Fikardou Village
Discover Nicosia’s history and culture with expert-guided tours, revealing hidden gems and landmarks along the way.
Fikardou Village
A Timeless Treasure of Medieval Cyprus
Preserving History and Rural Charm in the Heart of Pitsilia
Situated in the Lefkosia (Nicosia) district, Fikardou village rises to an altitude of 900 metres in the Pitsilia region. Visitors can reach this historical site by following the E903 and then the E904, ultimately arriving at this secluded and idyllic village.
Moreover, both Fikardou and the nearby villages of Gourri and Lazania preserve the names of medieval families in Cyprus. The most notable member of the Ficardo family was the noble Sir Thomas Ficardo, who served as Chancellor to King James II and Queen Catherine Cornaro.
Now almost deserted, the Department of Antiquities declared the village an Ancient Monument in 1978 and awarded it the Europa Nostra in 1987. They carefully restored the village to preserve its 18th-century houses, which feature remarkable woodwork and folk architecture. Additionally, the Department now owns two of these houses—the House of Katsinioros and the House of Achilleas Dimitris—and has transformed them into museums that exhibit rural items and depict rural life from years past.
After touring the village, visitors will enjoy a traditional Cypriot welcome at the quaint little coffee shop. Furthermore, the Monastery of Machairas is located less than 15 minutes away.
Houses of Achilleas Dimitri (Fikardou Ethnological Museum)
The two-storey house of Achilleas Dimitri features auxiliary spaces on the ground floor. Additionally, a hole in the ground floor roof allows workers to throw straw into the barn, which serves as both animal feed and raw material for the bricks.
Furthermore, like other houses in the village, the house of Achilleas Dimitri includes a family grape press for wine production. This wooden pre-industrial mechanism effectively mashes grapes.
One of the main elements of the grape press is a large screw that drives the compression mechanism.
Moreover, the house preserves elements from the 16th century. On the upper floor, the entrance displays a stone sculpture depicting a cross. The house has been transformed into a weaver’s workshop and a scholar’s guesthouse, and it is classified as an ancient monument of Table A (i.e., monuments that are state property).
House of Katsinioros (Fikardou Ethnological Museum)
The house of Katsinioros is two-storey and due to the soil morphology it has external access to both the upper and lower floors. The ground floor of the house hosts a prape press, tools and utensils that give a picture of the rural life.
The large jars stand out. Among them is one which states the information that in 1892 a large fire broke out at the monastery of Macheras and nothing was saved.
The house of Katsinioros preserves several architectural elements of the 16th century. Characteristic is a stone-carved window, which has two arches. The roof of Katsinioros house is steep-pitched wooden roof with hooked tiles.
Internally, the sloping roof beams are supported by horizontal beams, the rafters. It is an ancient monument of Table A (= monuments that are state property).
Old Primary School - Lazanias-Fikardou (Linear) Nature Trail
The Community Council and the Department of Antiquities undertook the refurbishment and repair of the abandoned school and the renovation work was completed in 2011. It also works as Embroidery Museum only on Sundays.
Lazanias-Fikardou (Linear) Nature Trail
This route offers panoramic views of the surrounding region and is rich in flora and fauna. Additionally, it links up with the Machairas-Lazanias and Fikardou-Archontides restaurant trails.
- Start Point: 200 metres after Lazanias village
- End Point: Fikardou village
- Estimated Duration: 45 minutes
- Difficulty Rate: Category 2: This trail has an average degree of difficulty, making it suitable for adults in fair to good fitness levels. Expect sudden changes in gradient (uphill and/or downhill) and narrow or rough terrain.
- Trip Length: 2 kilometres
Apostolon Petrou & Pavlou church & Agiou Ioanni tou Theologou monastery
The church of Apostles Peter and Paul in the village of Fikardou dates back to the end of the 15th century and underwent renovation in the 18th century.
Specifically, its current form dates to 1754, according to an inscription. This church features a small, steep-pitched wooden roof and is designed in the style of a basilica with a sloping roof.
House of N. Koutsangas and small wine-press & House of A. Hounartas
Ancient Monument Schedule B includes monuments that belong to individuals. In the 1970s, restoration work in Fikardou village commenced, initially focusing on the small wine press owned by N. Koutsangas. As part of this initiative, workers restored several houses and auxiliary buildings.
Furthermore, the restoration of these Ancient Monuments adheres to a fundamental principle: preserving their original form while making only a few necessary interior modifications to provide contemporary facilities that meet the owners’ needs.
Giannakos Tavern & Fikardou Boutique Suite
Ancient Monument Schedule B includes monuments belonging to individuals. Restoration work in Fikardou village began in the 1970s. As part of this initiative, workers restored several houses and auxiliary buildings.
Furthermore, the restoration of these Ancient Monuments follows a basic principle: preserving their original form while making only a few necessary interior modifications to provide contemporary facilities that meet the owners’ needs.
Bed and breakfast Fikardou Boutique Suite is located at Fikardou village, 369 m from the centre.
