Fyti Weaving Village in Cyprus

A traditional village in Cyprus.  Learn about the history and the type of weaving that is taken place here.

A Small Village in Cyprus

Fyti is a small Cypriot village located 25 kilometers north-east of Paphos and 20 kilometers south-east of Polis Chrysochous.  It has been in existence since medieval times and at the start of the 19th century, it was a spiritual and educational center. Children from surrounding villages would come to Fyti’s school to study.  Unfortunately, the school closed down in 1985, as there were only two school teachers and 20 pupils. 

Set deep in the Paphos hills, away from the souvenir shops, ice cream, and hamburgers, the region is stumbled upon by only a handful of travelers, passing to or from Khrysorroyiatissa Monastery.  The warmth and rich hospitality you'll find here are sincere and old as Cyprus itself. It stands at the top of a plateau. This gives it a good climate, a dry and cool summer, and a non-freezing winter.

Weaving

Fyti receives a good rainfall annually, as vines, legumes, cereals and fruit trees are cultivated in the community.  The village’s population has fluctuated greatly throughout the years. In 1881, it’s habitants were 225 and increased as the years went by to 392.  After this time the village was struck by the urban pull decreasing it’s occupants more and more as the years went on. In 2001, it went down to 97 people and now today it has only 60 people.

Fyti is, also, written as Phyti or Foiti.  Fyti’s main attraction is for it’s weaving.  There is a small museum where a lady weaves traditional blankets by using the old loom for weaving.  The visitor can admire the unique “Fythkiotika” textiles in the Museum of Weaving and Folkloric Art and see how it is done today.  This was built in 1947. A retired schoolteacher is the curator of the museum and is extremely knowledgeable not just about the village’s weaving tradition, but on the general history of the village as well. Here at the museum, there is, also, on display some traditional farming materials for the visitor to see such as old farming clothes, donkey equipment, and farming tools.

Today, Fyti is known for its picturesque views.  All the houses there are made of local stone. Study the architecture of the village’s houses and visit the two old, stone made fountains and enjoy his/her lunch in two taverns situated at the community’s center.

Greek Church

There is, also, a Greek Orthodox church.  The Priest greets and welcomes his visitors.  The 19th-century church of St. Dimitris, situated in the village square, was constructed in 1857.  The altar screen is dated 1854 and doesn’t look as if it has aged at all, the colors still looking vibrant and fresh.

Next to one of the taverna’s, there is a bronze wall plaque in memory of the benefactor, Constantinos Foitides who brought water to Fyti in 1938.  He brought the water from the Holy Monastery of Panagia Chrysorrogiatissa (Our Lady of the Golden Pomegranate). Before this, the village used water from its wells.

The Village

Overall, this village is a very traditional style place to visit.  The natural beauty is stunning when driving up towards it through the hills where breathtaking views can be seen.

A drive up to Fyti is well worthwhile for anyone just to see for yourself what the area is like and how village life can be.  The magnificent views when making your way up to it is a spectacular sight that should not be missed.