Ayios Constantinos, which has been established since Lusignan times,
is a very beautiful Pitsilia village at the foot of Papoutsa, 30
km from Limassol.
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Ayios Constantinos is the only village in Cyprus that carries
the name of Ayios Constantinos. 700 metres above sea level Ayios
Constantinos owes its unique beauty to the striking landscape in
which it is situated.
As the Archimandrite Kyprianos mentions in his book 'Chronological
History of the island of Cyprus', published in 1788, Ayios Constantinos
was one of the largest and most densely populated villages on the
island of Cyprus during the Lusignan era (1192-1489) Jack C.Goodwin's
Toponomy of Cyprus notes that the history of the village probably
dates back to the 13th century or even earlier. In old maps the
village is referred to as San Constantin and S. Constantino.
During the Frankish period this was one of the villages that came
under the Order of the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem. Thus Ayios
Constantinos, together witn many others, formed part of the Grand
Commanderie based at Kolossi. (De Mas Latrie, Histoire De L'ile
De Chypre) .
The many deserted churches in the village, such as Ayios Georgios,
Ayios Nicolaos, Ayios Prodromos, Ayios Archangelos, Apostolos Louka
and Panayia (Virgin Mary) bear witness to its historic significance
and sizeable population.
Ayios Constantinos has played its part in modern history too. Its
people participated in the Second World War and in the EOKA Struggle
(1955-59), as well as fighting heroically in 1974 during the Turkish
invasion. Today, the villagers successfully cultivate grapes that
are used in the production of Commandaria and tend to their almond,
olive, citrus and vegetable crops.
The Former Inhabitants' Associations which co-operates with the
local authorities, plays an important role in the further development
of Agios Constantinos.
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