Journey along the Route that Gave Cyprus its Namesake
Home to rich antiquity, historical landmarks and beautiful cultural history, Cyprus is a gem to be explored. Besides its crystal-clear waters that thrill locals and visitors alike, the island has a history stretching back to prehistoric times, making it a primary Mediterranean treasure.
The history of Cyprus’ copper
One of Cyprus’ proudest products was copper, which is greatly identified with the island. Even the name ‘Cyprus’ is believed to derive from cuprous, a , a scientific name for a form of copper. Cyprus was a large producer of copper and the main copper distributor worldwide for many centuries.
However, after the fall of the Roman Empire, the industry came to a halt until the 19th century when the British revived it. Today, the only working copper mine is that of Skouriotissa, which is also the oldest mine, operating since 1914.
The copper route
For a different day trip away from the crowds and towards an unusual view of the island, take this copper route and explore the old mines. All you need is a car, a good mood and this article to guide you through the journey.
Mitseros abandoned copper mine about 30 minutes from Ayia Varvara
- Set off from Limassol or Larnaca towards Sia village (pronounced Sha) in Nicosia’s direction, where just outside the village you’ll spot bright yellow and brown gossans – weathered, colourful rocks, a common feature in areas of copper mineralisation. On your left are two open-cast copper mines, where you can walk around and study the rock formations.
- From there drive towards Mathiatis village. When you pass an old wind pump, there will be a turn on your left signed ‘Church of Ayia Irini Chrysovalandou’. Follow that dirt road for about 1km, then turn left and then take the first turn right. When you reach the pine trees, park your car and explore the sight on foot. The bright colours of the gossans will lead you to the lake of the copper mine.
- Drive through Mathiatis village towards Ayia Varvara. One and a half kilometres up the road is a view of the North Mathiatis open-cast copper mine on the right-hand side.
- Head further north towards the village of Ayia Varvara until you reach an olive oil factory. Here, make a right turn towards a builder’s yard. A little bit further up, you’ll find four silos where you should make a right turn. At the T-junction, take a right turn again and drive for approximately 1km. On the left-hand side going upwards, there is a short track leading to a small valley where the Almyras copper mine and workshops are. This is a unique archaeological site where remnants of all stages of copper production have been found.
- Your next stop is at Katydata. To reach it, drive through the villages of Kotsiatis, Marki and Tseri that will eventually lead to the Nicosia–Troodos road (A9). From the roundabout, go towards Peristerona and Astromeritis, and then follow signs to Evrychou. About 13km after Astromeritis, there is a junction to Linou and then Katydata village. Once at the village, visit the Museum of Mining Heritage, where you’ll find information about Cyprus’ mining industry, the tools and the artefacts produced. Museum visits must be arranged at least one day in advance with Mr Andreas, who can be reached on +357 99348013.
- Only five minutes from Katydata is your last stop: Skouriotissa mine and the associated abandoned village. South-west of the copper mine is the UNFICYP San Martin camp, where lays the chapel of Panayia Skouriotissa: Our Lady of the Skouriotissa dating back to the sixteenth century and home to some interesting icons. Nearby are the village’s abandoned houses which were built by the mining company MCM and were used by miners until the 1974 war.
Advice: Make sure to stay a safe distance from steep and fragile edges, and avoid entering any deep excavations as it may cause the collapse of the roof. It is not recommended to enter any of the lakes that form after the extraction of the mineral because the water is toxic and may cause allergic reactions. Most of the copper mines are accessible via loose surface roads.
Route timings
- Limassol to Sia/Sha: approximately 60km, 45-minute drive
- Larnaca to Sia/Sha: approximately 25km, 35-minute drive
- Sia/Sha to Mathiatis South: approximately 6km, 10-minute drive
- Mathiatis South to Mathiatis North Copper Mine: approximately 7km, 5-10-minute drive
- Mathiatis North Copper Mine to the Ayia Varvara Almyras site: 5-10 minute drive.
- Ayia Varvara Almyras to Katydata: approximately 70km, 70 minutes.
- Katydata to Skouriotissa Copper Mine: 5 minutes
For the return trip:
- Skouriotissa to Nicosia City Centre: 55-70 minutes
- Skouriotissa to Limassol via Solea Valley: 80-90 minutes
For more info read the CTO infopack
