Kato Platres, a village of excellent beauty, is built on a panoramic position. It stands at a distance of almost forty-two kilometers form the city of Limassol, and it is located on its northwestern part. A wonderful route through wide tortuous roads leads to the heart of the Troodos Mountain, namely to the village of Kato Platres.
Departing from Limassol and heading towards Troodos Mountain you will see the village emerging. You will pass through the villages of Alassa, Doros, Lania, Trimiklini and the Saittas area. Then you will come across Pera Pedi, Mantria and finally, Kato Platres. On the way to the village, the visitor has the chance to admire the valley and the Kourris dam, the largest dam in Cyprus.
There is a row of new houses covered in green surroundings and in the scent of pine trees at the entrance of the village. The local winery follows as well as the District Primary School, which is surrounded by a blossomed and colorful garden. This picturesque school was built during the middle of the 20th century.
The main church of the village is located next to the Primary School and it is dedicated to Saint Demetrios. It was probably built in the 18th or 19th century. Its interior is decorated with an exquisite wooden iconostasis made in 1898. Every year, a great fest is organized in the church yard to honor Saint Demetrios on the 26th of October.
It is worth mentioning that the old small church of Saint Demetrios stands at a distance of only some meters from the main church. This small church was built before the 18th century.
Moving towards the centre of the village, one can see the Community Council buildings on the right as well as the village square on the right side. The Co-op, the Co-op grocery store and the traditional coffee-shops, which is where all people meet, are located in the village square.
The village square is surrounded by the old and traditional neighborhood of the village, which is also the centre of the village. It consists of houses built according to traditional architecture, with local stone and wooden doors, big windows, and big interior yards enchant all visitors. Narrow and hilly little roads that pass right in front of the houses unite all neighborhoods.
To the north of the square is the starting point of the road to Phini, while to the east towards Pano Platres. On the way to Phini, there is a stone-built cafe and the paved community park. The park surrounds walls lined with local stone, as well as wooden fencing. The park has a small traditional café - Café which is a "safe haven" for children and adults.
On the way to Pano Platres the visitor is enchanted by the magical landscape, which is covered in fruit bearing trees, especially during spring time. One could say that nature is dressed in a colourful veil, woven with coloured blossoms. Cherry trees, apple trees, pear trees and peach trees are cultivated in the specific area and in the rest of the village.
The chapel of Honored Prodromos is situated in this area, and it is also known as “place of prayer for travelers”. It must be noted that the chapel is visited by many vacationers, and this is why it is also referred to as “the summer chapel”.
What is impressive is the fact that one of the hills that “embrace” that village is known as Kastrovouno. A nature path covering the distance of almost eight hundred fifty meters was created on the hill, which is filled with different kinds of herbs. That is why it is also known as Botanical Garden. Numerous visitors enjoy a walk on the hill and experience Cyprus nature.
The visitor can experience the traditional hospitality of the inhabitants of the community, either by lodging at the small local hotel unit or at one of the small houses of the village. What is more, all visitors have the opportunity to try the local traditional treats in any of the three restaurants in Kato Platres.
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