Apliki is one of the smallest villages of Pitsilia,
with a population of some 120 people that has always remained constant.
For many years the village has served as a stopping-off point for
cars travelling to Palaichori and Agros.
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Apliki is located 40 kilometres from Nicosia and three kilometres
fro Palaichori. Initially it was built one kilometre south of its
position today. In 1940 after a request by the inhabitants to then
English Governor, the village was moved to its present location.
The name wan taken from the world 'apliki' which, in Byzantine and
Frankish times, meant 'ranch'.
In the centre of the village is the newly built church with an
arch, dedicated to the Saints Rigino and Orestis whose special day
is celebrated on August 20th. On the pulpit, a picture in fresco
shows the 'Platytera' surrounded by the Saints of the temple. The
arch is decorated with the 'Pantokratoras' (Almighty)
Many visitors make a point of looking arourd the church, whose bell
hangs from an old pine
tree in the churchyard. On a small rise nearby is the single-teacher
village school, now closed since the few children of the village
have been attending Palaichori Regional School for the past ten
years.
To the south of the village. where 'Old Apliki' was located, is
the stone-bullt and renovated church of St. George, which is where
Afxentiou's team used to hide during the 1955-59 EOKA struggle.
To the east of the village is the Palaichori dam.
Recent years have seen the addition of a few new houses, but their
picturesque appearance blends in well with the old stone houses
of the 1940's and 1950's.
There is a very good restaurant called the 'Apliki' where many
visitors break their journey for lunch or dinner, and where wedding
and christening receptions are often held. Next to the restaurant
is a small park.
Apliki was and still is known for the hospitality of its people,
for its famous white grapes and its fresh green beans
Charming at all times of the year, the village is especially beautiful
during the autumn months of October and November, when the myriad
colours of nature are at their glorious best.
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