“The nightingales don’t let you sleep in Platres” writes Giorgos Seferis in “Eleni”. It is no coincidence that the picturesque mountain resort of the Troodos mountain range, in the center of Cyprus with its inexhaustible nature and unique architecture, inspired the great Nobel laureate poet, when in 1955 he enjoyed the beauty and tranquility of the landscape.
Platres are built at an altitude of 1,200 m and are surrounded by dense forest with rich vegetation and fauna. The chirping of the birds, which enchanted Seferis, a constant chant inside and outside the village. The excellent climate in the summer months, dry with no humidity and temperatures much lower than on the coast, played a key role in Platres developing into a cosmopolitan mountain resort. In “the old maps”, the village is mentioned since the time of the Frankish and Venetian rule in Cyprus (12th – 16th century) and their newest development begins after 1878, which is the beginning of the period of British colonialism on the island, when officials of the British administration they “discover” the village and with them also wealthy expatriates, mainly from Egypt who choose Platres for their summer holidays, building hotels and mansions in the forest. In the center of the village, the large square dominates and around it hotels, cafes and restaurants. The public stone buildings – with the characteristic colonial architecture – of the police station, originally an Anglican church, and the post office stand out. Next to the offices of the Community Council, the old Municipal Market built in 1913- was restored and turned into the Cultural Center.
Visitors will also enjoy its unique attractions which include waterfalls, nature trails, a chocolate workshop, an adventure rope park, and an exhibition at its Cultural Centre which incorporates old photos of the village, and of the Greek poet Giorgos Seferis who mentions Platres in one of his most famous poems.
