Overview

Nearchos Klerides, born in Agros in 1892, left an enduring legacy in various domains, including education, literature, and folklore. Despite facing adversity, he pursued knowledge relentlessly, becoming a distinguished teacher and author. As a teacher, Klerides significantly impacted education in Agros and beyond. His contributions extended to writing hagiographic texts, preserving Cyprus' monastic heritage, and creating beloved children's fairy tales that are still part of the island's curriculum. Beyond the classroom, Klerides promoted the cultivation of Rosa damascena (the Rose species being cultivated in Agros today), contributing to the production of rosewater in Agros. He also championed tourism, advocating for the establishment of the Agros Hotel School. His dedication to his village and his immense contributions to Cypriot culture earned him numerous awards and a lasting place in the collective memory of Agros. Today, his monument stands by the Kaurou spring, a symbol of his enduring influence.