Frankoelia (Olive Tree) – The Virgin Mary of Podithou Church
In the courtyard of The Virgin Mary of Podithou church, there is an ancient olive tree, also known as Frankoelia. A small wooden sign on the base of this huge olive tree lets visitors know of their arrival to the surrounding area of the church. Exuding peace, this tree is one of the oldest olive trees on the trail leading to the church.
According to a few of the locals, this specific olive tree is known as Apostolic. Apostolic olive trees were known for their distinctive fruit and were different in shape (more oblong compared to others). They were neither wild nor cultivated, and they needed more time for their fruit to ripen and for the olives to be prepared for consumption.
The existence of wild olive trees precedes man’s presence on the island. In the late 18th century, Archbishop Kyprianos in his work “Chronological History of Cyprus” states: “The olive groves produce enough oil, so that when they are fruitful, the land has enough oil for three years, and sometimes there is enough to give to other regions”.
Location
Natural Monuments
Aged Olive Tree (Flassou)
These ancient trees or giant trees are the long-lived and large-scale plant species of the planet. Some of these trees stand proudly despite the years they are weighing on them, unaffected by the harsh test of weather and time. They were spared from th
Moutti tou Thkia (Zeus’s Peak)
The peak above the coastal plain of the Solea region, next to the current Agios Theodoros Village. The people of the Solea region, in ancient times, would worship Zeus (Dias), the father of God and Man. In fact, on one of the mountainsides, which overl
O Drys Ton Anemourkon (The Oak of Anemourkon)
This beautiful Oak (O Drys ton Anemourkon) is located in the homonymous location in the valley of the river Atsa. It is a tall and very thick oak standing on the western bank of the river Atsa. This oak endured malicious fires and lightning. In its sha
Perennial Oaks and Cypress
These ancient trees or giant trees are the long-lived and large-scale plant species of the planet. Some of these trees stand proudly despite the years they are weighing on them, unaffected by the harsh test of weather and time. They were spared from th
Rotsos tou Morou (The Babe’s Boulder)
On a steep cliff of the Katholiki mountain range lies a huge boulder named Rotsos tou Morou. History claims that the residents of the village ran for shelter under the boulder to escape the raids of the Saracens. The Saracens however, forced a violinis
The Oak Square of Galata
One of the most enchanting moments in Galata can be enjoyed by visiting the village square. There, the ancient oak will offer shade and coolness, next to the Karkotis (Karkotis) river. This oak belongs to the Quercus Infectoria Subsp veneris variety ha