Pedoulas is a village in the Nicosia District of Cyprus, located at an altitude of 1100 m in the Troodos Mountains, 4 km south of Moutoullas. The name is derived from the words pediada (valley) and laos (people). Pedoulas is known for its 12 churches, varying from a 15th-century chapel to a 1930s cathedral. The most important is the Archangelos Michael (Archangel Michael) church, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with nine other Painted Churches in the Troödos Region.
The village is a popular summer and winter mountain resort. The history of Pedoulas dates back to Byzantine times and during the Frankish and Venetian periods it was a royal estate. Agriculture was the mainstay of the economy from the beginning and Pedoulas was ideal for growing cherry, apple and other fruit trees. But agriculture alone did not generate enough income, so even during difficult periods of its history, tourism, commerce and cottage industries were promoted as supplementary sources of income. Weaving was the exclusive engagement of women during winter days. Βecause of the proximity to the forest, there is abundant supply of water from natural springs. Very tasteful and digestive. It is considered to be among the best drinking waters of the island.
The Stelios Environmental Centre in Pedoulas was originally established on the 1st of November, 2005 by the village of Pedoulas, with the co-operation and assistance of the Cyprus Pedagogical Institute. In October 2010, through the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation, Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou - the founder of easyJet and the chairman of easyGroup - donated 200,000EU towards the Laboratory completion and towards other needs of the Stelios Environmental Centre in Pedoulas. The village is the birth-place of his father, Loucas Haji-Ioannou. Every summer the community organize the Cherry Festival which attracts many visitors.
Activities and Places of Interest
Pedoulas has two museums: the Byzantine Museum and the Folklore Museum. Visit Archangelos Michael church (UNESCO World Heritage Site). Follow the Nature Trail in the village (4.5 Km) to visit all the places of interest in the village. Visit the small church with the 25 meters Cross on the hill west of the village, follow the walking trails to Kykko Monastery and to the surrounding villages of Moutoullas & Kalopanayiotis. Taste traditional food in the village restaurants.
Services
Bank, Cyprus Telecommunications Authority, Hospital, Police Station, Grocery Stores, Restaurants, Coffee Shop
Distances
Larnaka airport 120 km
Pafos airport 80 km
