The Grisly Kokkinogia Mine. Copper, Secrets and Killers?

Copper, Cliffs, and... Killers?

Mitsero, a charming (or rather eerie) village in the heart of Cyprus, is home to the Kokkinogia Mine. It's a place where history, adventure, and… yes, even a little drama come together. If you thought Cyprus was all about sun, sea, and beaches, think again. This is the place where you can find copper, but unfortunately, also a few macabre surprises.

The Great Success of a Bygone Era

The Kokkinogia Mine was once the pride of Cyprus, where copper was extracted as easily as candy from a jar. In the early 20th century, the mine grew in significance, and Mitsero was briefly a prosperous village. The mines were bustling with local workers and foreign laborers, all thinking, "What a great deal! Copper for a nice price!" The mine was not only an economic engine for the island but also a thriving community. It was like Cyprus’ own version of the Gold Rush, but with copper and without the golden teeth.

Since the 1970s

Unfortunately, as with many stories of economic boom, the miners in the 1970s realized that copper was no longer worth the effort. As copper prices began to decline, the Kokkinogia Mine became as useful as an iPod in 2025. The mines shut down, the village fell into decline, and workers sought their fortunes elsewhere. The result? Mitsero’s mine became a ghost mine, where no lively activity remained.

From Ghost Mine to Crime Scene

Fast forward to 2016, a year that changed the history of the Kokkinogia Mine forever. The mine became the backdrop for a gruesome thriller that islanders would never forget. The "Cypriot Monster," a serial killer, made the Kokkinogia Mine famous in a way no one had ever imagined. The man was responsible for multiple murders, some of which were horrifically discovered near the abandoned mines of Mitsero. And yes, you guessed it – one of the bodies was even found in the old, abandoned shafts. A place that once symbolized prosperity and progress was now a grim witness to the tragedy that unfolded there.

Not for the Faint of Heart

Mitsero may not be the first choice for a sunny holiday, but it offers a unique experience for adventurous travelers. If you're into old ruins, a bit of historical flair, or just curious about where the Cypriot killer carried out his grisly work, this is the destination for you. But be careful, as not everything in the Kokkinogia Mine is as solid as the rusty shafts. And seriously – those abandoned mines? They’re a lot more dangerous than you think. You can’t see a thing when you go inside. So, I highly recommend bringing a strong flashlight!

Can the Mine Still Be Visited?

Yes, absolutely. The mine is centrally located in Cyprus and is a quiet place where you’ll hardly encounter any tourists. It’s free to visit, and parking is no issue. However, you’ll need a rental car, as public transportation is absolutely not an option. It takes about 30 to 45 minutes to drive from Nicosia and Larnaca, and about 1.5 hours from Limassol. It’s an excellent location for urbex (urban exploring) on Cyprus.

GPS Location: 35.042576799411265, 33.10828787970647

Practical Tips

- Visit the mine during daylight hours. There are many sharp protruding parts that could cause injury.

- Bring a bright flashlight if you plan to enter the mine tunnels. A phone light really doesn’t provide enough illumination.

- Be cautious not to fall into the shafts; there are metal grids over them, but they’re in a dilapidated state. Visiting is entirely at your own risk.

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Check also my other blogs about Cyprus!