Louvaras Village
Louvaras is a village in the mountain area of Limassol about 30 kilometres from the centre. It is built in the northeast hillside which is surrounded by other same levelled hills which adds a particular and beautiful picture.
From whichever side you see Louvara , the view is the same. It is placed on mild ground waves and from high volcanic hills. To the east the view is divided by smaller rivers of Germasoyia , while to the west is the river Garilli which splits the rest of the village.
The whole extent of Louvaras is a continuous repetition of cool breezes, calm mountainsides and deep valleys. Wild vegetation grows at this mountain village, with bushes such as koumaria, latzia, myrtia and others. It is not only the different shades of green which charm during spring , but also the large variety of wild flowers that give a particular magic feeling with their colours.
Near the river there are almond trees, and various others which make their presence. However on this land of volcanic layers, and especially in the mountain slopes the vineyards are cultivated. The village lives on the black and xynisteri types of grapes from which the known koumantaria is made. Louvaras has always been known for its excellent quality of koumantaria. Even though the villagers who live there permanently prefer the xynisteri even though they cultivate both varieties.
After the grapes are ripe, the residents of Louvara cut them and put them in the sun until they dry and their sugar increases. The time of the drying is also important. Besides, koumantaria needs especial attention.
Once at the village, once must go higher to Kakomalli, the small pine tree forest which is an extension of the Limassol forest. It is located very close, to the south of Louvara. It is not necessary to get to the top where the summer fire observatory is located. From the forest station at the pine tree slope of the mountain, one can see all the different bushes and the view around.
If one is to be at the mountain on a summer or spring day one will see an original pistsilliotiko view with all its peace, coolness and silence. A continuous aura will cool you. If there is time in order to follow one of the narrow pathways in the forest, the feeling will be unique.
A continuous aura will cool one at the village. If there is time to go for a walk in the woods, the feelings are unique. Here one will feel apart from the rest of the island and nature will take over.
The community of Louvara, along with its riches, the plentiful of red pots in the gardens and the roads, with the small traditional houses will impress. In the same village, at a small distance are two medieval churches which witness so much about the past of the village.
The church of Agiou Mama is a unique ornament in the heart of Louvara as well as the south part of Pitsillias. In this medieval chapel of the 15th century the visitor will not find it difficult to see the metamorphosis of the Cypriot Byzantine art under the Italian renaissance. The iconographies located in the church of Agiou Mama are a transitional stage of the Italian-byzantine art at the end of the 15th and beginning of 16th centuries.
