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Now-a-days Omodos is so much more than just the Monastery.
It is the centre of the mountain wine producing area with no less
than 5 wineries, all of which you can visit to taste the wine and see
how it is produced.
Many nature trails originate in and around Omodos.
Many original cottage industries live in the quaint winding streets and
lanes of this old stone built village. Lace making, Glass blowing,
jewellery making, traditional village bakeries, cheese making and so
many more.
Then there are the original and ancient preserved houses, some of which
are open as museums. The old still working village wine press and of
course the restored, spacious village square surrounded by lovely old houses
and cafes all looking on to the cobble-stone square that hosts weddings and
many other annual celebrations.
Every Easter, from the Monastery, a priest takes the holy cross on a
procession around the village and blesses each village house. Tradition has
it that this event is welcomed by the householder by firing his shotgun in
the air as the priest arrives and as he leaves. This tradition is to use the
gun as a demonstration of the power of the cross. Holy Cross day is
celebrated by a fair and party in the square on 14th of September of each
year.
Omodos values its heritage. It does not live in the past indeed it is one of
the most progressive villages in Cyrus. Every resident is careful to preserve
the wonderful ambience and traditional village atmosphere, so visiting Omodos today is not so very different from a visit say, 100 years ago
except for the donkeys. Its not true that all the donkeys are in Paphos!
there are still a few in Omodos for you to see and pet. The villagers love
their donkeys and so will you. Of course motorised transport holds sway but
not in the village centre. The quaint winding little streets and lanes are far too
narrow for cars and in any event they are forbidden by statute.
So many things to see and do; Omodos then and now. Omodos will welcome
you and you will welcome Omodos. THE mountain village. A true Cypriot
experience.
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