Lofou: Village History, Lanes and Nature Trail

The name Lofou derives from its location on a hill and the Greek word “lofos”; the village has borne this name since Byzantine times. Old architecture and many winding, cobbled lanes shape the character of the village. For your travel planning, a long history behind the name and a built environment shaped by architecture come together here. They offer different points of reference for understanding Lofou as a travel destination.

Church Architecture and Religious Tradition

The village church of Lofou is dedicated to the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary and is also known as Panagia Chrysolofitissa. Construction of its main nave began in 1854 and was completed in 1872. The interior has a single-aisle nave with discernible influences of Gothic art, particularly in the temple’s roof. Construction of the main nave began in 1854 and ended in 1872; the single-aisle nave and the Gothic influences on the temple roof shape the interior.

A different religious tradition is associated with the small chapel of the Prophet Elias in Lofou. The icon there is believed to have the miraculous power to prevent rain from damaging the grain harvest.

Grape Harvest and Sights

The Grape Fest in Lofou is associated with the grape harvest at the end of September. Visitors can watch traditional grape-juice specialties being prepared and sample them. The festival also features folkloric entertainment and a wine tasting. If you would like to plan your trip around the Grape Fest, check the specific event dates in advance.

The Museum Mill is also one of Lofou’s sights.

Nature Trail to the Elitji Fountain

The nature trail in Lofou begins a few dozen metres outside the village, heads towards Silikou and runs downhill for about 1.5 kilometres to the Elitji Fountain. The fountain is outside Lofou, about one kilometre northeast of the village and halfway to the village of Silikou; it was built in 1842. Unlike the winding, cobbled lanes in the village, the trail leads downhill outside Lofou to the fountain. Check that the trail is currently accessible before setting out. The distances refer to different things: the roughly 1.5 kilometres describe the nature trail to the fountain, while the approximately one kilometre describes the fountain’s location northeast of Lofou. Silikou provides a further point of reference.

For travel planning, the highlights can be distinguished by time and place: the village church, chapel and lanes offer a historical perspective; the Grape Fest is associated with the grape harvest at the end of September; and the nature trail begins outside the village and leads to the fountain. This brings together village history, an event date and a specific walking option as distinct highlights.

Discover more destinations: Trimiklini, Asgata, Troodos, Monagroulli, Omodos, Kato Platres, Episkopi, Anogyra

For the overview of the wider region: Limassol.