Characterised by picturesque houses covered, in greenery, Alona
is situated on the slopes of a beautiful Troodos valley between
the hill tops of Madari and Papoutsa, at a height of 1,100 metres..
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
With a history dating back to the early years
of Frankism, Alona is referred to as "Royal possession".
Its name most probably derives from a big flat piece of land - "aloni"
at the foot of the village.
Every season Alona's, landscape assumes a kaleidoscope of different
colour so outstanding as to inspire well known artist Telemacho
Kantho, a favourite figure in the community, and other Cypriot painters.
The starkness of winter with the snow and the almond
trees, the flowers of the springs, the cool summer and the rich
colours of autumn - each and all have been captured on canvas.
A stroll around Alona is magic. The narrow vine- covered streets
are enchanting even by traditional mountain village standards. And
the feeling of tranquillity when walking along the beautiful nature
under the hazelnut trees is indescribable. A particular nature trail
in Alona, created in association with the Forestry Department, is
dedicated to the Senior Officer of the Cyprus Tourism Organisation,
Petros Vanezis. After their stroll travelers can relax and entry
delicious dishes at the small restaurant in the village.
The timeless charm of the little cobbled streets
and the traditional stone-built houses so typical of local folk
architecture awaken nostalgia for past times. And Alona contributes
to the national
hertage through tne continuing work of its popular Craftsmen
The church was built in 1835 on the ruins of another,
allegedly a monastery destroyed by fire. Among the icons is that
of Ayios Georgios, the protector of the village, created by the
famous painter Kornaros of Crete. The icon of miracle- healing Panayia
the Galaktotrofousa is also an old one, whose fame is spread not
only in the area but also all around Cyprus.
The Alona Festival is staged ever year in August, one of the oldest
festivals in Cyprus, with the main objective of preserving transition
and local cultural heritage.
Back to the Cyprus
Information Page Cyprus
Villages Menu
|