Akapnou

One of the smallest villages of the Limassol district in Cyprus is Akapnou, located 35 km northeast of Limassol, 55 km west of Larnaca, 66 km southwest of Nicosia and 100 km east of Paphos.

Built to the east of the tributary of the river Vasilikos on a hillside overlooking the large plain that reaches all the way to the Eptagonia, Akapnou village counts about 20 inhabitants, it has been affected by urbanization and offers a unique experience for the visitor who can wonder in the picturesque cobblestone alleys, see the wooden balconies and doorways of the houses, immersed into the tranquility of the landscape. In the center of the village on the small paved square, stands the church of Agios Georgios (St. George), a basilica with a pitched wooden roof. But what attracts the attention of the visitor who will wonder this far, is the almost intact Venetian Bridge of Akapnou to the northwest of the community. Here you can actually discern the foundations of the narrow road which used to extend to the east and west of the bridge.

One of the major attractions of the area is the Panagia tou Kampou (Virgin of the Valley) of Akapnou, at 1 km from the village and on the road leading to Eptagonia.

In the settlement, visitors can enjoy a coffee in the cafe of the village that retains its picturesque character and brings memories of the past.

Akapnou village is connected with the myth of Rigena, the most mysterious character of the legends and traditions of Cyprus. The queen who lived in the Middle Ages, is considered the successor of Venus, and according to tradition, it is believed that she was a Venetian who lived in a manor outside the village. Legend has it that she was killed when she fell from her horse at the site known as “Argaki of Rigena” in an attempt to escape from Saracen raiders.

In Akapnou, and namely in the valley that has her name (“kampos tis Rigenas (valley of Rigena)”), once stood her impressive palace.