Background

Filani (Ruins): A Journey into Cyprus's Past

Discover the haunting beauty of Filani Ruins near Klirou, Cyprus: an abandoned village whispering tales of rural life and a devastating past.

4.2

Explore the haunting ruins of Filani, an abandoned village near Klirou, Cyprus, offering a glimpse into rural Cypriot life in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Discover the remnants of stone houses and imagine the lives of the villagers who once thrived here before a devastating epidemic led to its abandonment.

A brief summary to Filani (Ruins)

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be walking on uneven terrain while exploring the ruins.
  • Bring water and snacks, as there are no facilities at the site.
  • Visit the nearby village of Klirou to experience traditional Cypriot life and architecture.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Nicosia, take bus route 67 towards Klirou. Alight at the 'Klirou Community Health Centre' bus stop. From the bus stop, walk approximately 3 kilometers (around 40 minutes) to the Filani Ruins. Head southwest from the bus stop, following the main road out of Klirou. Turn right onto the unnamed road (X6R6+MR8). The Filani Ruins will be a short distance further. A single bus fare from Nicosia to Klirou costs approximately €2 - €3.

  • Driving

    Filani Ruins are easily accessible by car. From Nicosia, drive approximately 25 km southwest to Klirou. Once in Klirou, follow the signs towards the ruins. Parking is available near the site. Note that the road leading to the ruins is an unnamed road. There are no tolls on this route. Parking is free.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are available from Nicosia to Klirou. The journey takes approximately 35 minutes and costs between €35 and €50. From Klirou village, a taxi to Filani Ruins would be a short trip, costing approximately €10-€15. Confirm the fare with the driver before starting the journey.

Unlock the Best of Filani (Ruins)

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Filani (Ruins)

The Filani Ruins, located near the village of Klirou in the Nicosia District of Cyprus, offer a unique window into the island's past. Situated approximately 25 kilometers southwest of Nicosia, these ruins represent the remains of a settlement that thrived for a time before being abandoned. The location, at an altitude of around 600 meters on the eastern bank of the Pedieos River, provides a picturesque setting for exploring this historical site. Historical accounts suggest that Filani was established sometime after the end of Ottoman rule in Cyprus. Families from nearby villages such as Politiko, Lazania, Fikardou, and Pera Orinis, either owned or rented land from the Machairas Monastery and formed the nucleus of this community. The village benefited from the fertile land, cultivating vineyards, olives, and other crops. The low stone fences constructed from river stones indicate that the inhabitants were primarily engaged in agriculture rather than livestock farming. The architecture of the ruins reveals insights into the lives of Filani's inhabitants. Some residents appear to have been quite prosperous, as evidenced by the presence of 'lino,' specialized areas used for producing oil and wine. Local testimonies suggest that the area was known for producing some of the finest wines, and beekeeping was also practiced, as indicated by the discovery of 'tziverka' (earthen round pots) within the houses. Oral traditions recount that an infectious disease struck Filani in the early 20th century, decimating the population and leading to its abandonment. The Spanish Flu of 1918 is suspected to be the cause of the village's desertion. Today, only ruins remain, offering a poignant reminder of the community that once called this place home. Visitors can also see what is believed to be the oldest pine tree on the island, known as Pinolia, just south of the ruins, and the stone chapel of Agia Marina, dating back to 1819, to the north.

Popular Experiences near Filani (Ruins)

Popular Hotels near Filani (Ruins)

Select Currency