Kato Platres
Kato Platres is a village in the district of Limassol in Cyprus and is situated approximately 38 kilometers northwest of the capital city, 75 km from Paphos, 95 km from Nicosia, almost 120 km from Larnaca and is located within short distance from Pano Platres.
The settlement of Kato Platres, built in a panoramic position over 900 meters above the sea level, at the heart of Troodos is a central position connecting the villages of Marathasa and the Troodos with Limassol and Paphos.
Originally the village was called Tornarides because of the fact that there were many tornadori (which in Greek means potters) in the region. Another version of the name of Kato Platres claims that it comes from the word pratria or pratra – a weaver who lived there and sold her fabrics and because other weavers gathered in the area, the settlement was given its current name. On the other hand, the plural (platra is singular and platres is plural) may be used because there are Pano (Upper) and Kato (Lower) Platres.
Historically Kato Platres, although older than Pano Platres, is a relatively new settlement, established after the Medieval times. From a small village of farmers and artful potters, today the village has been greatly developed, and also presents a significant residential expansion. The approximately 100 permanent residents are farmers or cultivate fruit trees, chop wood, and many are working in hotels in Pano Platres.
In Kato Platres, the traveler has the opportunity to enjoy both the valley and the dam of Kouris, – the biggest dam in the island, – take a pleasant walk among the stone houses, make a stop at a local winery, and see the beautiful building of the regional elementary school, and the central church, dedicated to Agios Dimitrios (St. Demetrios) in honor of which a big festival is held on October 26, as well as the adjacent old chapel. In the square of the village, which is surrounded by a traditional neighborhood that is at the heart of the community, you will find the Cooperative grocery and many traditional cafes, as well as a community park with a small playground. Further east lies the chapel of Timios Prodromos (St. John the Baptist), which is known as the “summer chapel” because it is visited by many tourists.
The hill that surrounds the village, the Kastrovouno, makes an even greater impression on visitors of Kato Platres. Around it has recently been created a nature trail full of herbs – so many in fact that its been called a botanical garden.
In Kato Platres is organized with great success every year the festival of cherries, while the village is predominantly an agro-touristic destination.