Lefkara
|
Lefkara Λεύκαρα |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
 Lefkara
|
|
| Coordinates: 34°52′N 33°18′E / 34.867°N 33.300°E | |
| Country |
 Cyprus
|
| District | Larnaca District |
| Elevation | 500 m (1,600 ft) |
| Population (2001) | |
| • Total | 1,100 |
| Time zone | EET (UTC+2) |
| • Summer (DST) | EEST (UTC+3) |
| Postal code | 7710 |
| Website | http://www.lefkara.org.cy/ |
Lefkara (Greek: Λεύκαρα) is a village on the island of Cyprus famous for its lace, known as lefkaritika in (Greek: λευκαρίτικα) and silver handicrafts. The village takes its name from the white of its silica and limestone: Lefkara is derived from a combination of the Greek words "lefka" (Greek: λευκά, Translation: white) and "ori" (Greek: όρη, Translation: mountains, hills). It has been listed among "The 30 most beautiful towns in Europe" by the Japanese Association of Travel Agents.
The village is located on the southern slopes of the Troödos Mountains in the Larnaca District of Cyprus, off the main Nicosia-Limassol highway. It features cobbled streets and picturesque architecture. The village is split into two administrative regions: upper and lower Lefkara (Greek: Πάνω & Κάτω Λεύκαρα) with around 1,100 inhabitants.
A common sight is groups of women who sit in the narrow village streets working on their fine embroidery, as they have for centuries. The village is also known for its skilled silversmiths who produce fine filigree work. A folklore museum in the town shows visitors what life was like in Cyprus about hundred years ago. The museum is located in a restored house and exhibits the furniture and effects of a wealthy family, local costumes and examples of the Lefkara lacework. According to legend, Leonardo da Vinci visited the village in 1481, and purchased a lace cloth for the main altar of the Duomo di Milano. In 1889 a local lace school was opened, and Lefkara lace regained much of its ancient renown.
...
Wikipedia