Our History
A story of many centuries
Farmakas lies at the southern edge of Nicosia District, at the meeting point of three districts — Nicosia, Limassol and Larnaca. According to the Cyprus Encyclopedia, the village must have existed since Byzantine times: had it been founded under the Franks (1192–1489) or the Venetians (1489–1571), it would carry a foreign name.
Through the centuries
Byzantine era
A village with a Greek name
Its Greek name suggests Farmakas already existed before the Frankish period.
1857
The stone fountain is built
The stone-built fountain of Mangou becomes the place where villagers fetch their drinking water.
1914
Fire in the old church
Candles lit inside a wooden box start a fire that destroys the smaller old church; the icon of Saint Irene is badly damaged.
1930–1935
A new church for Saint Irene
The three-aisled domed basilica is built of local stone between 1930 and 1934 and dedicated on 5 May 1935.
1951
Fountains across the village
Under British rule, several fountains are built throughout Farmakas to improve access to water.
2015
Santa Irene Winery is founded
Daniel Anastasis returns home and founds a winery to revive the local Mavro grape and the centenarian vineyards.
2022
To Konatzi Gallery opens
A shop and art gallery opens in December 2022; it will in future host the Museum of Farmakas.
Farmakas at a glance
- Altitude
- 950 m — 10th highest village in Cyprus
- Distance from Nicosia
- 40 km southwest
- Region
- Machairochoria, Troodos foothills
- Borders
- Nicosia, Limassol and Larnaca districts