Agia Anna

Catacombs, ancient finds and traditional houses with local stone!

The village of Agia Anna is a small village of the Larnaka province, surrounded by low mountains built in the valley of the river Tremithos. Agia Anna is 16 kilometres west of Larnaka.

It is a village that is built at an altitude of 150m above sea level and it is located on the old Nicosia-Larnaka road, adjacent to the villages of Psevdas and Kalo Chorio Larnakas.
Photo: Yiannis Kyriacou

The name of the village:
There are various versions of how the village got its name. According to a first version, the name came from Agia Anna, the mother of the Virgin Mary, who according to a tradition was seen by the villagers drinking water in one of the village's springs.

A second version reports that near Stavrovouni there was a village, the village of the Holy Cross. In this village there was a monastery dedicated to St. Anna. In this monastery, as mentioned, the palm of the Saint was kept. Later this village was lost and its place was taken to another nearby village, Agia Anna. Finally, a third version reports that a shepherd as he prayed envisioned St. Anna, who asked him to build a church and name the village Agia Anna.
Photo: Andreas Poli‎

Historical data:
According to historical evidence and research, it was found that the settlement of Agia Anna was created in the late 18th and early 19th centuries.

Also, according to findings of archaeological excavations that took place in the area, the area is believed to have been inhabited since ancient times, namely from the Neolithic age. Proof of this is the existence of catacombs in the south of the old church of Agia Anna. Among the findings were also ancient vases, which are now kept in the archaeological museum. In the area still exist today the ruins of an ancient settlement.

Population:
The population of Agia Anna before the Turkish invasion was mixed. In 1960 the total number of residents reached 182, 80 were Greek Cypriots and 102 Turkish Cypriots. After the Turkish invasion of Agia Anna, only Greeks live, many of whom are refugees. In recent years there has been a slight increase in the population of the community and today the population reaches about 300 people, according to the 2011 census it had 339 inhabitants.
Photo: Costas Pentaliotis

Occupations and Products:
The inhabitants of the village are mainly engaged in agriculture and livestock farming. There are several builders, workers, while some are electricians, etc. Some residence go to work in parts of Nicosia and Larnaka.

Sights and Churches:
Taking a stroll in the village of Agia Anna you will find beautiful traditional houses that are built next to each other with the stone of the area. The rooftops of the houses are tilted with tiles.

The main characteristic of the village is the three small squares that dominate it, with the most basic one located in the square where only the Turkish Cypriots lived. There is the school where the children of the Turkish Cypriots attended.

Additionally, there are two churches dedicated to Agia Anna and a third dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
Photo: Chooseyourcyprus

For the map of the area, click HERE