Askas, with its pretty houses, traditional architecture and relaxing natural environment, is one of the most picturesque villages of Pitsilia.

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Askas is situated on the north face of the Adelfi-Papoutsa mountain, 2 km away from Palaichori Village, 900m above sea level. The name could be derived from the ancient word "askos" (meaning skin bag or goatskin) which, according to tradition, was used for carrying wine to other places. Alternatively, it could have been handed down from the first inhabitant of the area during the middle ages who was known by the same name.

It is the architectural character of the village that gives Askas its distinctive charm. The houses, with their attractively tiled roofs, line the narrow, sloping cobbled streets, reflecting the pure traditional architecture of the island. Of all the houses one is particularty striking: the "Politsi" (police station) it boasts an unusually slanting roof which was recently restored by the Antiquities Department. Next to the Prodromos Church is the old oil press, a two-storey building that attracts many visitors. Not far from the same church, nestling in the river valley, is a charming little square developed through the Agrotourism project of the Cyprus Tourism Organization. An old sheltered still used in the production of Zivania was restored at the same time.

Apart from its walnut, almond, hazelnut and assorted fruit trees, Askas is surrounded by vineyards The number of pitharia (giant jars) to be seen around the village bear witness to the one-time custom of sizeable wine production by its inhabitants. Askas is also known for its chiromeria (smoked leg of pork) and its honey. Beehives made of clay can still be seen on the walls of the houses.

There are two Churches in the village - the St. John Prodromos Church built in the 16th century and rebuilt in 1763, and the medieval church of Timios Stavros. There is also a unique chapel nearby. Dedicated to St. Christina and built in 1411, it is known as the chapel of Ayia Paraskevi to the people of the area. A delightful picnic area has been developed near the chapel by the Friends of the Development of Askas for people visiting the area.

Situated at the highest point of the village is the Askas primary School, a neoclassic building with Dorian pillars. It was built in 1919 to replace the small stone-build school that stood below.

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