Suggestion for an excursion to the tiny village of Kouka in the mountains of Limassol
Image by @koukadesigns_alisale on Instagram
Paris Dimitriadis
We are in the second week of autumn, which begins when it seems to show its signs more confidently, and a very good idea for a trip is the tiny village of Kouka in the mountainous Limassol, which it is possible that you have never heard of its existence before! And yet, although a very small village, Kouka (with the accent on the -a) is well worth a visit, since it is located just 29 kilometers northwest of the city of Limassol, in a beautiful, verdant location at an altitude of about 740 meters above sea level. sea.
To find it on the map just go to Pera Pedi and you will find it about a kilometer east of it. The village is known for the ancient church of Timios Stavros, which is advertised as the oldest church on the island. Believers flock to this small church because inside there is placed the so-called “Koukas” Cross, which is believed to have scraps (dust or sawdust) from the famous Holy Wood.
The chapel is specifically a building of the twelfth century, it is kept in good condition and saves a significant part of its medieval frescoes. Instead of the traditional dome it has a crucifix at the intersection of its antennae. The entire church forms a cross.
According to local tradition, the village took its name from the founder of the church of the Holy Cross, who was called Kokas. He had a “kokan” (i.e. braid or bun) on his head. But later the name evolved into Kuka. As far as the first inhabitants are concerned, according to church tradition, the village existed during the time of Saint Helen's visit to Cyprus, estimated in the 4th century AD.
However, beyond the church, in the whole of the village consists of traditional and largely restored buildings, of which the Kouka family tavern certainly stands out, which is in itself another reason to visit the village.
With folklore decoration, stone , wood and fireplace during the winter months, the tavern serves traditional Cypriot cuisine and has become particularly famous for its fragrant and honey-sweet stew.
