Agros

Lying in the center of Pitsilia region, in Limassol district, Agros is a small town embedded in the mountain slopes.

The name of the village is associated with the origin of its establishment. According to tradition, the constitution of the village started during the 11th Century, with the creation of the monastery of Great Agros (or in Greek “Μονή του Μεγάλου Αγρού”). It is believed that monks arrived from Asia Minor and built a monastery in the area. Later on, and during a pandemic that raged the island on the 17th Century, people started gathering around the monastery and built their residences, hoping for protection. Therefore, the village emerged, and the monastery gave its name to the new establishment.

Nowadays, Agros has become a little mountainous town combining both modern facilities and a traditional character. Apart from the schools, a hospital, public offices, a number of hotels and restaurants, the village possesses a rich cultural heritage. A remarkable institution is Frangoulides Museum. The museum was founded in 2004 honoring the work of Solomos Frangoulides, a pioneer painter of Cypriot art. During the period between 1932 and 1934, Frangoulides resided in the village and among other things he undertook the painting of icons in the village’s church. Part of the painter’s work is exhibited at the museum. Another important site is the traditional mill of Timios Prodromos’ church. It is a manually-operated mill, which olive oil producers were using to extract oil. The presser, a mill and other tools currently consist a small museum. Another olive mill of the same era is located next to the main church of the village.

Moreover, Agros has a significant number of churches and chapels scattered around the village. The main church is a majestic construction, located in the center of the village. The church is dedicated to Panagia Eleousa (known as the Virgin of Tenderness), and it was built in the beginning of the 20th century. It must be noted that the church was constructed on the same place where the monastery of Great Agros was located, and which was demolished in 1894. In the same area there is a smaller church, dedicated to Saint Margaret, that houses objects from the old monastery. Another significant church is that of Timios Prodromos, dedicated to Saint John the Baptist, built in 1860 and located in the eastern part of the village. A more recently constructed chapel is that of Saint Gerasimos, built between 2004 and 2008.

The village of Agros and more broadly the region of Pitsilia is a real treasure for those who enjoy outdoor exploring. More precisely, there are three nature trails connected with the village, giving the opportunity to trekkers to immerse themselves in nature. The first is a circular trail, covering an area of 6 kilometers between the village of Agros and Kato Mylos. The route passes through orchards of apple, pear and cherry trees, vineyards and rose bushes. The second trail connects the village of Agros with the neighbouring village of Lagoudera. The trail is linear, it starts from Lagoudera village and it covers 6 kilometres. It passes through orchards and leads to Agros village, while by arriving at the mountain ridge of Madari – Papoutsa, it offers a far-reaching view across the Troodos mountains. The last trail starts from the village’s water dam and leads to Madari summits, where the fire observatory is located. Madari is one of the most panoramic locations, situated almost in the centre of the island, offering lookouts with the best views.

Local products are a large part of the village’s identity. Agros is famous for the cultivation of roses and more precisely the Rose Damascus, that grows at the foot of the village’s mountains. This rose bush is also called “μυρωδάτη” (“mirodati” which is translated to odoriferous) or “ορείτικη” (“oritiki” meaning mountainous) and it is used for the production of rose water, rose oil and various other organic products. Another important aspect of the village’s industry is the production of local meat products. Typical cured meat products, such as hiromeri and lountza - which are smoked pork preserved in salt and wine - and Cypriot sausages are produced in the village. Lastly, a traditional sweets’ company is located in Agros. A great variety of spoon sweets and marmalades, made from local fruits and preserving the traditional recipes, are among other things that can be found in the store. Noteworthy, is the fact that Agros’ products are not only distributed around the island, but they are also exported abroad.

Characterized as the crown of Pitsilia region, Agros is a remarkable village that maintained its natural beauty, nestled among the forest. The village preserved the Cypriot culture and tradition in a great extent, welcoming visitors from Cyprus and abroad all year round.