Moniatis is a village in the province of Limassol, situated in the Troodos Mountains around 30 kilometres from the city. It is a town surrounded by vegetation, renowned for its natural setting, that underwent significant growth in the 1990s.

The name of the village: According to legend, the settlement of Moniatis received its name from the numerous stables that existed in the area approximately 500 years ago, when the village began to take shape. Photo: Savvas Drousiotis.

Attractions and churches: In the heart of Moniatis, you can witness the first preserved houses and mosque in the area where Turkish Cypriots resided before to the Turkish invasion of 1974. In addition to the Heroes’ Monument, which is dedicated to Panikos Pourgouridis, there is a century-old “tame pine” at the entrance of the hamlet that is the most impressive structure.

In Moniatis, there are notable churches such as the central church of Panagia Odegetria, the small church of Archangel Michael constructed in 1717 and dominating near the centre of the village, the historical monastery of Timi Prodromos dating back to the late 15th century, the small church of Zoodochos Pigi, and the chapel of the Prophet Elias.

In the surroundings of Moniatis, there are wonderful nature paths that offer leisure and calm to people who visit them and walk about them, allowing them to study them and appreciate the waterfalls and “environmental lung” Mesa Potamos.

In addition, the village’s little dam and the unique double bridge in Cyprus, which forms the natural border between the Community and Trimiklini, are worthy of a visit.

Finally, there are sulphurous springs in Moniati that are noted for their curative effects.

Population: Moniatis has witnessed numerous population variations over the years. In 1881, there were 92 inhabitants, and by 1911 there were 183. In 1931, the population climbed to 257 from 174 in 1921. In 1960, there were 356 residents in the settlement. In 1973 there were 217, and in 1976 there were 319. From 217 in 1982 to 275 in 2011, the population expanded gradually.

Pine trees predominate the natural vegetation of Moniatis, which is rich in natural vegetation. Next to the ravine of the little Kouri tributary grow cypress trees, walnut trees, eucalyptus trees, and poplars.