Askas is a small village in the Pitsilia region of the Troodos Mountains, about 45 minutes (50 kilometers) south of Nicosia. It is primarily known for its agro-tourism, including the production of wine and Zivania, and is a great, out of the way location that provides a glimpse of life in a traditional Cypriot village. Several old family homes have been converted to unique boutique accommodations, allowing easy exploration of the village and the surrounding region. For example, Λύχνος, where we stayed for a long weekend, was passed down for five generations before it was adaptively reused as a small, but well-appointed hotel.
Perched on a steep mountainside overlooking an expansive valley, the village is characterized by a maze of narrow stone-paved streets and a charming collection of traditional, stone-built residences, some of which date to the middle ages. The village's appearance is often compared to that of a swallow’s nest stuck on the rock, especially when viewed from across the valley. The stonework and hand-fired clay tile roofs are hallmarks of its special character. In fact, the stone building techniques are said to have originated within the village and spread to other parts of the island.
Askas' exact age is unknown. However, a date of AD 1381 was found in one residence's basement during a renovation some years ago, indicating the village has been inhabited since at least the medieval Frankish period. It was most probably known as the settlement of "Asta," as portrayed on Venetian maps at this time. The current name, Askas, is believed to be from that of a rich landowner, Manolis Askas, who lived there in AD 1462. Another local story suggests the village was named for an early settler, who was engaged in the construction of bags.
The region of Pitsilia has a much older history. Christianity became the official religion of the Roman Empire in the 4th century AD. In Roman-occupied territories, the persecution of non-Christians during the reign of Emperor Theodosius I
led to violence and is said to have caused many Cypriots to flee into the Pitsilias highlands during this period (i.e., those that still revered the Greek and Roman deities, namely the Cypriot Great Goddess, Aphrodite). Eventually, a decree from the Roman emperor established this mountainous region as a secure refuge, known as the "Apistilia" or "the area of non-believers" (η περιοχή των απίστων). Considered a derogatory term during the island's transition to Christianity, the name was later changed to Pitsilias.
There are two churches in the village, both established circa the 16th century AD - the medieval church of Timios Prodromos, dedicated to St. John the Baptist, and the Church of Timios Stavros, dedicated to the Holy Cross. There is also the 15th century chapel of Agia Christina, (also known as Agia Paraskevi; AD 1411), located a few kilometers outside the village. In addition, up until the early 20th century, a police station operated in the village - one of the oldest on the island. The stone-built station building has been restored and is currently maintained by the Cyprus Department of Antiquities.
Streets of Askas, Cyprus
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Doors of Askas, Cyprus
You have seen the streets. Now here are the doors...the older ones, anyway. Of note, decoratively carving the door frame headers and jambs appears to have been a traditional construction practice - one that continues to this day.
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Want to see more? Visit the Cats of Askas, Cyprus
