Information on Orounta Village
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Orounta Village Old School Photo © CyprusExpat.co.uk
Orounta Village, also known as Orounda Village, is located in the Nicosia District of Cyprus. The village lies close to Peristerona, Akaki, Astromeritis, Kato Moni and Agia Marina Villages.
The village is built at an average height of 290 metres above sea level and overlooks the Peristerona River.
Orounta Village has a long history which dates back to the first century. The original location of the village was on the banks next to the Peristerona River, in an area called Loukka. The village suffered from constant flooding from the Peristerona River, as well the cholera outbreak which devastated many villages in Cyprus at the time. The cholera outbreak was the turning point for the village, and the villagers decided to relocate the the village to it’s present location. The new location offered a safe area from the spreading disease, the constant flooding and relative protection from attack.
A large forest surrounded the village at one time, which enabled the villagers to become skilled craftsmen in the felling of trees and the creation of industrial and household goods, as well as providing fuel for the cold winters. The plundering of the forest without the planting of new trees led to the decimation of the forest. The lack of wood forced the villagers to turn to agriculture and the cultivation of trees for survival.
Orounta Village thus became dependent on the cultivation of almond trees, carob trees, lemon trees, orange trees, grapefruit trees and olive trees. The fruits were either processed into sweets or sold, with the surplus used for local consumption. The village also grew vegetables for local consumption.
The village survives now mainly in the production of pork, halloumi, arani and yoghurt. The production of the fruits is mainly for local consumption, due to the lack of people willing to work in the fields.
The population of Orounta Village has declined in recent years, with many people leaving to work and study in nearby Nicosia, with some commuting daily from the village. The population of the village was recorded at 656 in the 2001 census, but has now fallen to just over 500 permanent residents, the majority being elderly.
Orounta Village has expanded from it’s original old centre, towards the main road and beyond. The old centre has many old original homes, built from mud, local stone and wood. The homes are where the majority of the elderly live, with the younger population living on the outskirts. There are also many abandoned homes, which sadly have fallen into disrepair and are now ruins.
The original old school building, which was built in 1921, and although it remains empty, it has been well maintained. The old school is located next to the Orounta Village Community Council offices and the Apostle Loucas church. A new school was built for the village due to the increased number of students.
The Agios Nikolaos Monastery lies just outside the village.
Apostle Lukas Church Photo © CyprusExpat.co.uk
Orounta Village Photo © CyprusExpat.co.uk
Orounta Village Photo © CyprusExpat.co.uk