Pedoulás

Pedoulas is a village situated in the scenic Marathasa valley on the northern slopes of the Troodos mountains. The village is divided by the Setrachos river, which enhances the landscape with cherry and pine trees.

Regarding the origin of Pedoulas' name, two interpretations exist. The first suggests that "Pedoulas" is a compound word, combining "valley" (in Greek "pediada" - "πεδιάδα") and "people" (in Greek "laos" - "λαός"). The second explanation links the name to the village's historical association with the manufacturing and trading of leather shoes and sandals, with "pedila" (πέδιλα) being the Greek word for sandals.

The village boasts a rich history deeply tied to religion, evident in its numerous churches and chapels, some dating back to the 14th century. The main church, dedicated to the Holy Cross, sits at the village center and was constructed between 1933 and 1935, featuring a cruciform plan and a dome. Among the older churches are the chapels of Saint Paraskevi, Saint George, Virgin Mary Vorini, Saint Onoufrios, and Saint Marina. More recent constructions include the churches of Saint Raphael of Vrachon (named after the rocky area it stands in) and the chapel of the Holy Cross (also known as Stavros Fithkias), renowned for its large white cross on the south side, situated atop Fithkias hill. One of the most significant churches in the village is that of Archangel Michael, built in 1474, displaying typical Troodos architectural style with a single-aisled structure and a timber roof. It is adorned with impressive post-Byzantine frescoes, earning it a place on UNESCO's World Heritage Sites list, along with nine other Troodos churches.

Adjacent to Archangel Michael's church lies the Byzantine museum, established in the late 20th century. It houses icons and religious relics spanning from the 13th to the 20th century, collected from various Byzantine churches in the village. The second museum in Pedoulas, the Folk Art Museum, is situated in a restored stone and timber house in the village center. It exhibits tools from traditional occupations and showcases a typical Cypriot house with original furniture, providing an insightful glimpse into the region's culture and customs.

Two nature trails pass through Pedoulas. The shorter one starts from the main road between Pedoulas, Prodromos, and Troodos, ending near "The Churchill Pinewood Valley" hotel. It is less than 1km long and offers scenic views of the area and the surrounding villages in Marathasa valley. The longer trail, the Xystarouda-Agiasma-Vasiliki Nature Trail, covers approximately 5km, starting from the Xystarouda picnic site on the road between Pedoulas and Kykkos Monastery. The trail passes by a location believed to have flowing holy water (in Greek "Αγίασμα") and traverses dense forest vegetation before reaching Saint Vasilios church, a small 18th-century chapel near Kykkos Monastery.

The picturesque scenery, rich history, and cultural traditions have established Pedoulas as an important year-round destination for both locals and foreigners.