Kellia

Welcome to the lovely village of Kellia, situated on the gentle hillsides just a short distance from the bustling city of Larnaca. This place, though small, is incredibly rich in history and surprises. …

Our tour begins at the historic Church of Ayios Antonios, the spiritual heart of the Greek Cypriot community in Kellia. In 1976, this church was in a state of extreme disrepair—overgrown with weeds and bushes, a mere shell of its…

Just down the hill from the church, we find the old mosque, a reminder of Kellia's history as a mixed community. The building is a simple, elegant structure made of stone and mud bricks, featuring traditional arches and a domed…

As we walk through the narrow streets of the old village, look closely at the houses. Many of the original residences were built using mud bricks—a traditional method where mud and water were mixed, shaped in wooden blocks, and…

Now for one of Kellia's most unbelievable surprises. On the outskirts of the village, tucked into the hillside near a small mini-zoo, is an extraordinary underground chapel. …

Near the underground chapel, the village offers another unexpected delight—a small mini-zoo and garden area that is free for the public to enjoy. This area is home to a variety of animals, including peacocks, geese, mountain…

Our final stop in the village outskirts brings us to a second hillside chapel, located just across a wobbly bridge. This chapel is built right against the cliff edge, with the natural rock sticking out and becoming part of the…

As we conclude our tour of Kellia, I hope you have been as surprised and moved by this village as I have. We have walked through the restored beauty of Ayios Antonios, explored the quiet history of the old mosque, and felt the…