The focus keyword in this story is Arsos village, where the community council has firmly denied online claims about a supposed takeover by an Israeli community.
- The focus keyword in this story is Arsos village, where the community council has firmly denied online claims about a supposed takeover by an Israeli community.
- The current activity in Trozena appears to be focused on the private redevelopment of the village, aiming to restore its former charm while introducing new projects like hospitality and agritourism.
On Monday, the Arsos – Gerovasa/Trozena community council addressed circulating rumours on social media, labelling them as “unfounded” and “not reflecting reality.” These claims had suggested that part of the village of Trozena was being transformed into a private Israeli development.
In their statement, the council expressed concern that such misinformation has caused “unjustified concern” among locals and visitors alike. They assured the public that the village remains freely accessible and that there are no restrictions on entry.
Moreover, the council vehemently rejected claims regarding the Church of Ayios Georgios, emphasising that it belongs to the Metropolis of Paphos and that there are no plans for its demolition. They encouraged anyone who believes they have been denied access to report it to the authorities for further investigation.
The denial from the council comes amid a backdrop of speculation concerning Trozena, a settlement situated in the Diarizos Valley that has been largely abandoned since the late 20th century. Reports have emerged online asserting that the area had been purchased by an Israeli company, leading to questions about ongoing construction and restoration efforts in the region.
As the village has fallen into disrepair over the years, visible construction works have sparked curiosity about who is behind these developments. Online posts have suggested that the area is now ‘private Israeli land’ and that locals have faced restrictions on accessing the village.
Public records reveal the existence of a Cyprus-registered company, THV Home Resort (Trozena) Ltd, which was established in April 2023, listing Trozena as its registered address. Although the company remains active, its shareholder information is not publicly available. Additionally, the Trozena winery project, which is part of the redevelopment plan, names Lin Gold as its chief executive, highlighting a connection to the regional wine industry.
Trozena has a history of declining population, primarily due to urban migration, with the last residents leaving in the 1990s. The village was never abandoned due to conflict, unlike the nearby Gerovasa, which faced intercommunal violence in the 1960s. Trozena was a small, predominantly Greek Cypriot settlement first recorded in the 19th century as a rural estate.
Today, aside from the church of Ayios Georgios, built in 1885, the remnants of the village are in ruins. The church remains a significant landmark, linked to Gerovasa by a historical British-era metal bridge and surrounded by natural beauty, including the Paradisia waterfalls.
The current activity in Trozena appears to be focused on the private redevelopment of the village, aiming to restore its former charm while introducing new projects like hospitality and agritourism.
