Filenews 3 January 2026
An integral part of the cultural heritage of Geroskipou and a tree intertwined with the production of the famous "Paphos tar", tremithos are a protected species in the Municipality of Ierokipia. Aiming to protect and highlight their importance for the economy and cultural heritage of Geroskipou through the centuries, the Municipality has implemented in recent years a program for the protection and reproduction of the tree, which is already a pilot for corresponding programs for the protection of various types of cultural heritage throughout Cyprus.
The importance of the tremith for the economic and social life of Geroskipou is of key importance for the local community and economy, given that since the beginning of the 20th century the tremith (Pistacia atlantica) has been associated with the production of "Paphos tar". Local crafts largely follow the traditional method of preparation to this day, with the raw material being resin collected from the trees located in Geroskipou. Trementine, known as tar, is obtained from old-age tremiths, from incisions in various parts of the tree trunk with an ax or pickaxe. From the cuts caused in this way on the trunk, a viscous and resinous substance is secreted, trementine, from the special treatment of which the product is produced, which has a characteristic natural aroma and many healing properties, such as antioxidant and antibacterial.
In the center of Geroskipou, very close to the square and the Municipal Hall, there are many centuries-old tremiths, which have now been included in a protection program. On the initiative of the then Municipality of Geroskipou and now the Municipality of Ierokipia a few years ago, which was adopted by the Department of Forests, nine tremiths located in public places or ecclesiastical land have been declared as protected trees.
