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Polystypos is one of the five highest villages
of Cyprus and one of the most beautiful villages of Pitsilia.
It looks like a beautiful painting that changes according
to the season. It is 1,150 meters above sea level, it belongs
to the Nicosia district and is 48 km from the Capital.
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In the spring and summer Polystypos is surrounded by leafy
green vineyards, and vibrant with the ample foliage of cultivated
trees such as hazelnut, almond, apple, cherry and walnut and
the wild pine.
Picturesque houses of traditional architecture set against
a backdrop of dramatic valleys and steep mountain slopes form
a memorable scene that never fails to charm its visitors.
The village took its name from the extensive
vineyards that have graced the region since ancient times.
Literally translated the name means 'plentiful vines'. Today,
however, the
green valleys surrounding the village proliferate with hazelnut
trees, one of the main agricultural products of the community.
The village celebrates its harvest with an annual Hazelnut
Dance which takes place in August.
>Polystypos is an ancient village with a long history to
match. Over the years it has been known by various names,
but the name Polystypos has been known since the 12th century.
During the Frankish domination it was one of the most worthy
royal possessions in the Pitsillia area.
The monastery of Apostle Andreas of Polystypos
was founded near the village centuries ago. According to tradition
it was built in the 8th century and preserved for hundreds
of years. At the end of the past century it was still inhabited
by monks. Today, only the temple of Apostle Andreas exists,
attracting worshippers from different parts of Cyprus every
day.
Visitors are charmed by the narrow streets of the village,
the long stretch of hazelnut trees, the nightingales in springtime
and the monastery of Apostle Andreas. There are fresh grapes
and other delicious fruit to sample, and from the new Community
Park there is a panoramic view of the village and the green
carpet formed by the hazelnut and walnut trees.
A monument to the heroes of the 1955 struggle,
Christos Tsiartas and Andreas Panayiotou, stands in 'Heroes'Park'.
Visitors can enjoy a reviving cup of Greek coffee at the 'Dasaki'
restaurant or the 'Heraklis' sports club, or taste the 'loukoumades'
at 'Klimataria' under the shade of vines bearing tempting
black grapes. At the 'Krya Vrisi' there is the oppor- tunity
to savour the sparkling digestive water.
One visit is enough to fall under the spell of Polystypos,
and the villagers unfailingly show their natural hospitality
to those who visit this heavenly area of Cyprus.
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