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Filani: Whispers of a Lost Cypriot Village

Discover Filani Ruins near Klirou, Cyprus: an abandoned village whispering tales of rural Cypriot life and a devastating past, surrounded by serene landscapes.

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Explore the haunting ruins of Filani, an abandoned village near Klirou, Cyprus, offering a poignant glimpse into rural life in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Decimated by disease, likely the Spanish Flu of 1918, Filani's remnants whisper tales of a close-knit community and agricultural prosperity amidst a serene landscape.

A brief summary to Filani (Ruins)

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be walking on uneven ground while exploring the ruins.
  • Bring water and snacks, as there are limited amenities at the site.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Machairas Monastery or the Tamassos Archaeological Site for a fuller experience.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Nicosia, take bus route 67 towards Klirou. Alight at the 'Klirou Community Health Centre' bus stop. From there, 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

    From Nicosia, drive approximately 25 km southwest to Klirou. Once in Klirou, follow the signs towards Filani. The ruins are located off an unnamed road (X6R6+MR8). Parking is limited near the site. Note that the road is unpaved in the final stretch. Driving from Nicosia to Klirou takes approximately 34 minutes. Car rental is available in Nicosia; expect to pay around €20-€40 per day, depending on the vehicle.

  • Taxi

    A taxi from Nicosia to Klirou will cost approximately €35-€50 and take around 34 minutes. From Klirou village, the taxi can drop you closer to the ruins on the unnamed road (X6R6+MR8), but the final section might still require a short walk.

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Discover more about Filani (Ruins)

The Filani Ruins, located approximately 25 kilometers southwest of Nicosia, near the village of Klirou, offer a unique window into Cyprus's past. Situated on the eastern bank of the Pedieos River at an altitude of around 600 meters, these ruins represent the remains of a settlement that thrived for a time before being tragically abandoned. 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. 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. 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 explore the remnants of houses and imagine the daily lives of the former inhabitants. South of the ruins stands a massive tree trunk, known as Pinolia, believed to be the island's oldest pine. To the north, at the highest point of the plain, is the stone chapel of Agia Marina, a small basilica dating back to 1819. The village of Klirou, located a short distance from Filani, has a history dating back to the Copper Age and was an integral part of the ancient Kingdom of Tamassos.

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