Polystypos is one of the five highest villages of Cyprus and one of the most beautiful villages of Pitsilia. It looks like a beautiful painting that changes according to the season. It is 1,150 meters above sea level, it belongs to the Nicosia district and is 48 km from the Capital.

In the spring and summer Polystypos is surrounded by leafy green vineyards, and vibrant with the ample foliage of cultivated trees such as hazelnut, almond, apple, cherry and walnut and the wild pine. Picturesque houses of traditional architecture set against a backdrop of dramatic valleys and steep mountain slopes form a memorable scene that never fails to charm its visitors.

The village took its name from the extensive vineyards that have graced the region since ancient times. Literally translated the name means 'plentiful vines'. Today, however, the green valleys surrounding the village proliferate with hazelnut trees, one of the main agricultural products of the community. The village celebrates its harvest with an annual Hazelnut Dance which takes place in August.

Polystypos is an ancient village with a long history to match. Over the years it has been known by various names, but the name Polystypos has been known since the 12th century. During the Frankish domination it was one of the most worthy royal possessions in the Pitsillia area.

The monastery of Apostle Andreas of Polystypos was founded near the village centuries ago. According to tradition it was built in the 8th century and preserved for hundreds of years. At the end of the past century it was still inhabited by monks. Today, only the temple of Apostle Andreas exists, attracting worshippers from different parts of Cyprus every day.

Visitors are charmed by the narrow streets of the village, the long stretch of hazelnut trees, the nightingales in springtime and the monastery of Apostle Andreas. There are fresh grapes and other delicious fruit to sample, and from the new Community Park there is a panoramic view of the village and the green carpet formed by the hazelnut and walnut trees.

A monument to the heroes of the 1955 struggle, Christos Tsiartas and Andreas Panayiotou, stands in 'Heroes'Park'. Visitors can enjoy a reviving cup of Greek coffee at the 'Dasaki' restaurant or the 'Heraklis' sports club, or taste the 'loukoumades' at 'Klimataria' under the shade of vines bearing tempting black grapes. At the 'Krya Vrisi' there is the oppor- tunity to savour the sparkling digestive water. One visit is enough to fall under the spell of Polystypos, and the villagers unfailingly show their natural hospitality to those who visit this heavenly area of Cyprus.