Overview

The Venetian Water Basin in the village of Vouni is a remnant of the village's rich history, reflecting the cultural and architectural heritage of the past. Built by the Venetians in the village, the havouza, as it is known in Turkish(nowdays this word in cyprus is used to describe dirty water or a very dirty place), is a testament to the ingenuity of the people of the past. This historic structure is built using stone and brick, and its design showcases the typical features of Venetian water reservoirs, such as a large central cistern for storing water and several smaller pools for washing and bathing. The basin is surrounded by arched stone walkways and shaded by a magnificent plane tree, adding to its overall charm and aesthetic appeal. With its spacious and well-crafted structure, the water basin was capable of providing ample water to the entire village, meeting the needs of both men and women, as well as children who carried water back to their homes in "kouzes" (jugs).The xavouza was renovated by the Ottomans during the ottoman occupation of Cyprus, adding features of their construction culture to it Today, the water of the havouza is no longer considered drinkable. Despite the passing of time and the changes it has undergone, the Venetian Water Basin remains an elegant and intriguing monument to the rich cultural heritage of Vouni, a testament to the strength and resilience of the village and its people.