The Visitor Centre of the Troodos National Forest Park

The Visitor Centre of the Troodos National Forest Park, is situated 200m west of the Troodos Square, to which is also connected with a paved trail. It is the first Centre of its kind in Cyprus and it has been operating since July 2002. The building has been erected by the Cyprus Tourism Organization and its development and operation as a Visitor Centre has been undertaken by the Forestry Department.

OBJECTIVES OF THE CENTRE

The Centre aims, through its exhibits and services, to inform the visitor about the importance and unique character of the Park, various environmental issues, recreational facilities available and activities which are permitted in the Park.

Troodos Visitor Centre

FACILITIES OFFERED

The Centre has a reception area with a small shop, an exhibition gallery and a film theatre. A botanical and geological trail is also connected to the building.

RECEPTION

The visitor can obtain information about the Park area from the reception. A scale model of the park is located at the reception, on which all facilities and important areas can be identified. Books and souvenirs related to the Park can also be purchased at the reception.

EXHIBITION GALLERY

Several exhibits about the Park are found in this room related to the environment, geology, flora, fauna, various habitats, recreation, history and the civilization of the island. There are dioramas (representations of ecotopes) with stuffed animals and birds, computers, microscopes, geological model, sketches and photographs explaining the creation of Cyprus, the importance of the ecological pyramid, the diversity of endemic plants and the threats to the Park. There are also collections of butterflies, wood samples, fossils and a cross section of an age-old Black pine showing its annual rings and age.

FILM THEATRE

In this room a 10 minute film is shown to visitors, providing information about the uplifting of Cyprus from the sea, the importance of the geology, the hydrology, the flora and fauna of the Park as well as the various facilities available in the area.

BOTANICAL AND GEOLOGICAL TRAIL:

The trail is part of the Visitor Centre and it is 250 m long. Along the trail various plants of the Park and geological specimens, which form the Troodos Ophiolite Complex can be seen. Bird-tables and nest-boxes have been placed there, for the benefit of wildlife.

OTHER FACILITIES

A free of charge parking area, a restaurant, a children play area, tennis courts and restrooms are also provided. The Visitor Centre and all the facilities conform to the international standards for disabled people.

ENTRANCE FEE

There is a 1 euro entrance fee for all visitors over 6 years old. This fee aims to cover part of the Centre’s running expenses.

WORKING HOURS

Information concerning the opening hours of the Centre is provided in the table below:

LOCATION

The Centre is situated near the Troodos Square with easy access from Lemesos, Lefkosia, Pafos and other areas of Cyprus.

ADDRESS

Troodos Visitor Centre

4800 Troodos

Cyprus

Telephone: 00357-25420144

Fax: 00357-25420145

E-mail: troodosvc@fd.moa.gov.cy