Geri

One of the most developed areas of Nicosia

Geri is a large village located 10 kilometers southeast of Nicosia. It is 4 km from the University, the Nicosia General Hospital and the National Park.

A part of the municipality today (2018) still remains occupied while another smaller part belongs to the "dead zone".

Visiting Geri, you will observe in the core of the Municipality, a picturesque neighborhood with "traditional style" built houses, narrow streets and a paved square, while in the periphery they will see houses and blocks of modern architecture.

In Medieval Venetian maps Geri is listed as "Leri". During the medieval years it belonged to Feudal lords. Florios Voustronios, wrote that during the period 1464-1468 Geri was a feud of Tagivarti, Polo and Zian Zappo.

Until the 1990s, Geri was a small farming village. Its inhabitants were mainly involved with sheep and goat farming and cows, and less with the cultivation of cereals and olives. Today, very few inhabitants are those involved in agriculture and livestock farming.
Photo: Δημος Γεριου

It is worth mentioning that in Geri since the 1990s there is an industrial zone, which deals with the production of bricks, plastics, animal food and chicken food.

Geri today (2018) is considered to be one of Nicosia's most developed regions. This is confirmed by the rapid residential development. There are two Public Kindergartens, two Primary Schools and one Gymnasium. Also in Geri you will find the School "Evangelismos" which is for children with special needs.

Population of Geri: 
After the Turkish invasion in 1974, the population of Geri rapidly increase due to the large number of refugees. Before 1974, the population amounted to a few hundred and  in 1982 it reached 2,500 thousand. In recent years the population has almost quadrupled. According to the census of 2007, the population of Geri is now at least 10,000 inhabitants.
Photo: Νεκταριος Δημητρης Παναγιωτου

The name of Geri:
As for the name of the Municipality of Geri, there are two versions. According to the first version, the town took its name due to its location because it is built on a breezy hill. The word Agerin means breezy hill and the word Geri is short for that.

According to the second version, Geri is associated with the miraculous icon of Panagia Chrysogeriotissa (Virgin Mary Chrysogeriotissa). The pregnant women of the village filled with faith would ask the Virgin Mary Chrysogeriotissa to give birth to strong children. In greek it is the work "Gera" hence, the name Geri came from that.

Churches in Geri:
Visiting Geri you will come across the following churches: Panagia Chrysogeriotissa, Agios Minas, Agios Charalambos, the chapel of Agios Stefanos and the chapel of Panagia Paloura. The oldest church is Panagia Chrysogeriotissa (Virgin Mary Chrysogeriotissa), it is a 16th century building, restored in 1814, which is currently under the protection of the Department of Antiquities.
Photo:Μίκης Ππασιάς

Monuments of heroes and missing persons:
In honor of the heroes of Geri, Ionas Nikolaou, Kyriakos Kolokasis, Spyros Kyriakou (1955-59), Kyriakou Kakoullis (Battle of the Caseries), Costakis Loizou, Andreas Koukoumas and Makis Pamporis (1974), monuments and a museum of heroes and missing persons was built in the square of the municipality.
Photo: Χρήστος Πάλλης

Folk Tradition Museum in Geri: 
The Folk Tradition Museum is located next to the Church of Saint Minas. It was founded in 2004 by Mr. Antonis Antoniou. In the museum you will see exhibits related to traditional occupations of Cyprus.

For the map of the area, click HERE