Fikardou

Fikardou is a village situated in the Nicosia district, nestled within the Machairas forest and forming part of the Pitsilia area.

The origin of the village's name has been subject to various explanations. Historically, Fikardou was linked to the medieval family of Thomas Fikardos, who served as a chancellor during the reign of James II. However, while the village's association with the Fikardos family dates back to this period, no written sources document its formation until the 19th century, during the Ottoman rule of the island.

Other explanations concerning the etymology of "Fikardou" propose connections to the words “φυγάς” ("figas," meaning "fugitive") and “ανδρείος” ("andrios," meaning "brave") or “φυγά άνδρον” (meaning "den of fugitives"). These versions are associated with stories about individuals compelled to leave their homes and seek refuge in the mountainous Machairas area, as well as fugitive clans that once inhabited the region.

Fikardou village serves as an open-air museum, displaying the traditional architecture of the island. During the 20th century, the Department of Antiquities undertook the restoration of the village, including the repair of abandoned houses, to preserve its distinctive ambiance.

Strolling along the cobblestone streets of the village, visitors will encounter one or two-story houses constructed with local stone and plinths, featuring internal courtyards, stables, and wooden balconies. Notable among these structures is Katsinioros House, presently housing the Local Ethnological Museum, exhibiting artifacts dating back to the 16th century. Another significant building is the House of Dimitris Achilleas, showcasing local textile art. Both houses received the Europa Nostra award in 1987.

At the heart of the village stands a small church, dedicated to Apostles Peter and Paul, and built in the 18th century in the form of a basilica with a wooden roof. Across from the church, the village's sole tavern offers traditional meze, coffee, and local sweets.