Discover Kritou Tera

Kritou Tera combines environmental education with a multifaceted village history. The Cyprus Environmental Studies Centre focuses on nature and landscape; Kefalovryso recalls the former importance of water, while the museum, churches and historic buildings offer further insights into village life. Visitors who want to consider culture and environmental issues together while travelling will find several different points of interest here.

Environmental education, from day visits to courses

The Cyprus Environmental Studies Centre in Kritou Tera says it welcomes around 3,500 school pupils and university students each year from schools and universities in Cyprus, Western Europe and the Middle East. Its educational programmes range from day visits to two-week residential courses; the duration is agreed with the centre. Topics include forest and freshwater ecology, landscape processes and the environmental impacts of tourism development.

The programme thus spans forest and freshwater ecology, changes in the landscape and questions surrounding tourism. Those interested in these topics can use them as a guide when planning their trip and consider which programme format suits their intended timeframe. For longer courses, the duration should be agreed directly with the centre.

Kefalovryso and the former use of water

At the entrance to the village is the stone spring of Kefalovryso. In terms of water volume, it was once the third-largest spring in Cyprus. Its former importance is reflected in its various uses: it supplied the area with clean water to irrigate large orchards, powered four of the fifteen watermills and fed the troughs of the communal washing facility. Women washed clothes and bathed there.

For travellers who like to understand local history through tangible infrastructure, Kefalovryso is an illustrative landmark. The information about the spring tells not only of water, but also of irrigation, the operation of mills and communal daily life in earlier times.

Museum and historic buildings

The small museum in Kritou Tera displays exhibits relating to village life, past customs, and deeply rooted traditions and practices. It also houses the historic carved wooden gate of Archbishop Damaskinos. The gate provides a clearly defined historical highlight; the collection’s other themes cast a broader light on everyday life and traditions.

The residence of Archbishop Damaskinos is also located in the village. A large mansion, now divided into smaller houses, served as the summer residence of the family of Dragoman Hadjigeorgakis Kornesios. The two-storey casino, in turn, served for many years as an entertainment and event centre as well as a gambling venue. These buildings represent different aspects of the village’s history: a residence, a historic summer house and the casino’s former use.

Two churches with different historical and geographical contexts

The medieval church of Agia Aikaterini Fytefkia in Kritou Tera dates from the 15th century. It is distinct from the Church of Agia Aikaterini, which stands about 3 km from the village. The latter is open once a year on the name day of Saint Agia Aikaterini. If you are planning a visit for this occasion, check the date locally in advance. The similar names make it important to note their locations: the church in the village is the 15th-century Fytefkia; the church that opens annually is outside the village.

When choosing a holiday apartment in Kritou Tera, your preferred focus may be helpful: environmental programmes are scheduled with the centre, while Kefalovryso and the buildings described offer concrete insights into local history. Consider, therefore, whether a scheduled programme or the village’s history should shape your stay more.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Kouklia, Pentalia, Steni, Chrysochou, Koili, Kissonerga, Giolou, Paphos.

For the main travel overview: Paphos.