Mazotos Village
The altitude on the northwest side of the village is 80 metres and drops to 35 metres near the community and slowly decreases towards the sea. Known for its rustic charm and idyllic surroundings, this hidden gem is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the authentic side of Cyprus.
Mazotos Village has a rich history that dates back to the medieval era. The village is believed to have been founded during the Byzantine period and has been inhabited ever since. According to Simo Meneandro and Mas Latri, the name of the village comes from the plant mazin (Ροterium spinosum), and shows the area where there are many plants in the wild Cypriot flora. For the same reason the name Mazotos is also found in other area in Cyprus such as villages in the Pissouri area, as well as the names Mazeri, Mazeron. Another version of how the village received its name is that the original name was Mastotos , due to the fact that the village was built near the mastoid mountains of Moi (from the Greek word mastos which means breast). With the passing of time though the st became z and that is how the village received the name Mazotos.
During the ruling of Constantine the Great, the village was an administrative capital of the homonym province, such as Avdymou, Chrysochous, Kilani, Episkopi, Nemesos and others. It was known for its agriculture and its products.During the ruling of Constantine the V and in 747 A.D, the great battle of Keramais took place that is characterised, as one of the greatest naval trophies of the Medieval Hellenism.Mazotos village was the estate of the Templars, therefore due to bad management and conduct, the complete property was confiscated and given to the order of St. John of Jerusalem. During the ruling of the Franks the village formed one of the main baronies in Cyprus. During the Venetian period, it was again the centre of one of the 12 districts in which the island was divided into under the administration of the "tsivitanou". The tsivitanos in Mazotos was Cypriot as well as in another three out of the twelve districts (Avdymou, Chrysochou and Pentagia). The Mazotos area included 46 villages with a population of 1454 colonials and 3249 free men. The community of Latourou was located about three kilometres towards the southwest near the sea, during the medieval years. The community received its name from a descendant of De La Tour, a powerful aristocratic family in France. Later on, during the Turkish occupation it became a manor and was finally bought by residents of the area.
The village is home to several historical landmarks, including the 16th-century church of Saint George and the 19th-century Mosque of Haji Ahmed. The village is also known for its traditional crafts, including pottery and weaving. Visitors can explore the local workshops and watch the artisans at work, creating beautiful handmade goods that are sold in the village's many shops.
Mazotos Village is surrounded by beautiful countryside, with rolling hills, olive groves, and vineyards. The village is also located near the coast, with several beaches just a short drive away. Visitors can explore the rugged coastline and take a dip in the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean. For those seeking adventure, there are plenty of opportunities to explore the natural beauty of the area. The village is home to several hiking trails, including the Mazotos Trail, which takes visitors through the stunning countryside surrounding the village.
Mazotos Village is known for its delicious traditional cuisine, with several tavernas and restaurants serving up authentic Cypriot dishes. Visitors can enjoy local specialties, such as grilled halloumi cheese, souvlaki, and fresh seafood. The village is also home to several wineries, where visitors can sample local wines and learn about the winemaking process. The region is known for its red and white wines, which are made using traditional techniques and local grape varieties.
Mazotos Village is a charming and authentic village that offers visitors a glimpse into the traditional way of life in Cyprus. With its rich history, beautiful countryside, and delicious cuisine, it's a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the island. So why not take a break from the tourist crowds and discover the hidden gem of Mazotos Village?
