Information on Old Korfi Village
Panagia Chrysokorfitissa Church in Old Korfi Village Photo © CyprusExpat.co.uk
The abandoned Old Korfi Village is located in the Limassol District of Cyprus and lies close to Pano Korfi, Karo Korfi, Apesia, Limnatis, Kapileio and Agios Mamas Villages.
The village is built at an average height of 425 metres above sea level on a steep mountainside. The location was chosen as it provided a clear view of the surrounding lands, where potential attackers were spotted early and the villagers were able to assemble the village defences. The rear of the village was protected by a mountain, which also provided shelter against the weather.
The location was also chosen due to the ample water supply from a natural well located at the base of the village. The regular water supply was used for local consumption as well as for irrigation. The villagers cultivated vineyards, with the grapes processed into wine and Zivania. Olive trees and almond trees were also cultivated. The original well of the village was rebuilt in July 1912 and received a further renovation a few years ago
The steep slope of the mountain meant livestock was kept some distance from the village on more level land, where goats and sheep were reared for their meat and milk.
The mountain peak located at the rear of the village gave the village it’s name. the Greek word for peak is Koryfi, which later changed to it’s present name of Korfi.
The population of the village was recorded at 150 permanent residents in 1969.
The Panagia Chrysokorfitissa Church is the dominant feature of the village. The church was built in 1914 on the original site of an earlier church, and is located on a plateau below the village. The church is still in use today.
The mountain also caused the downfall of the village leading to it’s evacuation. In January 1969, the region suffered very severe rainfall, lasting for several days. The mountain became saturated with water which caused landslides. The village lay in the path of some of the landslides and severely damaged a third of the village homes. The village was in constant danger of further landslides, and the villagers decided to appeal to Archbishop Makarios, who was the President of Cyprus at the time, to relocate the village.
The president agreed and a new location was selected a couple of kilometres away and at a higher altitude. The new village has also taken the name of the old village, Korfi Village.
The villagers moved into their new homes in 1972 – 1973 and were helped financially to purchase their homes by paying only 30% of the house price, with the balance taken as a loan payable over 30 years. The villagers were also able to keep the title deeds of their old homes. Planning laws were also waived in order to try to keep families together, with the permission to build an extra room for members of the family living in the house.
The Old Korfi Village homes are now ruins with many crumbling relics due to lack of maintenance, caused by the uncertain future of village.
Old Korfi Village Photo © CyprusExpat.co.uk
Old Korfi Village Photo © CyprusExpat.co.uk
Old Korfi Village Photo © CyprusExpat.co.uk
Old Korfi Village Photo © CyprusExpat.co.uk
Old Korfi Village Photo © CyprusExpat.co.uk
Old Korfi Village Photo © CyprusExpat.co.uk
Old Korfi Village Photo © CyprusExpat.co.uk