Traditional Lefkara lace (Lefkaritika)

Lefkaritika — the famous handmade lace from the village of Lefkara in the Troodos foothills.

Women in Lefkara have been creating this intricate white-on-white embroidery for centuries. The patterns are geometric, precise, and full of tiny cutwork and raised stitches. It became so renowned that even Leonardo da Vinci is said to have bought a piece for the Milan Cathedral in the 15th century.

In our community, Lefkaritika is more than decoration. It represents patience, skill passed from mother to daughter, and the quiet pride of Cypriot village life. Girls traditionally learned the craft from a young age, and a beautifully embroidered piece was often part of a bride’s dowry. Today it is still made by hand, recognised by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage, and remains a strong symbol of Cypriot identity and craftsmanship.