Oikos Levkosias
The village Oikos Levkosias is located in the homonymous province and it is situated about 70 km from the homonymous capital of Cyprus, 75 km from Limassol, 100 km from Larnaca and 95 km from Paphos.
In the wider area of Marathasa, on a slope, at an altitude of about 650 meters, east of the fertile valley created by the river Setrachos stands Oikos Levkosias, which borders the Kalopanagiotis community.
Historically, the village seems to have been founded during the Ottoman domination (in the mid- 17th century AD), in particular after the Turks defeated the rebellion of Viktoras Zambetos. The name of Oikos Levkosias is linked to the story of two brothers, Nikos and Panagiotis, who were also the first inhabitants of the area. The site on which Panagiotis built his home was eventually named Kalopanagiotis, while Nikos’s “oikos (house)” was known as Oikos. On the other hand, the tradition wants the siblings to be three. Nikos, Panagiotis and Petros, who chose the region of Solea and Kakopetria (a name that was identified with his evil character, as kakos means “evil” in Greek). Another – a more simplified version – says that a resident of Kalopanagiotis built his first home there, and from there on a community was created.
Today, one of the most characteristic sights that Oikos Levkosias offers to its visitors are the houses that climb on the steep slope of the mountain, built on top of each other and in close proximity to each other, giving a unique panoramic view of the neighboring settlement Gerakies. By walking around Oikos Levkosias, one will find the old elementary school, which still operates today, attended by the children of the area, the monument dedicated to the hero Charalambos Kasparis, at the entrance of the village, as well as a landscaped small park where one can take a break. In addition there are 5 churches in the village. The main temple is dedicated to St. Barbara. The church of Panagia Agniotissa and Agios Ioannis Prodromos are considered as the newest of the village, while Agios Nikolaos is the oldest, dating back to the 12th century, from which one can gaze at the settlement from above. Also nearby is the church of Agios Lazaros.
Today, Oikos Levkosias counts about 200 permanent residents, most of whom are engaged in construction, trade and transporting services.
Oikos Levkosias is considered an all-year round tourist destination that offers the visitor cafes and restaurants, as well as houses for rent. The Kalopanagiotis dam dominates over an area that is overgrown with endemic plants and where various migratory birds find shelter. The visitor of the village has the opportunity to experience the beautiful nature and fauna of the area by following one of the many Nature Trails that pass from there. Finally, there is a beautiful sightseeing point at the Pyrgos (botanical garden) site, from which passes the Nature Trail Anelikos (Anatoli of Oikos Levkosias).