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Pelendri Village

05/10/2022
* NOTE: All the tributes of All About Limassol (as the Official Guide of Limassol) aim to ONLY highlight the special advantages of this wonderful city, so that everyone can be aware of the unique Experiences it offers. Under no circumstances do they have any promotional or nominal value, nor do they serve the interests of Companies, Municipalities, Organizations or Individuals.

The village of Pelendri is situated on the western end of Pitsilia, at an altitude of 880 meters. For many decades, it has supplied the nearby asbestos mine of Amiantos with a workforce, and this occupation was one of the main driving forces behind the development of the village.

History

Medieval chronographer, Georgios Boustronios reports that in 1461, a wealthy man lived in Pelendri, who was likely a merchant named Saten. He also refers to two farmlands in the Pelendri area, which belonged to Rizzo di Marino, and which were seized in 1474 by Catherine Cornaro.

One of these farmlands, Filagra, though destroyed, was resurrected with the same name in the mid-20th century, featuring few homes and recreational centers. According to narratives of the time, there were an additional 14 small villages in the area, which were abandoned and united with the inhabitants of Pelendri for safety reasons.

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Name

There are various versions behind the story of how the name of the village came about.

  • The name Pelendri, and its earlier version, Pelendria, is said to come from a plant that was abundant in the area, named Felandrio (mignonette).
  • A French magazine reports that the village took its name from an aromatic plant that grew in the village, which was called Pedentri, and which later evolved into Pelendri.

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  • Another version claims that the village took its name from the surname of a medieval family that once owned the village as a fiefdom (before 1353).
  • Finally, according to newer versions, it is said that Pelendri was once called Polydentri (which means ‘many trees’), due to the abundance of trees in the area. 

The center of the village

With the traditional architecture of the area still visible in several houses in the village, the Community Council building and the open-air event space maintain a traditional image.

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Churches

As a fiefdom and administrative center during the Middle Ages, Pelendri preserved a great deal of its rich cultural heritage, mainly in the form of Byzantine art monuments. It is especially famous for its unique churches and chapels. 

The church of the Holy Cross: With frescoes dating back to 1178, has been named a UNESCO World Heritage site.

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The church of Panagia Katholikis: Surrounded by a large, lush garden, it houses 16th century icons and has been placed under the protection of the Department of Antiquities.

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The church of Ioannis Lambadistis: It is impressive thanks to its large dome that stands out from a distance.

The church of Archangel Michael:  It is located on another hill, east of the church of Ioannis Lambadistis, so that the two churches enjoy a view of the other’s bell tower from each of their courtyards.

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Natural Environment

Pelendri is a village with rich water reserves from the tributaries that cross through the area. As a result, besides the rich forest that surrounds the area, there is also an abundance of fruit trees, olive trees, almond trees and walnut trees cultivated, as well as vegetables, all of which enrich the area’s flora.

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The wooded area around the village is particularly well-known for its wild mushrooms. Local residents know all the hidden spots, and soon after the first rainfall, when the first mushrooms begin to sprout, they embark on their mission.

Tsiakkas Winery

Located just a few meters from the entrance of the village, boasts some of the most modern facilities in Cyprus, and its wines have repeatedly received international acclaim.

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Viewpoint

In the same area as the winery there is also an observatory, which allows a view of the surrounding slopes and the village. As the observatory is quite far from the built-up area, it is an ideal destination for those who want to enjoy some moments of peace.

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‘Kolokasi Park’ Picnic Site

North of the village, towards Kato Amiantos, one will come across a small but very picturesque picnic site. It enjoys a sense of tranquility thanks to the plane trees, has its own source of fresh drinking water, as well as a kiosk which operates during the summer months.

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Relevant

Bridges

A number of tributaries and streams cross through the river, which help irrigate the local crops and rejuvenate the forest. In order to allow residents and visitors to move around the area, 2 bridges were constructed that cross over the rivers of the previous century: the Potamoulion bridge, and the Kardakiou bridge.

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Food – Drink

Symposio tavern (99 404348)

Polydentri tavern (25 552651)

Anamniseis tavern (99 335937)

Olympos Cafe-Restaurant (94 089399)

Phelandrio Café Bar (25 552317)

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Accommodation

Symposio Nikos House (99 236425)

Pelendri Falcon Hills Villa (-)

Maria's Forest House (-)

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Events

Zivania Festival: One of the biggest festivals in the Limassol countryside, it honors the traditional distillate of Cyprus with special events and many delicious surprises.

Easter events: On both Easter Sunday and Monday, traditional games are held in the center of the village, as well as music and dances.

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