Kato Amiantos is sited in remote and imposing
surroundings between two steep slopes. At 980 metres above sea level
it is located three kilometres from Pelendri, on the banks of Amiantos
river.
The vegetation is impressive due to the high rainfall in the area
which is double the average rainfall in other parts of Cyprus. Tall
pliant poplars, plane trees and cypresses in the centre of Kato
Amiantos are visible from a distance, giving special colour to the
pic- turesque village.
Fruit-bearing trees cultivated by the villagers include apple, cherry,
peach, pear, walnut, quince, prune, olive and almond, while grape-
vines flourish as well.
Amiantos is well known for its mine, situated above the village,
which provided work for many local inhabitants before the introduction
of machinery. Now that its operations have ceased the mine and its
surrounds are to be developed by the government as a tourist area.
At one time Kato Amiantos had three water mills where the people
of Pitsilia used to grind their wheat, and a khan where the camel
trains would stop for the night. The village also boasted the highest
bridge in Cyprus. Built in 1902, it measured 15 metres. Before the
development of the mine the monastery of Ayios Mamas stood above
the village, graced with gardens and running waters. A visit to
Amiantos is a memorable experience .The steep slopes, the narrow
ravines, the beautiful gorges, the tall trees sporting many shades
of green and the aromatic lavenders, sage and rosemary imbue the
senses with beauty and fill the air with an intoxicating aroma.
During the Creco-Roman period Amiantos Valley was well populated.
But frequent Arab raids rendered the valley unsafe and the inhabitants
were obliged to seek more pro- tected surroundings. As a consequence
seven villages were established, one of them being today's Pelendri
.
The village owes fits development to the river which passes through
it, to the fresh, clean air and excellent climate. The village area
stretches from Phylagra to Kardama.
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