Livadia: Basket Weaving and Churches

Livadia is shaped by a distinctive basket-weaving technique, practised here using rushes and reeds. The Basket Weaving Museum and the Orthodox churches give the town specific cultural and historical points of interest; the Main 4 cycling route passes through its tourist area. Oroklini Lake borders Livadia and adds a natural-history dimension with its protected status. When choosing a destination, you can weigh up whether traditional crafts and religious culture, a designated cycling route, or the protection of birds at the neighbouring lake appeals to you most.

Basket Weaving and Reeds

The Basket Weaving Museum in Livadia showcases reed-processing techniques. It opened in November 2016 and is housed in a building made from reeds. The material is thus presented in two different contexts: in its processing and in the museum’s construction. Together with the basket-weaving technique practised using rushes and reeds, this gives a clear picture of local crafts.

Another tradition is the making of ψαθάρκες, which are still made in Livadia—the only place on the island where they are produced. They were once used for roofing. The making technique has been added to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List. Livadia is therefore home to different aspects of traditional craftsmanship: basket weaving and the making of ψαθάρκες, once used for roofing. The listing recognises traditional craft skills.

Churches in the Municipal District

There are three Orthodox churches in the municipal district of Livadia. Agia Paraskevi is the oldest, while the Church of the Three Hierarchs is the largest. The municipal district is also home to Cyprus’s only chapel dedicated to Saint Jude Thaddeus and Saint Paisios. The details of their age, size and dedication give each religious site its own point of interest for anyone interested in the district’s cultural history.

Main 4 Cycling Route

The Main 4 cycling route is 53.4 km long and ends at Larnaka Tourist Beach, after passing through Livadia’s tourist area. The entire route follows paved roads. Its stated length gives you a practical measure for planning a cycling trip during your stay. As routes can change, check the route and conditions before setting off.

Oroklini Lake Beside Livadia

Oroklini Lake borders Livadia. Designated as Special Protection Area CY6000010 under the EU Birds Directive, it is protected for two species that breed there: Himantopus himantopus and Vanellus spinosus. Both are listed in Annex I of the Directive. The protected status applies to the neighbouring lake and its breeding birds, adding a clearly defined nature-related point of interest to Livadia’s cultural attractions.

Discover more destinations:

Pano Lefkara, Kellia, Odou, Tochni, Troulloi, Athienou, Chirokitia, Meneou

For the broader travel guide: Larnaca.