Overview
Home of the world-famous Lefkara Lace (Lefkaritika), and filigree silver, this picturesque village sits on the foothills of the Troodos mountain range, in the south-eastern region of the island.
Lace-making in Lefkara is a way of life, and upon entering the village you will be greeted by shop windows dressed in all types of products made from lace, from umbrellas to tissue box covers. This ancient tradition, dating back to the 14th century. It is influenced by the embroidery of Venetian nobles, who ruled the island in 1489 as well as ancient Greek and Byzantine geometric patterns.
Visitors can learn all about craft, at the Lefkara Handicraft Centre, the Museum of Traditional Embroidery and Silversmithing, and various workshops. Legend has it that the famous painter, Leonardo da Vinci himself visited the village in 1481 and bought a lace altar cloth, which he donated to Milan cathedral.
The character of the village is very picturesque with its narrow, winding streets and traditional architecture of old, terracotta-roofed houses. It is also included as one of the stops on the island’s 7th Wine Route that encompasses the area of mountainous Larnaka – Nicosia.
Among its interesting sites are the Folklore Museum, the old fountain and the old olive mill. The village also has beautiful and ancient chapels, including the church of Timios Stavros (Holy Cross), and the chapel of Archangelos Michael in Kato Lefkara, with frescoes that date from the 12th and 15th centuries.
The popular annual Lefkara Festival takes place each August, and includes a programme of music, dance, theatre and handicraft exhibitions, with visitors warmly welcomed.
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