KAMARES, THE OLD AQUEDUCT OF LARNACA



A little history:



(Kamares) –as they are called in Greek .

They are found at the exit from Larnaca towards the Limassol highway. 18th century aqueduct of Larnaca, 16 kilometers long. For the adventurer the old aqueduct of Larnaca offers a tremendous challenge.



Walking in a straight line from the 1st arches (about 2-3 kms) you arrive at the 2nd arches, and after a walk of almost the same distance, (but having to pass the airport-by pass highway-) you arrive at the 3rd and lower arches. At this point you have to look for the old mill, which pumped the aqueduct's water.

Then for 9 kilometers up to the river, the water –channel goes underground, but every 30 meters you can see the "visiting wells" of this unbelievable project, which channeled the water of the river Tremithos to Larnaca till the 1950’s,

Many researchers and historians believe that this tremendous public work has existed since Roman times .

It was reconstructed in 1745 on the basis of the surviving facilities. It goes back to the Hellenistic and Roman times.





TODAY:



I had the chance for the first time in my life, thanks to Lefteris, to get to the top of these –kamares- and see the gutter pipe where water was flowing providing water to the people those days.

Now I see that the government has spent a lot of money making this area around here very beautiful.



They made walking paths where people can walk, and if I am not mistaken the small path over here goes as far as the lake.

Couples can enjoy a romantic walk, viewing the beautiful sunset from here . Those who wish to walk or jog can do so by following this path towards Pattichio Park and as far as the salt lake which is clearly seen behind some of the photos I have taken.

In the years of my childhood, just next to these –kamares- used to live a family who had many sheep and goats. I remember buying -Halloumi- (Cypriot cheese) from them.



The whole area has changed nowadays, and Larnaca has expanded up to this point out here. New modern houses have been built, banks, parks, cinema complexes and shopping centres. It is considered an expensive area to buy a house.



I don’t regret seeing this improvement, because it is really a lovly spot, making the city of Larnaca more beautiful.

A visit here is a must, and during the night the area is even more beautiful because the whole place around the arches is illuminated with floodlights.