Saranti

Saranti is located about 50 km southwest of the city of Nicosia in the homonymous province of Cyprus, about 80 km from Larnaca, 50 km from Limassol and 100 km from Paphos.

Built at an altitude of over 1,000 meters (from 700 meters altitude in the north of the community, the altitude rises, reaching at the settlement’s core about 1060 meters and then goes up to 1612 meters in the south), Saranti is considered to be one of the highest villages on the island. It is located north of Madari, in the forest of Adelfoi, among steep hillsides and valleys covered with hazelnut trees, and it belongs to the geographical region of Pitsilia. Thus, its rough relief, restricts the locals’ crops alongside the ravines.

It was founded relatively recently, and its inhabitants were lumberjacks that were predominantly fed by logging. Its name, the village of Saranti took from the surname of the first resident (or owner) of the area who was called Sarantis. At the same time, there are many other versions regarding the origin of its name. Some, for example, argue that over the construction of the church of Panagia Araka, located in the neighboring village of Lagoudera, worked forty (saranta in Greek) craftsmen. Although a small settlement, Saranti, had a huge contribution to the liberation struggle of the Cypriot People, as it housed two of EOKA’s hiding places. They were in the house of the priest of the Papacharalambos area, and one on the mountain, but none of them are accessible to the public. Today, about 1 km from the village, there is the monument to the EOKA hero Charalambos Petemeridis.

The settlement is found on the northern slope of a verdant valley. Saranti is a modern community with many cultural attractions and several ecclesiastical monuments. The central church of the village, at the top of the hill, is dedicated to Saints Constantine and Helen, and is a 16th century basilica, wood-paneled, with its interior decoration including many interesting frescoes. Access to this temple is possible in 4 different ways, and they all offer unlimited panoramic views.

In total, the settlement has 4 drinking fountains – points of interest and relaxation for the visitor. The “Hazelnut Fountain” is an artificial tap, located in the village square – opposite the offices of the community council, and offers a wooden staircase for anyone who wants to reach the old hazelnut tree that is growing by the riverbed. The “Fountain of Pyrkos,” another attraction just outside the village, is a natural source of water that is pumped into an artificial reservoir and from there waters the orchards of the valley. This drinking fountain has been restored by the community’s emigrants. Walking along the uphill streets of Saranti, the visitor observes the amphitheatrically built houses of the same architecture. Finally, the location of  “Selladi of Karamanlis” is the perfect opportunity for hiking in the wild nature of the area.

Finally, there are many taverns offering homecooked and Cypriot dishes.