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The area of Kalavassos
Kalavassos is one of the oldest villages in Cyprus: early inhabitants are thought to
have lived in the area situated south east of its present location which was called
'Petrero' that at the time was next to the sea. 'Petrero' (full of stones) so named
because this spot is now covered with stones from the original village.
At around the 5th Century AD the inhabitants were forced to relocate because
they had to hide and ensure that the Saracens could see no light from the sea. Usual spots
favoured for this purpose would have been a side of a mountain or a valley. They chose the
valley, since it was served by a large river and surrounded by great forests, hence the
name 'Kalavassos' which originated from the word 'Lush Forest Valley'. The name Kalavaso
or Kalavato also appears in 16th Century on Franco Venetian maps of the area.
The inhabitants have always been engaged in animal husbandry and working the land. In
recent times they have also worked in the numerous mines and the 'Vassiliko' cement works.
In the period 1938 - 1950 Kalavassos was one of the largest mining communities in
Cyprus and many people went to work and some even settled there. Remnants of the era are
the little train with its carriages used to transport copper to the 'Vassiliko' where it
was crushed and refined before shipment.
Kalavassos is one of the new tourist villages found in Cyprus, which still maintain
their character and charm and have not become at all commercialised. The village has
retained its individuality and sleepy atmosphere that is typical of an old style Cyprus.
It has all the facilities required by the modern day traveler at the same time retaining
the pace of some older era. The Church and the square with its old style coffee shops are
still the focus of the community. All the shops and the bank are nearby and people gather
there to say hello over a cup of coffee or a drink.
There are numerous archaeological sites in the area, many of which have not yet been
uncovered or excavated. The main ones are:
- Pro Ceramic Neolithic site of 'Tenta' [7000 - 6000 BC] Cyprus Tenta
- Neolithic site 'Kalavassos A' at 'Kotchinoyia' [4500 - 3800 BC]
- Bronze age site at i) 'Agious',
ii) Kalavassos B at 'Pamboules'
- Bronze age site at 'Agios Demetrios' [2000 - 1650 BC]
Kalavasos Ayios Dhimitrios
In Cyprus the Bronze Age was very important because almost pure beds of
copper and iron pyrites were discovered in pillow lavas along the northern side
of the island. There is evidence that copper was mined as early as 3000 BC; the
export of which brought great wealth and many invaders to the Island. According
to findings some of the ore was smelted on the spot in primitive furnaces
located in exposed positions (in order that the wind could give the necessary
draught to raise the temperature). Wood and charcoal were used to smelt the
ores, as a result many of the forests near the mines were cut down and used. The
copper was then exported in ingots to all the countries around Cyprus. In 1500
BC the demand for copper increased and was the chief reason for the Romans
taking the Island.
Ancient Cyprus Web
Project
History of Kontoyiannis
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