Lánia

On the northeast of Kourris valley, at the foothill of Troodos mountains lies Lania a small, picturesque village of Limassol district. Surrounded by the mountainous landscape the village offers outstanding views.

Several versions exist in relation to the origin of the village's name. According to local tales, when the people of Achaea left Greece arrived in the island and built their settlements in the mountains of Cyprus. With them arrived God Dionysus, the Greek God of fertility, wine and pleasure, along with his daughter Lana. Therefore, the hill where they have resided was named "Lania", in honour of the God's daughter. Others associate the name of the village with the shrike bird, also known as "Lanius", in Greek language called "lanios" ("λάνιος") and the female "lania" ("λάνια"). Based on the third version, it is claimed that Lania was named after the oak tree and its fruits, which is commonly found in the area. Based on this variation, the name derives from the words "valanithkia" ("βαλανίδκια") or "valania" ("βαλάνια"), the "acorns" in the local dialect.

Walking through the narrow, cobblestone streets with the traditional stone-built houses and their courtyards which are overflowing with multi-coloured flowers and greenery, Lania is a village full of charm. An old water fountain, which was the main source of water for the village's residents, is found at the entrance of the Lania, while the old olive mill and the old wine press or "Linos", which was formerly used in the production of Commandaria, give an exceptional atmosphere of the typical village life of Cyprus. One cannot miss the churches located at the village, one dedicated to Panagia Eleousa (Virgin of Tenderness) and the other, situated at the top of the hill, named after the area, Panagia Valanas (Virgin Mary of Valanas).

Throughout the centuries, the village was closely associated with the production of wine. During the French Lusignan era, there were built monasteries creating fiefdoms and among them the fief of Valana, where today the village of Lania is located. In Valana, it was greatly developed the production of wine and thus, the region became famous across the island. Nowadays, Lania is one of the 14 villages that comprise Commandaria wine route. Most vineyards in the area cultivate the indigenous grape varieties of Mavro (red variety) and Xynisteri (white variety), both being main components for the production of Commandaria. Nonetheless, the importance of Commandaria in the village is evident by the local Commandaria Storage Museum, that exhibits tools used to produce the legendary wine, and "pitharia" ("πιθάρια"), which are huge clay pots utilized for the storage of wine.

Choosing to stroll around the streets of the village, visit the churches and museum or by enjoying the local wine in one of the wineries of the area, Lania remains a village worth exploring.