Moutoullas, springs and a church of 1280

If one Marathasa village is linked with water, it’s Moutoullas. It’s a small village clinging to the hillside, with one of the oldest churches in the valley and several springs with a story. Everything that follows comes from the Troodos Development Company, except the population, which is from the census.

An amphitheatre in the valley

Moutoullas is built like an amphitheatre at 800 metres, in the heart of the Marathasa valley, between Kalopanayiotis and Pedoulas. At the 2021 census it had 126 residents. Its springs water orchards of fruit trees, which thrive thanks to them.

The village of water

What sets Moutoullas apart is its water. The company says its drinking water was so clear it drew people from near and far to fill bottles. There are also sulphur springs on the path down to the Baths of Rigena and Chlio. Tradition says the medieval queen Rigena bathed in one of those spots, and the trails also lead to the bridge of those in love, where couples promise each other eternal love.

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The UNESCO church

At the top of the village stands Panagia tou Moutoulla, a stone church dated to 1280 by an inscription on the north wall of the sanctuary. Its frescoes, from the same year, blend Byzantine, crusader and Italian influences. It’s listed by UNESCO among the painted churches of Troodos, and the company says its key is kept at the village café.

Other churches

The village has more churches. The main one is Agia Paraskevi, and the company also mentions Profitis Ilias, with panoramic views, the church of the Transfiguration of the Saviour and the wooden church of Agios Mamas. For anyone who has already seen the great ones, a round of these smaller churches has its own appeal.

If you would rather have a local show you round, book a guided tour in Kalopanayiotis and choose by the reviews.

Summers with cinema

In the summer months the village livens up with open-air cinema and concerts, according to the company. It’s a good reason to stay for dinner in one of the valley villages and drive back calmly after dark.

In the heart of the valley

From Moutoullas all three of the Marathasa UNESCO churches are close at hand, linked by the company in a 148 kilometre route. Up the valley lie Pedoulas and, further on, Prodromos, the highest village in Cyprus, and down the valley, Kalopanayiotis and the road that climbs to Kykkos via Gerakies. That makes it a handy halfway point for exploring Marathasa at an easy pace.

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When to stop by

I’d see it mid-morning, between Lampadistis Monastery at Kalopanayiotis and Pedoulas, where I’d end the day. If you like walking, I’d allow an hour to follow the trail down to the springs. For the night, Kalopanayiotis has more choice, though Moutoullas has houses to rent.

Once your dates are set, check which hotels are still free in Kalopanayiotis before prices climb.