History of Pegeia

The village of Pegeia and its surrounding area is full of tradition. It inevitably has an abundant history, due to the fact that it is located in one of the most ancient sites of Cyprus, Old Akamantida. Recent archaeological foundations showed that the first Achaians landed in the Coral Bay area, and later they went to the Lemba region. It is estimated that the region’s western coastline was inhabited for the first time during the Chalcolithic (or Copper Age) period, in around 4,000 BC. The first Achaian settlers reached the Maa region by sea and set up one of their first colonies in Paleocastro. It was in memory of this event that the first Museum of Mycenaean Colonisation of Cyprus was built in the exact same spot. This region forms a deeply important part of Cypriot history, as it is here that the hellenisation of Cyprus began.

Furthermore, the archaeologists’ work has brought to light many of the treasures that are hidden beneath Pegeia. One place of worship that was found by chance contains hundreds of figurines and goes some way towards bridging the gap between the Bronze Age and the rich Roman and First Byzantine period which succeeded the Hellenistic period with the obvious influence of the Ptolemies, the successors of Alexander the Great. These rich archaeological are located in the "tafoi tu Meleti" (Tombs Of Meleti) in the Pegeian forest.

The most significant early Byzantine site in Cyprus can be found in the location of Agios Georgios of Pegeia, where the ships from Constantinople would stop to reload on their way to the Byzantine capital. So far, three Early Christian Basilicas with mosaic floors and other important archaeological relics have been brought to light, though excavations are ongoing. It seems there was a small city there, though it is unknown which one, which was in its prime during the Hellenistic, Roman and early Byzantine years. The city was probably destroyed and deserted during the years of the Arab invasions (7th-10th century).

Exactly opposite the small church of Agios Georgios, and etched in the reddish background of the sunset, is the outline of an island which is called Geronisos. This is the holy island of Apollo and was inhabited for the first time during the Chalcolithic period.

The creation of the village of Pegeia, took place in the years of the Venetian rule. The village was located in the Zalatsia area but later, a few shepherds settled in a cave near the fountain known as "Vrisi ton Peyiotisson Springs ".

Vrisi ton Peyiotisson Springs is a very important landmark for the residents and for visitors as well. It was built in 1907 by the builder Achilleas Konstantinou, presumably to replace an older fountain. In those days, the fountain was hugely important, as until 1956 it provided the community with its main source of drinking water. The fountain was a source of life for the village as it had been suffering from a drought. And so, the settlement was formed and grew around the enlivening springs. Every day, the young women would gather at the springs to collect water, but also to secretly meet their lovers. The well-known song "Vrisi ton Peyiotisson Springs " describes a great love story. This song became famous when it was published as a poem by the “Paphos” newspaper in 1938, and was written by the headmaster of the junior school at the time, Stavros Stavrou, who was from Chloraka. It was later interpreted into song by the chief cantor Theodoulos Kallinikos. The song became known to the general public and is still sung today.

Vrisi ton Peyiotisson
With its arches,
Is where all the young women
Drink and collect water

Vrisi ton Peyiotisson
With its spring of water
Drinking from it can heal
Those with a broken heart

Pegeia is a good village
With plentiful carob trees
Its girls are beautiful
And rosy-cheeked

Over there’s the church
And below here’s the fountain
Pegeia, my beautiful village
Who can bear to leave you?

The locals’ love for the "Vrisi ton Peyiotisson Springs " prevailed even when water started to be available from other sources. The irrigation project in Paphos solved the drought problem, as the large plains started to recover following the water works that took place. In spite of this solution, the fountain remains an immaculate monument, untouched by the passing of time. Not only that, but it has made Pegeia well known everywhere.

Important people from Pegeia

Pegeia has fostered many important leaders in the worlds of politics, science and business. Included in these are Neofitos Nikolaides, a lawyer and politician and businessman who was also Mayor of Paphos between 1908 and 1920 and Member of Parliament from 1916. The Neofiteio Urban School of Paphos was built with Mr Nikolaides donations.

Another significant figure is the lawyer Nicholas I. Nicholaides, who was Mayor of Paphos between 1920 and 1943 and President of the School Board. The Nicholaideio High School was built in 1928, with his donations. Many students from Pegeia graduated from this school.