MONIATIS

In one of the most beautiful areas of the Troodos mountain range, 30 kilometres from Limassol, lies the mountain resort of Moniatis, which has had a rapid economic development in the last years, without loosing its traditional character. Its expanse also includes the Saittas area, with its small but exceptionally beautiful dam, as well as the unique double-bridge in Cyprus, which forms the natural boundary between the Community and Trimiklini.

The local and foreign visitors are literally enchanted by the unique natural beauty of the area and the traditional hospitality of its inhabitants. Quite a few Turkish Cypriots used to live in Moniatis before 1974.

Nowadays only three of them live there. The austere mosque on the riverbank is just one among the Turkish Cypriots buildings which have been maintained with the care of the Community. Today, the Community counts about 350 residents, but they reach and exceed 2500 in
number in the summer months.

The tradition says that the village took its name from the great number of ''mantres'' (enclosures) that existed 500 years ago when the Community was founded.

Nowadays, it has all the transport and communication facilities that ensure a comfortable residence to the local people and the foreigners who possess luxurious villas or use the traditional ''OKELLA'' guests' house for their holidays in Saittas or a second small hotel, the ''ROYAL PING HILL'' at ''ROYAL MOUNT SAITTAS'' which was recently built, as well as the 3 summer camps of the Holy Bishopric of Kiti, the Holy Bishopric of Limassol and the private school ''O LOGOS''. There are also camping sites at Mesa Potamos which are open to the public.

At Mesa Potamos, an environmental lung with many trails, the visitor can observe all the beauties of nature peacefully and visit the historic monastery of Timiou Prodromou, which dates back to 1468. A second church, dedicated to Archangel Michael, with its unique Crucifixion, which dates from the 18th century, has recently been restored by the Department of Antiquities, whereas the main church of the village is dedicated to the Virgin Odiyitria. The two country churches are dedicated to Prophet Elias and the Source of Life.

A district public Kindergarten, a Government Forest Station, a Government Agricultural Tree-Nursery and the Moniatis Cooperative Credit-Society also function in Moniatis, whereas quite a few restaurants are ready to welcome and serve the visitors.

The offices of the Community Council, the Community Clinic and the regional ''Paremvasi'' Centre, which is run by a group of young people, executives of the Youth Centres of the area who work on a voluntary basis, are located at the centre of the village, all around the square, The ''Paramvasi'' Centre aims at informing the young about the different social problems preoccupying the Cypriot society nowadays.

At a central point of the village, a very nice place has been created with green spaces and a playground which welcomes hundreds of children.

The Moniatis ''Panikos Pourgourides'' Youth Centre was founded in 1985 and with the help, participation and voluntary offer of all the young, it organises and takes part in cultural and social events such as blood donations, voluntary work, artistic events, Christmas and Easter celebrations, conferences etc. Every year in July and August, together with the '' VIKLI'' Hunting Club and with the help of the Community Council, they co-organise the ''Mones'' festival which includes many events.