Lefkara has been well restored to its original condition and is worth a visit, it has cobbled streets and interesting architecture. The village is divided in two parts, upper and lower Lefkara, this is because it lies in the hills. You will find it between Limassol and Larnaka.
It is most famous for its embroidery and lacemaking and this form began flourishing here during the Venetian period, when the locals learnt the craft from the ladies who would spend the hot summers in the cooler air of Lefkara. Their personal linen was brought from Italy and was copied and adapted over the years.
Lefkara embroidery is done on pure Irish linen, and the families of Lefkara have been practising their art for centuries. Men of the village used to travel to Europe to sell their womens work, but now the people of Europe and elsewhere come here to buy lace, embroidery and silverware. The women of Lefkara learn their art from an early age, and so by the time they reach maturity their workmanship is very fine.
Be careful of imported fake lace and embroidery, as we have heard stories of cheap Chinese work being sold as the real thing. The authentic 'lefkarita' is of not more than a dozen original designs, and should be the same from both sides, as well as being on pure Irish linen. The thread is French DMC, cotton perle and only comes in three colours, namely white, brown and cream.
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