THE 350-YEAR-OLD OAK
OF THE VILLAGE OF KAMPOS
A SPECIAL TREE
Located within the Nicosia district, the village of Kampos Tis Tsakistirras proudly houses a grand 350-year-old giant tree measuring 22 metres. Also known as the ‘Oak of Piphani’, it is considered sacred by most locals. Dominating the main road leading into the village, this tree stands tall and has become a local attraction in the area. In many ways, this landmark has become beautifully integrated into its immediate surroundings, creating a unique landscape. Although previously widespread, the number of these types of oak has decreased considerably across the island, making this tree that little bit more special.
THE LOCAL MUSEUM OF FOREST HERITAGE
The village of Kampos Tis Tsakistirras and the nearby river of the same name are both surrounded by forest that is mainly made up of pine, oak, and plane. The area also boasts fruit orchards, particularly of cherry and kiwi. Along with viticulture and horticulture, locals have been traditionally involved in logging and lumber production because of this. The local Museum of Forest Heritage acts as a tribute to these people by documenting this local history.
THE SEKURA PARK
Considered a natural sanctuary, the Sakura Park is also nearby. The park is an initiative created after a visit by the Japanese Ambassador Iseki Izumi to the area in 2022. This, along with the museum and the village’s unique blend of history and tranquillity, makes for an ideal day trip that presents a refreshing reprieve from the hustle and bustle of other nearby areas on the island.
A SEMI-DECIDUOUS TREE
The Cypriot oak is a semi-deciduous tree that only partially sheds its leaves during specific seasons. This means that, unlike fully deciduous trees, some of this oak’s leaves remain intact throughout the year. This gives the tree an evergreen status. Trees of this nature are often found in regions with temperate or subtropical climates, where seasonal changes are not extreme.
FACTS & FIGURES
- The Great Oak of Kampos is approximately 350 years old
- This semi-deciduous tree belongs to the local species of Cypriot oak
- Measuring 22 metres in height, its trunk measures an impressive 4.8 metres in circumference
- The fruit of the oak is the acorn that ripens towards the end of autumn
OTHER NOTABLE OAK TREES ACROSS THE ISLAND
Other notable ancient oak trees can also be found across the island. While most of these trees range in age, the overall oldest tree in Cyprus is believed to be a 1,500-year-old terebinth tree located in the village of Apesia, within the district of Limassol.
- The ‘Royal Oak’ of the village of Laneia, within the district of Limassol, is believed to be approximately 800 years old. It was part of a legendary pair of old trees until one of them collapsed.
- Standing at a height of 20 metres, the ‘Fyti Oak Tree’ of the village of Fyti, within the Paphos district, is approximately 850 years old.
- Considered one of the largest and oldest oak trees on the island, the ‘Ayia Mavri Oak’, near the village of Koilani, within the district of Limassol, is located near the Ayia Mavri chapel. Standing at a height of 36 metres, this ancient tree is estimated to be over 900 years old.
- The ‘Prodromi Oak’ of Polis Chrysochous, within the Paphos district, is a well-known centuries-old landmark in the Paphos region.
