Travel Guide Lefkara

Two villages, one commune: Kato Lefkara, below, is the smaller one, made up of pretty stone houses, and Pano Lefkara, above, is larger and more touristy. Here, the streets are lined with large traditional houses and goldsmith's and lacemakers' workshops. Since 2009, lefkaritika, or Lefkara lace, has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The tradition is said to have originated in the 15th century, inspired by the outfits of Venetian nobility and the geometric motifs of Byzantium and ancient Greece. It is even said that Leonardo da Vinci came here in 1481 to buy the fabric he used to decorate the altar of Milan's Duomo. Lefkaritika owes its reputation to the skill of the village women and their husbands in distributing their embroidery. Tablecloths, towels and large pieces are handmade. They are distinguished by their complex patterns (few curves), gray and beige tones, and four elements: the hem stitch, the cut, the satin stitch filling, and the needlepoint edging. Sadly, Lefkara lace is losing ground, with few young women continuing the tradition.