Kritou Terra, one of the beautiful villages in the district of Paphos, Cyprus, is located 32 kilometers north of the homonymous city, 93 kilometers northwest of Limassol, and 141 kilometers southwest of Nicosia. This village, which is situated in the area of Laona and surrounded by high mountain peaks, overlooks the Gulf of Chrysochous to the north. It is built at an altitude of 465 meters and is known for being one of the wine-producing villages of the island, as well as for its picturesque landscape.
It is a village which has a rich and long history that has lasted for centuries. Today, it attracts many locals and foreigners who want to enjoy the sights, the many churches, the beautiful natural surroundings, and the drinking fountains. As one of the ampelochoria of the island, Kritou Terra is considered one of the most beautiful and picturesque villages of the province.
Kritou Terra has been a pioneer in many aspects and original achievements, and is a carrier of culture and tradition for Cyprus. The village had 15 watermills, making it the second village with the highest number of watermills on the island. It was also the first village in the province and perhaps in Cyprus to have its own elementary school, founded in 1796. During the Ottoman domination in the 19th century, Kritou Terra was home to the first homonymous casino on the island. Moreover, some of the most important personalities who played a leading role in the history of the place were born here.
The name of the community, Kritou Terra, is said to have different origins. One theory suggests that it is a combination of two words, with the first part derived from the name of the first settler of the village and feudal lord Erotokritos. During the Frankish rule, the Franks who turned the village into a feud, added the composite "Terra" (which means land in Latin). Another theory suggests that initially, there were two different villages called "Critou" and "Terra," which eventually merged. A third theory refers to the carved caves in the area, suggesting that the word "Kritou" comes from the Franco word "la grotte," meaning caves, while "Terra" comes from the Latin "terra." Regardless of its true origin, the name Kritou Terra carries a rich history and cultural significance for the community.
Kritou Terra is a village that offers a plethora of attractions that cater to a variety of interests. Its significance dates back to antiquity, as evidenced by the discovery of a small childhood statue in Saint Evsevios, suggesting that the area was inhabited during the Roman era. The existence of a Roman military camp and settlement has also been confirmed, along with ancient carved tombs in the areas of Agia Irini and Selli. Additionally, a subterranean aqueduct that connected to the source of Agios Evsevios was discovered.
One of the most beautiful spots in the village is the stone-made fountain with six carved faucets, built in 1908. It was the fourth largest in Cyprus and the third largest in terms of water volume, and it irrigated the entire community and the large orchards of the village. The fountain also powered four of the 15 flour mills and reached all the way to the troughs for laundry. Next to the fountain is a 50-meter-long, 2-meter-high cave that was traditionally believed to have a lot of water flow and was connected to the cave of St. Eusebius.
The ruins of the watermills can be found to the north of the settlement and north of the Kremiotis and Mylari rivers, which were used to grate wheat and barley and served the inhabitants of the neighboring villages as well. The laundry is another interesting area, with six circular rock openings designed for housewives to wash clothes until the 1960s. On Tuesdays, women used to bathe in the troughs and the entrance was closed, making it forbidden for men to cross the area. The stone trough and the underground burrow that transported water to the laundry are still preserved today.
At the northeastern end of the village, visitors can see the river Kremmiotis and the waterfall Kremmioti, formed by the water flowing through the river mainly during the winter months. 100 meters north of the chapel of Agia Paraskevi in the area of Tzimenos, visitors can find the restored watermills of the same name, which were originally built during the Ottoman era.
For those who want to take a break and enjoy a cup of coffee, Kritou Terra offers a cafeteria and a traditional cafe that also functions as a grocery store. If residents and visitors are looking for a place to eat, there is a tavern located in the new square of the village that serves fresh meat and souvlaki cooked on a spit.
Kritou Terra Village in Paphos is a picturesque location that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Choosing Kritou Terra Village as one's forever home or residency would be an excellent decision for anyone who values a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, a strong sense of community, and easy access to modern amenities.
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