Kalopanagiotis
A village at 700 m in the Marathasa valley of Troodos: the UNESCO-listed monastery of Agios Ioannis Lampadistis, healing springs and a Christmas village from 21 November.
Checked: 31 October 2026
Kalopanagiotis lies in the Marathasa valley of the Troodos mountains, in Nicosia district. Its main sight is the monastery of Agios Ioannis Lampadistis: three Byzantine churches with frescoes from the 9th to the 15th century, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
By the river you will find a Venetian bridge, healing springs and the watermill of Kykkos Monastery. From 21 November to 6 January the village hosts a Christmas village, where all workshops, activities and concerts are free.
At a glance
- Altitude
- 700 m
- Population
- 201 source
- From Nicosia
- 70 km
- From Limassol
- 70 km
- Phone
- +357 22952347
- Website
- kalopanayiotis.com.cy
Seasonal events
Christmas Villages
21 November – 6 January 2027
The programme is out.
The village runs for the sixth year in a row and opens on 21 November at 17:30 with a procession carrying the flame from the lamp of the Virgin of Kykkos. Workshops (honey, soutzoukos, candles, embroidery, basket weaving, halloumi), children's activities and concerts are free; only the lift costs €2.
Saturdays and Sundays 12:00–20:00; Fridays 11 and 18 December 16:00–20:00; every day from 21 December to 6 January 12:00–20:00; Christmas Day and New Year's Day 15:00–22:00.
Organiser: Kalopanagiotis Community Council with the support of the Deputy Ministry of Tourism, +357 99823009
What it is known for
The monastery of Agios Ioannis Lampadistis is on the UNESCO World Heritage list. It consists of three Byzantine churches with well-preserved frescoes from the 9th to the 15th century.
The water of the springs near the Venetian bridge is still used for healing baths. Opening hours and prices for visitors are not published.
Trails and outdoor activities
The village has a large network of well-maintained hiking trails, one of the best on the island.
The community council also lists fishing at the river weirs with a visit to the trout farm, and quad bike safaris.
Getting there
The village is in the Troodos mountains, in the Marathasa valley. During the 2026-27 Christmas village the main road is one-way. You can leave your car at the expanded Zaroupas car park, with a free shuttle bus to and from the Christmas village.
Places to visit in the village
Monastery of Agios Ioannis Lampadistis
The monastery's three Byzantine churches, with frescoes from the 9th to the 15th century, are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During the 2026-27 Christmas village it is open 10:00–16:00; at other times see the hours below, which may change without notice.
- Opening hours
- 16 September – 15 April: Tue–Sat 10:00–16:30, Sun 11:00–16:30. 16 April – 15 September: Tue–Sat 10:00–13:00 and 14:00–17:30, Sun 11:00–16:30
Icon Museum
The museum is next to the monastery of Agios Ioannis Lampadistis. During the 2026-27 Christmas village it is open 10:00–16:00; hours for the rest of the year are not published.
Kykkos Monastery watermill
The watermill stands about a kilometre south of the monastery of Agios Ioannis Lampadistis. The Cyprus Department of Antiquities has declared it a cultural heritage monument.
House of Lavrentios
The house of Lavrentios, Metropolitan of Kyrenia, born in 1750. Today it holds the Lavrentios Museum and a cultural and conference centre; during the Christmas village it hosts workshops.
Map
Sources
- Kalopanagiotis Community Councilkalopanayiotis.com.cyaltitude, distances, springs, watermill, House of Lavrentios, activities, phone
- Christmas village programme 2026-27kalopanayiotis.com.cydates, hours, programme, parking
- Visit Cyprus: Kalopanagiotisvisitcyprus.comUNESCO monastery, watermill, trails
- Visit Cyprus: Agios Ioannis Lampadistisvisitcyprus.commonastery opening hours
- 2021 census (Statistical Service of Cyprus)citypopulation.depopulation
News about the village
Villages nearby
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Fikardou
Fikardou sits at 900 m in Nicosia district; since 1978 the whole village has been a listed ancient monument. A rural museum, an old church, trails and no cars.
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Kakopetria
Kakopetria lies at 670 m in the Solea valley, Nicosia district. A protected old quarter, spoon sweets, trout, small museums and a UNESCO church nearby.