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Village Square

One can get acquainted with the real Omodos not only by entering its narrow, graphic alleys but also when walking through the village's large, picturesque plaza. The plaza is also the place where the journeys of both foreign and local tourists ends. In it one can find the traditional coffee-houses and also many souvenir shops, recreation centres, and small taverns offered for a drink or even an enjoyable meal. Today's increased interest of foreigners for Omodos lies exactly on the picturesque quality and the authenticity of its traditional character, elements that foreigners pursue and aspire to find in every place they visit. Omodos's plaza, which is perhaps the largest in Cyprus, dates back to 1910, is very graphic, has a range of 3000 sq. m., and is paved. Until 1968 it was paved, just like all of the village's alleys were. Unfortunately, however, this beauty was thoughtlessly covered with asphalt, though the asphalt was again removed around 1987 and the appropriate configuration of the plaza was done, changing it as it was before. It probably is unique, promoting both Omodos as well as Cyprus abroad.

Linos

Cyprus was known from ancient times for the vines and manufacture of good wines.Omodos is a classic example, which has been famous for it's selection of grapes and tasty wines. According to the tradition, exceptional quality wine of Afami, that took the name from the mountain, east of the village, gave a reason, to the drunkard Sultan Selim B to conquer the island in order to it have this eminent wine on his own. The fact that Omodos is a well-known wine maker since ancient times is also confirmed by the existence of Linos, which was used for pressing grapes. In the old ages, as technical means for pressing the grapes, for production of wine, they used the Linos (Mill for pressing of grapes).

Holy Cross (Timios Stavros) Monastery

The ornament and true pride & joy of Omodos is the Monastery of the Holy and Life-giving Cross, built at the heart of the community. It rises majestically and with its imposing presence it becomes a significant part of Cyprus's cultural heritage. The Monastery of the Holy Cross is one of the oldest and most historic monasteries of the island. The Monastery's architecture is characteristic. It is a huge, two-levels complex in the shape of (the Greek letter) Π that encircles the church in the north, west, and south with its tall cells and the vaulted arches. One can enter the yard through a vaulted entrance, the so-called "kamaroporta" (arched door), which is found in the north side. Tradition reports that the arched door, which resembles that of a fortress, with its heavy, double crossbars, would not open when Turks who intended to harm the monastery would arrive. The west entrance that today exists in the part of the plaza was opened recently. The complex is consisted of many stone-made cells, cellars, and hostels/hospices. The lace-like balusters under the arches of the roofed verandas, in the interior side of the constructions, have a very picturesque quality. In the fenced yard a marble-made fountain refreshes the visitors. Upon a plate, dating back to 1763, the words "come to me you that are thirsty, like Siloam the fountain I will also quench your thirst" are inscribed. The large temple with three aisles of the Monastery, which is of the Basilica type, is built -according to local tradition -precisely above the cave where the holy Cross was found.

Vineyards / Wineries

The vineyards constituted for Cyprus one of the main occupations from the old years up to today and it was closely connected with the life and the customs of the Cypriot viticulturist. Of course, Omodos, one of the most important wine villages of Limassol could not be an exception to this. With the byway of centuries the vine in the Omodos found hospitable environment, soft climate and territorial conditions, all ideal for his growth. With primitive means, the mattock and the plough, but first of all with hard work and sweat, the villagers with faculty achieved to change the wild and very tall hills into vine growing areas. From very old until today the vine constitutes the unique source of income for Omodos. The economic importance of vine is very big, because many families, more than 500 viticulturists, they depend indirectly or immediately from the culture of vine. Roughly the cultivated are about 6,700 decaries and the production of their product reach roughly the 4000 tons of grapes. Still, the vine develops a big rate of ground that does not flourish economically other type of agricultural product. Still the environment becomes more beautiful with its green color. The viticulturists from Omodos, even today, even though their is intense urbanism observed in the region they try to maintain, not only the vine, but at the same time and the natural environment. Of course, today apart from the local traditional varieties, the white and black, there is cultivation of new wine varieties like Chaperon Sauvignon, Shiras, Siartone, Risling e.t.c It is undeniable, that at Omodos they are produced grapes of quality, which in their turn produce wines of exceptional quality.

EOKA Hideout

Omodos's contribution to the liberation struggles of our nation has been voluminous, significant, and expressed through deeds. Courageous and dynamic people could not be held back from the liberation struggle of 1955 - 1959. From the beginning until the end, many inhabitants of Omodos connected to and assisted the EOKA organisation in any possible way. Quite a few were the cases of combatant locals that were arrested and tortured by the British and several were those that were locked up in detention rooms. Many wanted fighters from all over Cyprus passed through or stayed in Omodos, for small or large periods of time. Among them was also Grigoris Afxentiou. One effect of the rich activity developed by Omodos's fighters, which were inspired by noble and high ideas that are common in all the free nations, was the creation of a hide-out in the house of Aristos and Maroulla Theodorou from Omodos, after instructions given by Grigoris Afxentiou.

Xavouza

According to the traditional song “steile me mana sto nero” (mother send me to the water), the task of carrying water to the house in the old days was handled by the young ladies. They used to carry it home from the closest source using a clay pitcher.