The street from the centre to the Church of the Holy Cross is lined with beautiful houses and elegant turns, with almost every corner photogenic and inviting you to find the perfect angle for your next photo masterpiece. However, the history and fate of these buildings and their owners are equally fascinating. The British built houses with extended balconies and shops on the ground floor. Today, these buildings are being restored, breathing new life into them.
One such building, constructed at the beginning of the last century, is the family café Tasies. The building stood empty for many years, but in 2010, new owners restored it, preserving the interior and furnishings that showcase how English families lived in Cyprus. The café features a magnificent music lounge, fireplace, and library with rare art books. In the café itself, you can enjoy traditional Cypriot dishes. Opt for the simplest ones: bean soup or tava—pieces of lamb slow-cooked in clay pots. Not only is the food delicious, but the hospitality of the café owners is also heartwarming. They ensure your tea isn't too hot, offer advice on what to see in Lefkara, and even help you cut your meatballs.
This guide will introduce us to Larnaca and Lefkara, a seaside city and mountain village revealing Cyprus's essence. Larnaca is an ancient city with a rich history of Greeks and Turks, where the Church of Saint Lazarus—one of the most important sanctuaries of the Orthodox world—coexists with the Mosque of Umm Haram, the fourth most significant mosque in the Muslim world.
We will stroll through the streets of Larnaca, admire the murals, and experience the charm of this Mediterranean city undergoing renewal.
Next, we will visit perhaps the most famous village in Cyprus—Lefkara, renowned for its unique embroidery and silver craftsmanship traditions, and the church that houses a relic of the True Cross on which Jesus was crucified. Beyond these significant historical sites and events, you will be captivated by the charm of Cyprus, its peaceful nooks, enduring traditions, and serene atmosphere.
Cyprus is embodied in its mountain villages, where its heart and soul reside.
Don't be afraid to get lost in new places!
