Parsata is another abandoned “village” of Cyprus. It is only 3 kilometres east of the village of Lagia and 5 kilometres northwest of the also abandoned “village” of Drapia. Even though both “villages” are found very close to Kalavasos, in terms of administration they belong to the village of Ora. This, according to our witnesses, is one of the reasons that the two “villages” are abandoned.
The two settlements have common history and a common destiny. They were built about in the same period and for the same reason. To house the workers and engineers who worked in the mines of Kalavasos. There was no authority services in the community, although they appear to have had all the other services necessary for the proper functioning of the community.
Parsata was built on the flat peak of the hill dominating the valley of Vasilopotamos and it was a very beautiful and well designed, structured settlement. Narrow streets plated with stones took you through small, stone built mansions.
Architecture is identical in all houses. The constructed unit did not exceed 3 to 4 rooms. The ceilings were supported by large beams, above which they placed branches and over the branches they placed a mixture of clay. At the end they placed tiles.
From the ruins, it seems like the settlement was built to stay. The surrounding fields have carob and olive trees, which shows the intention of the settlers for permanent and continuous stay in the area. A few of the olive and carob trees are some of the greatest I have seen in Cyprus. With no care not even from the department of forests of Cyprus, they seem lush and fertile.
South of the settlement, in a small “forest” of carob trees, there is a small Church dedicated to Panagia Odigitria. It is a recent construction.
From the surroundings of the church, in the field with carob trees, you will have a panoramic view of a big part of the valley of the river Vasilikos, until its mouth.
A small team of dogs wander about freely in the abandoned settlement and you will be able to see them in the huge hollows of the olive trees. They are not wild, nor are they approachable. If you see them while visiting the settlement, do not worry. Once they realise that you are approaching them, they will run away.
Early in the morning, the road Lagia - Parsata is used by walkers. The relief of the landscape is formed by the dozens of “noses” of the hills that are covered by low plantation and mostly by bushes. The highest trees are the Olive and Carob trees. Rarely will you spot pine trees and this is consequential to human presence in the area, since in the old years, they deforested the area.
The journey is more pleasant when crossing Lagia going to Kalavasos by vehicle. The road at the first two kilometres are covered with asphalt and the rest is a dirt road, accessible to every kind of vehicle.
Watch the video of our visit:
