Information on Vikla Village
Vikla Village Photo © CyprusExpat.co.u
Vikla Village is an abandoned village located in the Limassol District of Cyprus. The village lies close to Klonari Village, Akapnou, Kellaki, Eptagonia and Sanida villages.
The reason why Vikla Village is an abandoned village is not due to any earthquakes, landslides, disease or politics, which is the cause of many abandoned villages in Cyprus, but due to the lack of employment and education opportunities for the 50 or so earlier inhabitants of the village.
Vikla Village Photo © CyprusExpat.co.uk
There is also another factor, the cost for installation of essential utilities, such as electricity, a water supply system, a drainage system and telephone lines etc. The villagers did not earn enough money from their agricultural products to pay for these services. The Cyprus government was unwilling or unable to pay for the infrastructure, due to the high cost because of the remoteness of the village.
Vikla Village Photo © CyprusExpat.co.uk
Vikla Village dates back many centuries and this is determined from the architectural remains found in the area.
The village is built at a height of 475 metres above sea level, on a small hill surrounded by flat farmland. The top of the hill is where the Agios Ioannis church is built, on the original site of an old monastery. The church is the only remaining intact building in the village.
Vikla Village Photo © CyprusExpat.co.uk
The Vikla Village homes were built in the traditional Cyprus village architectural style, with thick stone walls, wooden doors and windows, and red terracotta roof tiles. The tiles were made from local materials, unique to the area. The only distinction that strayed from the traditional homes style, were the many arches to be found in the homes.
Vikla Village Photo © CyprusExpat.co.uk
The early settlers of the village were basically farmers and due to a good water supply, they were able to cultivate wheat, vines and olive trees. The wheat was ground to produce flour, the grapes produces were processed into wine, especially Commandaria wine, and the olives were processed into olive oil. The farming tradition of the village was passed down from generation to generation, until recent times.
Vikla Village Photo © CyprusExpat.co.uk
Vikla Village is now abandoned, the once grand houses lay in ruins, with many collapsed walls and roofs. The village also suffered from a fire in 2005.
The Vikla Golf Club lies next door to the village, and some of the greens are adjacent to the village.