Pedhoulas: Culture and Nature in Troodos

Pedhoulas is located in the Troodos Mountains, in the Marathasa Valley of the Lefkosia (Nicosia) District, at an altitude of 1,100 metres. You can weigh up the different highlights to decide which ones should shape your stay.

Culture and History

The Archangelos Michael Church in Pedoulas is decorated across two levels in the local post-Byzantine style. Eleven compositions from the festival cycle are arranged above depictions of saints.

The Byzantine Museum of Pedoulas displays the 13th-century Panagia Hodegetria and the 14th-century Panagia Eleousa. It also features an icon of Saint George slaying the dragon, with scenes from his life. The coin collection includes, among other items, a gros of the Cypriot king Hugh IV (1324–1359) and a Byzantine coin from 1570. The museum thus brings together images and coin examples with different subjects and dates.

In the old village of Pedoulas, the Chapel of Saint Paraskevi stands at Pumi, in a valley with orchards. You will encounter another historical figure on Filoxenias Street: a bronze statue of Ethnarch and Archbishop Makarios III stands on the main road.

Hiking Trails, Nature and Local Products

Pedoulas has nature trails for hiking. The hiking routes associated with the village lead to historic Byzantine chapels, old stone fountains and places of natural beauty. These destinations give hiking a historical as well as scenic dimension. The “Stavros tis Fithkias” Telescope and Nature Observatory is also located beside the Chapel of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross in Pedoulas.

A natural spring is also part of the village’s character: many visitors drink refreshing water from the local spring as they pass through Pedoulas. The orchards are also reflected in local product traditions. Pedoulas is especially known for cherries and products made from them.

Environmental Education and Getting Around

The Stelios Environmental Education Center in Pedoulas offers indoor and outdoor environmental education; its courses are led by experienced teachers and instructors. The center is visited by primary and secondary school pupils, as well as students at universities in Cyprus and abroad. It is open during the school year, but closed on weekends, public holidays, and during the Christmas, Easter and summer holidays. If you are planning to attend or have a specific date in mind, check the options directly with the center in advance.

There are four interactive tourist information boards to help you find your way around the village. One is beside the Community Council offices; others are at the entrances to the Folklore Museum and the Byzantine Museum, and by the Stelios Foundation office. These locations can help you orient your plans around named points of contact.

Pedoulas can be explored through a range of interests: church paintings and museum collections offer specific cultural and historical themes, while hiking trails, orchards and cherry products add a connection to nature and local life. These highlights can help guide your hotel choice as you decide which side of the village matters most for your trip.

Discover more destinations: Kakopetria, Strovolos, Dilekkaya, Kannavia, Gourri, Lythrodontas, Dali, Pachyammos

For the broader travel overview: Nicosia.