Kilani
Kilani is a village of the district of Limassol in Cyprus and is nearly 40 km away from Limassol, 90 km from Larnaca, 120 km from Nicosia, and more than 60 km from Paphos.
Built on a steep slope east of the Afami mountain, at an altitude of more than 800 meters, Kilani is for the most part covered by vineyards. From there passes the tributary of the Kouris river, Kryos, which at some point forms a small waterfall somewhere along its riverbed. On its banks used to operate many water mills, which fed the villagers and nearby settlements.
Like many other villages on the island of Aphrodite, Kilani owes its origin to the ancient Arcadians of the Peloponnese, who in the 11th century BC left Greece and migrated to the area. The name of the settlement came from the fact that these particular tribes originated from Kyllini. Other sources mention that the settlement was founded at about the same time as Palepaphos, and that before it got its current name, it was named Kourion, while during the period of the Frankish rule, it got its name from the homonymous region of France.
During the Ottoman rule, when the Turkish conquerors learned about the flourishing Kilani, several of them came and settled there, turning the church of Agia Sophia into a mosque, which stands to this day in the village center. During the British rule it was an administrative center, offering all kinds of services, as well as many small industries. In the houses the local women wove, embroidering with pipilla (knotted lace) and creating the famous eftaloitika scarves and every Easter they painted their doors blue, according to the tradition.
After the wave of urbanization the village of Kilani, which was once the capital of Limassol’s wine villages, was left with about 200 residents. Today, famous for its five wineries, where one can find all the grape products, from Commandaria and zivania up to one of the best Shiraz that are made on the island, as well as the special Muscat wine of the area.
Before you enter Kilani you will see many trees shading the historic church of Agia Mavra (Saint Maura). The village has a large parking lot, so most travelers wander on foot through its narrow alleys, around the houses built with carved limestone and the tiled roofs, standing the one next to the other, with dozens of fountains, which the locals previously used to supply their households with water, the picturesque upper floors, the fences with the jars, and the high walls with the arched doors, to hide them from public view. All the way to the central square with its traditional cafes. In addition, at the settlement you will find traditional workshops where palouzes, soutzoukos and kiofterki are made, as well as several dining and accommodation options.
The main church of Kilani is dedicated to Panagia Eleousa (Merciful Virgin Mary). The old olive mill is another cultural attraction, which is located beneath the church of the Monogenis (the Only Begotten), which is also the only church on Cyprus that is dedicated to the Only Begotten Son of God. Within this church is also hosted the Ecclesiastical Museum of Kilani. Nearby you will find the Vineyard Museum of Kilani, where one can see a faithful representation of an old Cypriot house. Keep in mind that the museum can be visited by prior arrangement with the Community Council.
The first inhabitants built Kilani at the highest point and construct a temple which they devoted to Zeus the Effimio and in order not to cause the wrath of the Goddess Hera, called another, even higher point of the mountain “O Krimnos tis Iras (the Escarpment Hera)”. With the advent of Christianity, at the same spot was built the chapel of Prophet Elias, which offers to this day the best panoramic views of the village. Also, many visitors choose to hike the Nature trail that passes from there. Others travelers decide to attend the Afamia, the Wine and Grape Festival held every October in Kilani, to revive the ancient customs of the place and taste local delicacies. Finally, in the village is also organized the celebration of the jar opening, which takes place every November for the revival of the ancient Pithoigion, which is also of great interest.
Kilani is the homeland of Archimandrite Cyprian and Archbishop Paisiou. From there also came the scholar Leondios Efstratios, the Patriarch of Antioch Anthemios, the Ecumenical Patriarch Gerasimos Cassavetes and the Archbishop of Demetriada Athanasios Cassavetes.
Starting from Kilani visitors can travel to the neighboring villages Omodos, Mandria Lemesou, Pera Pedi, Sylikou, Lofou and Vouni.