Troodos Mountains

Troodos (Greek: Τρόοδος (IPA: [ˈtɾo̞o̞ðo̞s], Turkish: Trodos Dağları; Turkish: Տրուդոսի լեռնաշղթա ) is the largest mountain range of Cyprus, located in the center of the island. Troodos' highest peak is Mount Olympus at 1,952 meters which also hosts 4 ski slopes. The Troodos mountain range stretches across most of the western side of Cyprus. There are many famous mountain resorts, Byzantine monasteries and churches on mountain peaks, and nestling in its valleys and picturesque mountains are villages clinging to terraced hill slopes. The area has been known since ancient times for its mines, and in the Byzantine period it became a great centre of Byzantine art, as churches and monasteries were built in the mountains, away from the threatened coastline.

Geology of Troodos [edit]

Picture of a campsite in Troodos in 1900

The Troodos mountains are known worldwide for their geology and the presence of undisturbed specimens of ophiolite. These mountains slowly rose from the sea due to the collision of the African and European tectonic plates, a process that eventually formed the island of Cyprus. The slowing and near-cessation of this process left the rock formations near intact, while subsequent erosion uncovered the magma chamber underneath the mountain, allowing a viewing of intact rocks and petrified pillow lava formed millions of years ago, an excellent example of ophiolite stratigraphy. The observations of the Troodos ophiolite by Ian Graham Gass and co-workers was one of the key points that led to the theory of sea floor spreading.

Climate [edit]

Climate data for Prodromos in Troodös Mountains, elevation: 1380 m (Satellite view)
Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
Average high °C (°F)	6.3 (43.3)	6.6 (43.9)	10.3 (50.5)	15.1 (59.2)	20.5 (68.9)	25.0 (77)	28.1 (82.6)	27.9 (82.2)	24.4 (75.9)	19.6 (67.3)	12.8 (55)	8.0 (46.4)	17.1 (62.8)
Daily mean °C (°F)	3.5 (38.3)	3.5 (38.3)	6.6 (43.9)	10.7 (51.3)	15.8 (60.4)	20.1 (68.2)	23.3 (73.9)	23.1 (73.6)	19.6 (67.3)	15.4 (59.7)	9.5 (49.1)	5.3 (41.5)	13.0 (55.4)
Average low °C (°F)	0.7 (33.3)	0.3 (32.5)	2.8 (37)	6.3 (43.3)	11.1 (52)	15.2 (59.4)	18.4 (65.1)	18.2 (64.8)	14.9 (58.8)	11.3 (52.3)	6.2 (43.2)	2.5 (36.5)	9.0 (48.2)
Precipitation mm (inches)	133.4 (5.252)	123.6 (4.866)	82.3 (3.24)	56.9 (2.24)	26.0 (1.024)	40.0 (1.575)	12.1 (0.476)	10.0 (0.394)	9.5 (0.374)	24.0 (0.945)	102.5 (4.035)	169.7 (6.681)	790.1 (31.106)
Avg. precipitation days (≥ 1 mm)	12.4	11.2	9.8	6.7	3.7	2.1	0.7	0.7	1.4	3.5	7.4	11.2	70.7
Mean monthly sunshine hours	130.2	150.8	195.3	231.0	275.9	315.0	328.6	310.0	255.0	220.1	165.0	136.4	2,713.3
Source: Meteorological Service (Cyprus)^[1]

Tourism [edit]

Snowboarding on the Troodos mountains

Almond trees on the Troodos mountains

Away from the beach areas there are traditional villages, many of which remain unspoiled by tourist development. There are monasteries, beautiful churches and breathtaking scenery to enjoy. The Tourist Office supplies visitors with information and leaflets on recommended walks/trails in the area. The most well-known trail in this region is the Caledonia Falls, which follows a stream to an impressive waterfall. The Troodos Mountains in Cyprus are known for their snowy vistas and have plenty of accommodations, ranging from camping sites to 5 star hotels. Troodos mountains are recommended for skiers and snowboarders were they would like to get the Troodos adventure.Cyprus Ski Federation & Club

Churches [edit]

Further information: Painted Churches in the Troödos Region

The region is known for its many Byzantine churches and monasteries, richly decorated with murals, of which the Kykkos monastery is the richest and most famous. Nine churches and one monastery in Troodos together form a World Heritage Site, originally inscribed on the World Heritage List by UNESCO in 1985. The nine Byzantine churches are:

Stavros tou Ayiasmati
Panayia tou Araka
Timiou Stavrou at Pelendri
Ayios Nikolaos tis Stegis
Panayia Podithou
Assinou
Ayios loannis Lampadistis at Kalopanayiotis
Panayia tou Moutoula
Archangel Michael at Pedoulas
Transfiguration of the Saviour Palaichori

The area has been known since ancient times for its copper mines, and in the Byzantine period it became a great centre of Byzantine art, as churches and monasteries were built in the mountains, away from the threatened coastline.