Vyzakia is a village in the district of Nicosia and is at a distance of 40 kilometres from the capital. You will find it at 10 kilometres from the village of Astromeritis and 4 kilometres before the medieval church of Panagia Forviotissa or how it is better known “Panagia Asinou”.
The old village is built on the northeast slope of the valley formed by the Elias river. The slope, being steep creates beautiful and wild images to the visitor. The houses are mainly built with stones transferred by the river, have a strange architectural style. In the old days, the steep, uphill roads were making the transportation of water to homes was a very difficult and time-consuming daily process. As a result the settlers built many taps at different levels of the streets. Some of them are still saved today.
Vyzakia got its name from the numerous “vizatzies” (big shiny gray stones) that the river transported to the area.
The location at which the village is built, presents two “faces”. One of them is found northeast and it is consisted of a smooth and level ground, which helps the cultivation of wheat, and the other one that is found on the southwest and it is consisted of areas with low vegetation and wild bushes, as well as areas with forests.
On the southwest there is a dam where water of the Elias river is stored, through a bypass canal. The Vyzakia dam is the future for the prosperity of the residents.
There are 3 churches in Vyzakia. The main church is dedicated to Agia Aikaterini. The other two are dedicated to Archangel Michael and the Saints Andronikos and Athanasia respectively.
The icon of Agia Aikaterini is unique and no other icon in the honour of the Saint looks like this one. The residents told us that it is a miraculous icon, therefore if you are travelling to the famous “Panagia Asinou” do not neglect to stop at Vyzakia for a while, and the church of Agia Aikaterini. The Church on its own is a very beautiful construction with a very intense architectural interest.
If you find yourselves in Vyzakia, you will be surprised by the hospitality, the kindness and the smile of its people.
