So while vacationing in Cyprus a friend of mine took us to the village of Lefkara. Lefkara is known for its silver and lace handicrafts. The word Lefkara is derived from a combination of the Greek words, “lefka” which means white and ori which means hills. It was listed among “The 30 most beautiful towns in Europe” by the Japanese Association of Travel Agents.

A common sight in the town of Lefkara is groups of women sitting in the narrow village streets working on their find embroidery. The village is also known for its skilled silversmiths who produce fine filigree work.

There is also a folklore museum in the town which shows visitors what life as like in Cyprus about 100 years ago. The museum is located in a restored house and exhibits the furniture and effects of a wealthy family, local costumes and examples of the Lefkara lacework. According to legend, Leonardo da Vinci visited the village in 1481 and while there bought some some lace cloth for the main alter of the Duomo di Milano. It was in 1889 that a lace school was opened and Lefkara lace regained much of it’s ancient renown.

Here are some photos from my visit to Lefkara on a very cold and rainy day…….