Lefkara, in the southern foothills of the Troodos Mountains is less than an hour's drive from Nicosia, Larnaca and Limassol and only 20 minutes away from the southern coastal beaches. It is close to the Machairas forest and Monastery, the Troodos Mountain resorts and archaeological sites. At an elevation of about 700 meters, right on the E4 European Nature Trail, it also enjoys a superb microclimate.
Accomodation
Our affectionately restored, unique character hotel proudly fuses traditional and contemporary styles. It offers 9 Rooms Bed & Breakfast (1 Single Room 2 Double Rooms, 6 Twin Rooms), all individually designed and featuring art objects and crafted pieces incorporating modern accessories and traditional details.
Room facilities: en-suite shower, satellite TV, hair-dryer, A/C, central heating, and free WiFi internet.
Our Room Rate for season 2011-2012:
Twin / Double Room B&B: 60 Euro per night
Single Room B&B: 40 Euro per night
Hotel & its History
Lefkara Hotel & Restaurant is an agro-hotel at the heart of Lefkara - one of Cyprus' most picturesque villages - in a well renovated historical building that houses within its walls the ancient Church of Saint Mamas dating to 10th Century. By the ancient wall of the church, a petite, enclosed courtyard garden offers a peaceful spot to relax, surrounded by the scent of aromatic fresh herbs and the garden's jasmine, orange and olive trees
Over the centuries, the hotel has witnessed a vivid and diverse past: once as a hostel for religious pilgrims, a coffee-shop for local lace-traders, once a cinema and even a shadow-theatre. According to locals, the famous greek singer-actress Sophia Vemba would entertain soldiers in the hotel's restaurant during World War II. .
St Mamas Church (c.974 AD) has been referred to as the cathederal church to Kato Lefkara's oldest church "Archangel Michael". The church, as the focal point, gives a very special spirit to the site. Internally it features two original 19th century icons, and it is thought that there are hidden frescoes which have been painted over, perhaps during Ottoman rule.
In Cypriot iconology Saint Mamas is presented riding a lion, holding a stick in his right hand and a sheep under his left arm. Saint Mamas was a monk living in a cave near the town of Morphou, under Ottoman rule. Folklore has it that he was arrested for refusing to pay taxes and while being led to court by the authorities they came across a lion chasing a sheep. He beckoned the lion to stop and come close, the wild animal obeyed and Mamas then rode on its back, sheep in hand, all the way to court. Witnessing the unusual event, the judge ordered his release and St Mamas gifted him with the sheep.
