Kato Pyrgos Tillyrias
Kato Pyrgos Tillyrias is a village in the province of Nicosia, situated about 80 kilometers from the homonymous capital of Cyprus, 115 kilometers from Limassol, 120 kilometers from Larnaca and 90 kilometers from Paphos. Alternatively there are routes through Nicosia and through the occupied areas (passing through the Limnitis road block).
Built on the northern foothills of Troodos Mountains, Kato Pyrgos Tillyrias is the main village of the area. It is found on a huge valley between the mountain and the deep blue sea of Morphou bay, and is also considered as one of the few villages on the island that have managed to preserve their natural beauty.
Although for most tourists on the island Kato Pyrgos Tillyrias seems to be a very distant destination, its almost exotic character eventually convinces them to visit it. Historically, Kato Pyrgos of Tylliria was created relatively recently by residents of nearby settlements that slowly descended to the sea. Nevertheless, the archaeological excavation brought to light tombs of the Hellenistic period and various other findings from the Middle Ages. Since 1974, the village has been cut off from the rest of the free Cyprus, and the conditions have dramatically affected the evolution of its inhabitants.
The name of the village seems to have come from "Troulli", a small Venetian building, like a tower (pyrgos in Greek means “tower”) that dominates the landscape from a seaside hill and is one of the area’s attractions. On the other hand, several scholars have argued that the name of Kato Pyrgos Tillyrias came from the island of Tilos, and its inhabitants have been named “Tillyroi” since they moved there from Tilos around the 3rd century AD. on their descent to Jerusalem.
The area of Kato Pyrgos Tillyrias is famous for the chalitzi, a soft cheese made out of goat’s milk, which can be tasted after a special order from a shepherd, as well as the local figs. The village is also distinguished by its Mediterranean climate, thanks to which many fruit trees are thriving here. Around the village, taking a walk in nature with lush vegetation, one can see many endemic birds or meet any beast, as the settlement borders the Paphos forest.
In the core of Kato Pyrgos Tillyrias is the square of the settlement with the cafes and the typical centenarian oak tree. In the settlement there is the old church of Agia Irini and the newly built church dedicated to Saint Konstantinos and Saint Eleni, as well as several chapels like Agios Stylianos and Prophet Elias (1 km northwest of the community). In addition, between the villages of Kato Pyrgos Tillyrias and Pano Pyrgos Tillyrias and on a hill, there is the ancient chapel of Panagia Galoktistis, which according to the tradition was built with milk.
Today, Kato Pyrgos Tillyrias has approximately 1500 permanent residents. During the summer months, however, there are plenty of those that come to indulge in the area and to enjoy the tranquility of the village and its clean beaches, such as Omega Beach, in which turtles nestle and sand dunes unfold from side to side. The beauty of the place is complemented by the three rivers that cross the village, Flevas, which guarantees the watering of the fields in the summer, Potamoudi and Katouris, which flows like a stream to the sea even after a few rains. The village also has a beautiful fishing retreat that is ideal for walking.
In Kato Pyrgos Tillyrias there are government services, a kindergarten, an elementary school, as well as a gymnasium-high school. In the area there are several choices for accommodation, but also many taverns that cook dishes with local products of the area.