Discover Xyliatos the Village With the Impressive Dam

Discover Nicosia’s history and culture with expert-guided tours, revealing hidden gems and landmarks along the way.

Xyliatos

History, Dam, and Ancient Olive

Discover the Charms of a Tranquil Village

Xyliatos, situated in the Lefkosia District, lies 50 kilometers southwest of the capital city of Lefkosia, at a mean altitude of 515 meters.

History:
The village has existed since the medieval years, as indicated by the name Filato marked on old maps and mentioned below. Moreover, Karouzis clarifies that the village is marked on Venetian maps and adds that according to Mas Latri, it was a royal estate during the Frankish occupation.

What to see:
The Xyliatos dam and the homonymic excursion site stand as landmarks for the village. Moreover, many visitors come to Xyliatos to enjoy the peace and beauty of the dam nestled in the embrace of a green mountain. Additionally, the crystal-clear water of the dam reflects the surrounding scenery, creating an image full of magic.

A Serene Picnic Oasis at Xyliatos Dam

The picnic area sits on the foothills of the Xyliatos water dam, at an altitude of about 600 m. It also spans approximately 7000 square meters of land, which the NATURA 2000 network has included.

Furthermore, the picnic area can accommodate 860 people and offers all necessary amenities for the comfortable stay of its guests. It features tables, barbecue areas, water supply points, a playground with a wall bar, lavatories, a car park, and a water extinguishing system with 13 points.

Xyliatos' Oldest Tree and Restored Agios Mamas Church

Particularly impressive is the 1700-year-old olive tree which stands at the location “Potima.” Additionally, it is considered to be the oldest olive tree in Cyprus and, at the same time, the tree with the longest diameter, having a periphery of 13 meters and a height of 6 meters.

The main church of the village is dedicated to Agios Mamas. Moreover, at the beginning of the 20th century, specifically in 1918, the church was completely restored. It is a small and modest chapel with a ridge roof and wooden windows and doors. Externally, the church is lined with stone. Furthermore, the Church Tower is detached and built in the yard of the church, next to a lofty cypress. Lastly, the interior of the church is adorned by a wooden chancel.

Where to eat