Mandria Lemesou (Limassol)

Mandria Lemesou is a wine-producing village of the district of Limassol in Cyprus, which is about 40 kilometers northeast of the homonymous capital city, 65 km from Paphos, 90 km from Nicosia and 110 km from Larnaca and is situated very close to the settlements of Kato Platres and Omodos.

Located in a mountainous area at an altitude not exceeding 1000 meters, Mandria Lemesou is crossed by the tributaries of Ha river that form narrow and deep valleys, creating a lush green scenery. In the region are cultivated vines (grape varieties), various fruit trees, as well as walnut, olive, carob and almond trees.

The village of Mandria Lemesou was probably developed in modern times, being a small settlement of shepherds who had many small pens for their cattle, confirming its name (mandri in Greek means pen, shed). But during the Turkish rule a larger settlement was established nearby, and therefore Mandria was abandoned. The new settlement was called Mylafri and it was destroyed after a major epidemic.

Although Mandria Lemesou is located very close to the popular mountain resorts of Troodos mountain range, it has kept to this day its especially picturesque character and whatever growth has occurred is completely harmonized with the natural surroundings of the village. The visitor will find several houses for rent and can experience nature like a true local.

Although the permanent population of Mandria Lemesou is about 100 inhabitants, this number increases sevenfold during the summer months. In the location of Rotsia, on a small hill stands the centenarian pine tree with two benches that have been set up there in order to allow the visitors to enjoy the view from above. In the village you can wander the narrow streets with the old houses and their colorful shutters, visit the Heroes monument or the local rural winery where you can taste local wine, while next to the large church dedicated to Agios Georgios (Saint George), operates a cafe and a restaurant. Among the sights of the village can also be included the old school that operates as a cultural center, as well as the small Frankish bridge over the Ha River, which in the past served those who were just passing through the village, as well as the churches of Agia Paraskevi (Saint Paraskevi) and Agios Mamas (Saint Mamas).