Korfi is a village in Limassol with a unique history and a dual identity. The original settlement was built on a steep slope, approximately 2km northeast of the current location of the village. Today, there remains only ruins and the old church.
After a terrible downpour on 28 January 1969, catastrophic landslides buried the village houses under tons of mud. Fortunately, there were no casualties, but the area was considered dangerous, and the villagers relocated to a safer area. And so, the history of the current village begins in 1970, and as a result it does not have a particularly distinguishing identity.
The new village of Korfi.
The new village of Korfi.
The old village of Korfi.
Photo: Cyprus Locations
Τhrough the ruins of the abandoned village, one can detect the charm of the traditional architecture of the stone houses.
Photo: Antreas Constantinou
Though it is the most recent history of the village that piques peoples’ interest, it is speculated that this settlement actually dates back many centuries, having existed since the Middle Ages with the name Corfi. In fact, at the beginning of the 20th century, it appears to have been so densely populated that it had to be distinguished between Upper and Lower Korfi.
The name of the village is clearly derived from the image created by layout of the homes down the slope.
As this was an agricultural community, one can detect several vineyards below the abandoned village, as well some preserved orchards with almond, citrus and carob trees.
The old inhabitants of Korfi continue to visit the village to gather the wild greens and herbs that thrive in the area, and to take care of the few remaining trees.
The church of Panagia Korfiotissa, which is preserved and operates to this day, has an emblematic role in the old settlement. A brand new church with the same name has been constructed in the new settlement.
The new village has fairly modern features. Its large, welcoming square, built near the new village church, is of particular interest as it offers views of the Kouris dam all the way to Limassol.
A small monastery was erected near the new village, founded by 3 old calendarist monks. The small and humble monastery is only a few years old and was dedcated to Agioi Pantes.
2.51 km
2.51 km
5.32 km
6.41 km
7.71 km
8.99 km
