Mathiatis combines churches and mining history with two distinct route connections. There are two mines in the municipality; the Copper Cultural Route names the Mathiatis South Copper Mine as its next stop, while a gravel cycling route reaches the village. Several religious sites, each with its own historical features, add to the mix. This gives you a choice of focus when planning your trip: religious heritage, mining, or cycling.

Churches and Religious Heritage

The Church of Agia Paraskevi in Mathiatis was built in 1728. The Church of Apostolos Varnavas is in the heart of the village and is almost entirely covered with images of saints. The Chapel of Agia Eirini Chrysovalantou was the first church in Cyprus dedicated to Saint Agia Eirini Chrysovalantou. These religious sites each have a different emphasis: Agia Paraskevi has a confirmed construction date, Apostolos Varnavas is notable for its almost complete decoration with images, and Agia Eirini Chrysovalantou for its dedication. If you choose sites according to a cultural focus, the construction date, images of saints, or special dedication may be decisive. The chapel holds a special place as the first church of its kind to be dedicated in Cyprus.

Mines to the North and South

There are two mines in the municipality of Mathiatis. A newer gold, silver, and iron mine lies north of the municipality; to the south, at the foot of Mount Stroggylos, is a gold mine. Their locations and resources distinguish the two mining sites: the northern mine is associated with three metals, while the southern one is associated with gold and Stroggylos.

Routes to the Mine and Through Mathiatis

The Copper Cultural Route names the Mathiatis South Copper Mine as its next stop. On the way there, colourful gossans follow fragrant pines and lead to the copper mine’s lake. The route connects the mining stop with a specific sequence of landscapes—pines, gossans, and a lake—so the focus is not solely on the named destination.

Another route is the Sia–Mathiatis–Delikipo–Sia gravel cycling route, Route 6. It passes scenic chapels and reaches the village of Mathiatis. Unlike the Copper Cultural Route, it is defined not by a stop at a mine, but by cycling, chapels, and reaching the village. When choosing between the two routes, consider whether you would rather focus on the mining destination of the Copper Cultural Route or the gravel cycling character of Route 6. The route name follows the sequence from Sia through Mathiatis and Delikipo, and back to Sia.

At the entrance to the village, a British cemetery is located on the road from Agia Varvara to Mathiatis. Its location differs from that of the Church of Apostolos Varnavas, which is in the heart of the village: the cemetery marks the village entrance, while the church marks its centre. This distinction can help with choosing a theme, as the cemetery complements the religious buildings with a historic site at the village entrance.

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For the broader travel overview: Nicosia.