Σπηλιες Πουροπετρας

Caves of Puropetra

Useful Information

Location:	1is Apriliou, Mammari. (35.175173, 33.200106)
Open:	no restrictions. [2023]
Fee:	free. [2023]
Classification:	Rock Mine
Light:	bring torch
Dimension:
Guided tours:	self guided
Photography:	allowed
Accessibility:	no
Bibliography:
Address:	Caves of Puropetra, 1is Apriliou, Mammari.
As far as we know this information was accurate when it was published (see years in brackets), but may have changed since then. Please check rates and details directly with the companies in question if you need more recent info.

History

1920	Boynaros quarry opened.
1970	Boynaros quarry closed.

Geology

Description

Despite the name Σπηλιες Πουροπετρας (Caves of Puropetra) these are actually quarries where sandstone was quarried. The sandstone forms an escarpment facing mostly north, with the village Mammari at the foot and a road leading to the plateau and a suburb of Mammari on top. Puropetra or poyropetra is the name of the rock, petra is the greek word for stone. The quarries which actually followed a certain layer of sandstone which had the highest quality are a series of rectangular openings at the foot of the cliff, which are known as ellinospilioi. The rock was quarried as building stone, many houses, churches and steeples of the Nicosia District were built with stone from Mammari and Gerolakkos. Today the quarries are protected as a NATURA 2000 site, as they are home to various bats.

While the access to the site is actually not restricted, it is unfortunately located right at the border of the demilitarized zone. So while both parts of Mammari and the quarries actually belong to the Greek part of Cyprus, the roads to the quarry on both sides of the hill are gated, one even has a guard tower. As far as we understand you must have your passport or id card with you, which is generally required on Cyprus, otherwise it is allowed to walk to the mines. Nevertheless, the situation here is difficult and may change for the worse, and you should definitely check the websites for your foreign office before you go there.