Information on Peristerona Village in Paphos
Peristerona Village Photo © CyprusExpat.co.uk
Peristerona Village is located in the Paphos District of Cyprus. The village lies close to Steni, Agios Isidoros, Lysos, Meladeia, Trimithousa and Filousa Villages.
Peristerona Village in Paphos is often confused with another Peristerona Village, which lies in the Morphou Bay area of the Nicosia District of Cyprus. Visitors are requested to check the correct village when planning their trip.
The village is built at a height of 330 metres above sea level, which offers a cool climate in the long hot summers of Cyprus. The winter months are cold, with the occasional snowfalls. The height of the village also offers panoramic views of the Chrysochou Bay near Polis. The village is built on a series of hills, with several steep narrow streets.
The official census of 2001 recorded a total of 198 permanent residents. The population of today is recorded at a slightly less figure of 170 people. The lure of the nearby towns and cities for employment and education is a major factor in the dwindling population.
The village acquired it’s name, according to a popular legend, from the ancient Peristeria birds that used to fly around the village.
The village survived through the ages predominantly as a farming village, with large herds of sheep and goats. Olive trees and carob trees were also in abundance around the village, the village location was ideal for the trees in which to flourish. The processed olives and carobs formed an important additional source of income for the village.
The Holy Bishopric of Arsinoe dominates the village, which is located just behind the village centre, next to the Agios Mamas church. The Arsinoe Byzantine Museum is located in the Holy Bishopric. The museum is home to many religious icons dating back to the 13th century. The icon collection is thought to be one of the largest in Cyprus.
The museum also has a collection priests robes dating back to the 18th century, as well as wood carvings, silver ornaments and rare books and manuscripts.
The Agios Georgios church is a small church located on the outskirts of the village, and was built in 1955.
Peristerona Village Photo © CyprusExpat.co.uk
Peristerona Village Photo © CyprusExpat.co.uk
Peristerona Village Photo © CyprusExpat.co.uk
Peristerona Village Photo © CyprusExpat.co.uk
Peristerona Village Photo © CyprusExpat.co.uk