Fyti

Fyti is one of the numerous picturesque villages nestled in the Paphos district, located northeast of the area atop a mountainous plateau.

The community's name has two proposed origins. One possibility suggests that "Fyti" comes from the word "φυτώριο" ("fytorio"), meaning "nursery." This could be due to the village's location amidst lush landscapes resembling a garden nursery or its historical significance in regional education, possibly having a nursery school. Similarly, another explanation links "Fyti" or "Foiti," as it is sometimes spelled, to the word "φοιτώ" ("foito"), which translates to "studying."

Fyti has carefully preserved its traditional local architecture, featuring charming stone-built houses and narrow streets. At the heart of the village lies the village square, home to taverns, with one of them situated in the oldest village building, which dates back approximately 200 years and once served as a boys' school. Nearby, you will find the 19th-century church dedicated to Saint Demetrios, as well as stone-built fountains and an old olive mill.

The village's fame is largely attributed to the exquisite weaves crafted in the area, known as "Fythkiotika." Weaving has a rich history in the region, flourishing during medieval times. These distinctive weaves showcase colorful geometric designs in bright hues like red, blue, or green, set against natural-colored fabric in white or beige.

The Museum of Weaving and Traditional Art, established in 1947, exhibits a wide array of these traditional weaves. The museum also houses traditional tools used for clothing production and showcases tools employed in other traditional occupations practiced in the region, such as agriculture. Among its highlights is the traditional weaver or "βούφα" ("voufa"), as referred to in the Cypriot dialect.

As the most renowned weaving community in Paphos, with a history dating back to medieval times as an important spiritual and educational hub, Fyti has retained its timeless charm throughout the ages.