In an enchanting location, virtually smothered
in greenery and graced by tall willow trees, an arched stone bridge
and majestic church, the village of Kato Mylos looks like a painting
by master Cypriot painter Adamantios Diamantis.
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Standing at a height of 800 metres above sea level, Kato Mylos
is close to other villages in the region, namely Ayios loannis,
Agros and Potamitissa. The Limnatis River, a tributary of Kourris,
slices through the wild, imposing landscape leaving a gash like
a narrow valley on the right hand side as though cut by an axe.
In spring, tne deep green of the vegetation contrasts drannatically
with clouds of fresh pink as the numerous peach trees in the area
burst into blossom.
At the village entrance the arched stone bridge looks almost like
a ladder hanging in the green foliage.
Visitors first come across tne tall, stately willows that stand
in the Kourris river bed. The sight is pure magic, thrilling nature
lovers and providing an endless source of inspiration for artists.
Then they see the red-tiled rooftops of Kato Mylos and the hanging
balconies - heavy with the passage of time - the innumerable flower
pots, the climbing vines and the narrow picturesque streets. Kato
Mylos instills in visitors a feeling of calm and tranquillity, and
former village inhabitants find themselves musing over memories
of childhood and games they used to play.
At Easter and Christmas, and during summer, Kato Mylos is full of
life. The traditional village ovens give off the pleasant smell
of freshly baked bread. Visitors can see how the sweet 'sutzukos'
is formed from grapes, flour and almonds, how 'zivania' - the traditional
Cypriot spirit - is distilled and how the tasty local sausages and
other delicacies are made.
The recently established Association of former Kato Mylos inhabitants
has helped revitalise the village by organizing such events as traditional
Easter games with donkey-racing, the Easter bonfire, the love circle,
and merry making at Alonadjia location, etc. They also organise
a Christmas gathering for the Children and a celebration of Christ
Saviour on August 6, with violin and lute-playing and very tasty
doughnuts
Kato Mylos is famous for its Peach Festival. Staged at the end
of August, this is one of the oldest village festivals in Cyprus,
featuring an agricultural exhibition alongside its other
attractions. The Association also pubilshies its own newspaper called
"Alonadjia", which promotes the cultural traditions of
Kato Mylos.
Local and foreign visitors to the village admire the magnificent
Church of the Trans- figuration of Christ and the enchanting green
scenery, dotted with tall willow trees; the Chapels of St Paraskevi
and Archangel Michael at Alonadjia locality and a dam with ducks
floating on its calm waters. Shortly the Kato Mylos Cultural Centre
is due to be Completed as well as the Church Museum of icons and
holy vestments housed in the old olive press.
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