global interest comes to our mind.
Apart from the Neolithic settlement, there is a community of Choirokoitia.
A village that appears to us with two faces, like most villages in Cyprus. The new buildings follow modern architecture which means that no buildings look alike. Huge mansions with large gardens and swimming pools, compete with each other, which one is bigger. The old core, "perched" on the hilltop follows the plain architecture that wants homes to be built with a high surrounding wall, with an entrance that leads to the inner courtyard and of course the traditional Anoi (mezzanine).
All houses are built of stone from the nearby village of Tochni. Narrow, labyrinthine paved alleys, take you through picturesque neighborhoods where in the yards the colors of the geraniums and bougainvilleas dominate.
In the village center there is a large square with traditional coffee shops (kafeneia), relax passers-by and locals. In a corner, a stone fountain cools you and quenches your thirst, while a small garden nearby offers you coolness in the shade of towering trees.
In the same square the Church of Agios Iakovos tou Persi (Saint James the Persian) is found. It is a single aisled basilica with strong signs of Gothic influence. It has a tiled roof and the south and the north walls bear five outer arcs. The five-sided narthex form a semicircle on the roof and you can see Gothic arches.
On the west entrance and the window that is above, you can see intense Gothic arches. It was built in 1803, a period when Byzantine architecture of the Temples had not yet clearly prevailed on the island.
In Choirokoitia the churches of Panagia tou Kampou, Agia Paraskevi, as well as the chapels of Agios Georgios, Agia Paraskevi and Agios Kyriakos still exist today.
Choirokoitia, except of the archaeological interest that it has, could also be a destination for study of architecture. While walking along the narrow streets, you will have the chance to meet and talk to amazing people who would hardly let you leave the neighborhood without treating you.
The cleanliness of the entire village, in all neighborhoods, is exemplary. The many colors adorning the tall surrounding walls accompany you along almost the whole village. The doors of the houses are wide open to let you to "steal" beautiful pictures from their yards.
When arriving at the eastern neighborhoods at the end of the village, you will find the starting point (which can also be the end) of the nature trail, which, after it takes you through uniquely Cypriot landscapes and descends you to the riverbed, will then take you uphill, where the Neolithic settlement is found and from there it will take you down to what used to be called "Choirokoitia station."
In the afternoons and early evenings, Choirokoitia is converted into an amazing destination for romantic walks along the narrow, picturesque and always cool alleys, which will take you under beautiful wooden balconies and through arched passages.
If you get carried away by the stunning picturesque environment and if the route from being a simple walk turns into a long hike, do not worry. If you get hungry in between again do not worry. There are restaurants that offer great food and in the village.
In Choirokoitia they have traditional and picturesque environment, amazing and hospitable people, tasty Cypriot food, accommodation for short and long term stays and more than half a dozen religious Churches, archaeological and historical sites. What is missing is a beach, and it is only 10 minutes from the centre.
Visit it.
