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History

Choli is a traditional little village which is only thirty-four kilometers far from the center of Pafos. The village is built in an average altitude of one hundred eighty meters. The river of “Chrisochous” or “river of Stavros tis Psokas” divides the village into two parts.

The east side of the village is connected with the main road of Pafos-Poli Chrisochous, through the village Skoulli. The north side is connected with the village Goudi. In other words, Choli is only 2 kilometers far from Goudi and 1,5 kilometers far from Skoulli, which is actually the bridge of communication with Pafos.

The average annual rainfall in the village is 580 mm. The main cultivations that prosper in Choli are: grains, locust trees, pulses, tobacco, citrus trees, olive trees, grapes suitable for wine production.

According to the data derived from the census survey from 1882 to 1982, we conclude that the population deduction begins in the middle of the 20th century. As shown from the table below, between the years 1881 and 1946 there is a great population increase. On the other hand, due to rural depopulation, the population decreased since 1946. Through the census we can see that the inhabitants of the village have never been more than 100 since 1881.

Date

Population

Date

Population

1881

48

1946

83

1891

64

1960

76

1901

65

1973

66

1911

69

1976

60

1921

73

1982

52

1931

79

2001

69

The census data begin from the late 1850’s but its existence is detected in the medieval years, as it is written in several ecclesiastic monuments and many more findings. The village Choli (in greek Χόλι) is found in medieval maps written as Coli.

There are two different opinions concerning the name of the village. the first one says that the village was named after a feudal lord and the second one says that it was named after a religious foundation which was built in the area. The village was probably a feud of a noble family and the researches believe that the name Choli was actually the surname of the family.

There is another opinion, but it is unlikely to be true. This one says that Skoulli and Choli took their names from the phrase “Holy School”.

The village includes many ecclesiastic monuments, and as we have mentioned before many of them were built in the medieval years. The ecclesiastic monuments of Archangel Michael, Saint George and Saint Catherine are presented in the relevant link. In Choli you can also visit the ruins of the church of Saint Aristos. We must note that all the churches of the village are decorated with beautiful portable icons.

In conclusion, this small and beautiful village has very interesting ecclesiastic buildings to show. These compose great samples of our cultural heritage. You will also be amazed by its nature beauty and the hospitality of its inhabitants.

 

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