Nestling 1060 metres above sea level, Saranti
is one of the highest villages of Cyprus, hidden away among the
tall pines of Adelfi Forest.
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Surrounded by steep mountain slopes and
deep, narrow valleys, Saranti has not been blessed with fertile
soil. Thus the fields of vegetables, the vines, the almond, apple
and chestnut trees grown in the village are a testament to the perseverance
and years of toil of its inhabitants.
Built in comparatively recent times the village was probably named
after its first inhabitant, called Sarantis. The villagers earned
their living mainly from lumberjacking in the area.
During the EOKA campaign there were two hide-outs at Saranti. One
was at the house of a priest called Papacharalambos, where EOKA
guerillas were eventually arrested, and the house was subsequently
blown up by British soldiers. The other hide-out was in the mountains.
One kilometre outside the village there is a monument dedicated
to EOKA hero Charalarnbos Pettemerides.
The village church is dedicated to St. Constantine
and St. Helena. It has interesting frescoes dating to the 16th centrury
and features a wooden roof.Visitors to Saranti can see the wellknown
"Pyrgos Spring" which has been embellished by the Former
Inhabitants Association. Just opposite is the "Kastania"
Restaurant.
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