Kato Akurdalia
Kato Akurdalia is located about 30 kilometers north of Paphos in the homonymous province of Cyprus, and it is situated 90 kilometers northwest of Limassol and almost 170 kilometers from the city of Nicosia.
Built on a hill overlooking the fertile valley of Polis Chrysochous, Kato Akurdalia “emerges” at an altitude of about 350 meters over hundreds of vineyards and wild olive trees. Regarding the origins of the name of the settlement there are many varied versions. One version states that it comes from a French expression that means “the path of water”. Another version refers to the sound of the birds, while according to a third, the name is probably linked to the cultivation of garlic in the area. Finally, another version associates the name of the community with the construction of a traditional belt for clothes, the so-called “korda”.
The Folk Art Museum of Pano and Kato Akurdalia, which is housed in the old school building, hosts various agricultural items of the past, an old oven, a zivania (local pomace brandy) production cauldron, and an old oil mill.
In this small village, as well as in the wider area, there are several ecclesiastical monuments, most notably the church of Agios Panteleimonas, which was restored in 1960 and celebrates magnificently every year on July 27th, when a great festival is held in the saint’s honor. About 2 km northwest of Kato Akurdalia are located the ruined church of Agia Paraskevi, after a quite inaccessible route and dating back to the 15th century and of Armenian influence, and the church of the miraculous Virgin Mary of Chryseleousa, recently renovated.
Moreover, Kato Akurdalia is a renowned agrotouristic destination, with its old stone-built mansions and historical buildings converted into traditional restaurants and agro-touristic complexes, and one of them has been awarded by the International Tourism Fair in Barcelona. Here, the visitor can go cycling or take one of the organized excursions in the area, in order to get to know the village’s history and learn more about the beneficial herbs of the place, or to spend time in the one and only cafe in the community.
Kato Akurdalia borders with many villages in the mountainous area of Paphos, such as Miliou.