The name of Vouni derives from the fact that its built on an 800 meters high mountain (Mountain in Greek can be pronounced as Vouni). According to the history the village was created from the join of four different settlements, one of them being the Vouni village. Three of the settlements were abandoned after a mass death incident that happened to Cyprus in the 17th Century. The only settlement survived was that of Vouni, which according to tradition was protected by Saint John the Prodromos. The main church of the village is that of Saint John. All remaining residents of the other settlements where transported to Vouni, creating a bigger community.
Vouni Coffee Shop
Vouni is a Limassol village that in the past existed as a prominent viticulture place, reaching at some point 1247 residents and therefore being one of the biggest villages in Cyprus. Due to the urbanization though slowly and steadily the village was abandoned. These days Vouni is very lively place in the weekends and holidays seasons, where the visitors can visit the village to get out of the monotony and noise of the cities. Being this lively the village can offer many things to its visitors and therefore in the recent years many agritourism accommodation places have been created.
The visitor can walk through its stone-paved alleys with its traditional houses with wooden doors, big windows and narrow balconies. Walking through the village one can see the two big water tanks (“Chavouzes”), that the residents used to collect water.
Vouni stone-paved alleys
For pilgrimage the visitor can go to the church of Timiou Stavrou, with the holy paintings of the 19th century, the church of Panagias Paravouniotissas where a holy painting of Saint Mary of the 7th century is being preserved, and the chapels of Saint John, Saint Mamas and Chrysosotiros. At the 6th of August is the day of Christ Ascending where a large feast is taking place at the grounds of the Church.
Timios Stavros Church in Vouni
Also in Vouni there are three different museums. The Byzantine Museum is located in the grounds of Timios Stavros Church, Folklore Museum in the centre of the village and the Oenological Museum where one can learn the history of Cyprus wine but also taste local wines. To visit these museums, one must contact the local authorities, because these museums are not always open to public.
A very important sight of the village is the elementary school. The elementary school was operating from 1850s to the 1980s. As of today, is operating as a coffee shop offering drinks and really tasty traditional sweets. The old elementary school is located on a vantage point therefore offers a spectacular panorama of the surrounding area. On its yard there’s the Heroes Monument of the village.
Old elementary school in Vouni
Vouni can be easily visited throughout the winter for its nice warmth but also in the summer for is cool mountain climate and the various events that take place in the summer season. Vouni is a place that will win one’s heart with its originality and character.
