Pano Arodes
Πάνω Αρόδες

HISTORY

The village dates back to the Mycenaean era (around 1600–1100 BC) and has been continuously shaped by merchants, farmers and travellers passing through this corner of the island. Standing about 600 metres above sea level, on the Laona plateau at the north‑western tip of Cyprus, Pano Arodes overlooks the Akamas nature reserve and the blue line of the Mediterranean in the distance. On summer evenings a constant breeze drifts through the stone streets and courtyards, keeping the village pleasantly cool even when the rest of the island still shimmers with heat.

In medieval and early modern times the wider area around Pano Arodes was connected to powerful monastic and knightly estates that controlled land and trade routes across western Cyprus. Hermit saints, monks and later representatives of religious orders moved through these hills, leaving behind chapels, monasteries and legends of hidden wealth, secret passages and miraculous springs. Nearby you can still find traces of the old monastery of Agios Savvas and other small churches that once served pilgrims, travellers and local farmers. Today, the village hosts a Museum of Templar Ages, led by volunteers, keeping the stories of medieval knights and their world alive for curious visitors.

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Pano Arodes also has a “twin”: the nearby Kato Arodes, once a mainly Turkish Cypriot village. It was largely abandoned after the events of the 1960s and the Turkish invasion of 1974, but in recent years life has begun to return to its old houses and gardens. Together, the two villages tell a story of coexistence, loss and gentle renewal.

NATURE

Nature lovers use Pano Arodes as a quiet base for exploring the wild landscapes of Akamas. Just beyond the village you can reach the impressive Avakas Gorge, where high rock walls, lush vegetation and a shaded stream offer one of the most beautiful walks on the island. From here, winding roads lead down towards secluded beaches, sea caves and coastal paths — but many visitors find that their favourite moments are simply sitting in the village square, tasting local wine and sweets, listening to church bells, and watching the light fade over the hills.

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Pano Arodes is also a perfect starting point for exploring nature on foot. From the village you can follow quiet country roads and old mule paths through vineyards, carob and olive trees, towards the dramatic landscapes of the Akamas peninsula and the famous Avakas Gorge. Gentle circular walks begin right from the square, while longer hiking trails lead you to viewpoints over the sea, wild ravines and hidden chapels, with the cool hilltop breeze as your constant companion.

ST.KALANDION

At the heart of the village stands the 18th‑century church of Saint Kalandionas, the only church in Cyprus – and very likely in the world – dedicated to this saint. Saint Kalandionas, one of the legendary Alaman saints, came here after persecution in the East and lived out his days as an ascetic in Arodes, leaving a strong spiritual imprint on the community. The church square, recently restored together with the church, is now the natural meeting point for villagers and visitors, framed by traditional stone houses and the local café.

Next to the church you will find two old stone sarcophagi that make Pano Arodes famous all over Cyprus. According to local legend, the northern one belongs to Saint Agapitikos – the “Beloved Saint” – and the southern to Saint Misitikos – the “Hated Saint”. For generations, people in love would secretly chip off a tiny fragment from the sarcophagus of Agapitikos, grind it into powder and slip it into the drink of the person they adored, hoping to awaken their love. Those who wanted to cool down a dangerous passion or change someone’s mind would do the same with stone from the sarcophagus of Misitikos, believed to have the power of “un‑love”. If you look closely today, you will see that the “Hated Saint” is more worn away than the “Beloved” – a small, humorous reminder of how complicated human hearts can be.