Just 12 kilometers from Limassol, on the way towards Platres, you will find yourself crossing over Kouris dam. On the northern side of the dam, you will see the abandoned village of Alassa, which was relocated during the 1980s, and is one of the most interesting spots for visitors in the area.
Today, only the remnants of the church of Saint Nicholas serve as evidence of the existence of a village which, until 1980, flourished by the banks of the Kouris river. From year to year, and from season to season, the reservoir’s water levels change, as does the image of the church.
When the dam overflows, the belfry of the church of Saint Nicholas of Alassa is the only part of it that is visible, as if floating atop the water, creating special – and rather eerie – image. At times when the water level is low enough, however, you can even take a walk through the ruins of this ‘amphibious’ church.
The abandoned church, which is practically in ruins, stands out thanks to the ornate décor of its belfry, which is painted in bright colors.
* NOTE: The tributes of the Project "History of Limassol" present information that has emerged from historical research thus far. Any new data is embedded into the tributes, once it has been confirmed.