Attractions from Cyprus

Famagusta

The fishing village Ayia Napa

The old fishing village Ayia Napa is worth a visit. Even though the city has become a great tourist resort, it has kept much of its original identity, to the delight of both tourists and inhabitants. Some of the sights of Ayia Napa are the Middle Age monastery and the church from the 16th century.

The village Dhernia

You will find three churches in Dhernia, the oldest one, the Ayia Marina church, at the top. It goes back to the 15th century. The church is particularly interesting because of its many icons.

The village Paralimini

The village Paralimini has been made the main city of the area by the Turkish troops, which has kept half of Cyprus under occupation since 1974. If you are interested in beautiful sights, you should take a closer look at the Virgin Mary Church, which dates back to the 13th century.

Larnaca

Ayios Lazaros Church

One of the greatest attractions in Larnaka is the Ayios Lazaros Church, which was built on Lazaros' grave. After his death, Lazaros was aroused by Jesus and then went to Cyprus, where he lived for a number of years until his final death. The church contains a unique example of baroque woodcarving.

Larnaka Fortress

Larnaka Fortress was built in the beginning of the 17th century and since then it has, among other things, been used as a prison. Today, it is a cultural centre and archaeological museum with finds from among others Kition.

The Kition Excavation

In the 13th century B.C., Kition was situated just about where Larnaka is situated today. The city has been excavated and visitors can, among other things, see the remains of the impressive walls made by huge black rocks. A block consisting of five temples is also part of the city.

Limassol

Amathus excavations

According to legend, the pregnant Ariadne was left in Amathus by her husband Theseus after his fight with the Minotaur. The excavations are still taking place around Amathus, which are situated a few minutes' drive from the centre of Limassol.

Kolossi Castle

The Kolossi Castle is situated a bit outside Limassol on the way to Paphos and is a beautiful example of the military architecture of the 13th century. The present appearance is from a partial reconstruction in the 15th century, though. The castle has served as head quarter of several crusaders on their way to or from Jerusalem.

Kourion excavations

One of the most interesting archaeological excavations of Cyprus is situated 19 kilometres west of Limassol on the way to Paphos. The large amphitheatre of the excavation was originally built in the second century B.C. The beautiful Eustolios house contains several baths, rooms and a number of beautiful mosaic floors. Kourion's cathedral and several other buildings have also been excavated and restored to a certain extent.

The Middle Age Museum in Limassol

It is said that the crusader Richard the Lion Hearted was married to Berengaria of Navarro where the museum is situated today. He crowned her Queen of England at the same place. Originally, there was a Byzantine castle here, but in the 14th century, the present building was erected and today it houses a middle age museum.

Nicosia

The archaeological museum

A country so rich in relics of the past naturally has a sublime archaeological museum. With finds going all the way back from 5,800 years B.C. and up to the 12th century, when the Byzantine ruled the island, the museum is a must for every tourist going to Nicosia.

The Museum of Byzantine Art

The museum has a very fine art collection. The most special things are two icons from the 12th and the 13th century and six Karnakaria mosaics.

The old town

Distances are short in the old town of Nicosia, so you easily get from one sight to another. The most important sights are all the old churches and cathedrals as well as the Byzantine museum. The Agois Ioannis Cathedral has a number of very beautiful wall paintings with biblical motives. Remember to visit the charming Laiki Yitonia district as well.

The Troodos Mountains

Outside Nicosia, you will find the Troodos Mountains, also called the heart of Cyprus. The mountains themselves are beautiful, but they also keep nine Byzantine churches, which has obtained UNESCO's recognition as "part of the World Heritage". Furthermore, the mountains offer good opportunities for hiking and skiing in winter.

The wall around the old town

The walls around the old town in Nicosia were built by the Venetians and completely encircle this old part of the city. One of the three gates of the old town is called Famagusta Gate and has been converted into a cultural centre.

Paphos

Aphrodites baths

The goddess Aphrodite's baths are, according to the legend, situated 50 kilometres north of Paphos. The area is so beautiful that it has quite naturally been associated with the goddess of love and beauty

Aphrodites temple

The ruins of the temple of the love and beauty goddess Aphrodite is situated 14 kilometres outside Paphos. Finds on this place date the temple to the 12th century B.C. At the time of the old Greek, the temple was one of the most important pilgrimage goals. Today, it is the tourists that flock to the temple.

Paphos Fortress

The Byzantines, the Venetians and the Osmans have laid their hands on the old fortress of Paphos, situated by the entrance of the harbour. The Byzantine built it but since the, it has been rebuilt in the 13th century and once again when the Osmans came by.

The monasteries in the surroundings of Paphos

The Chrysoroyiatissa and Ayios Neophytos monasteries are situated 40 and 9 kilometres from Paphos respectively. They are both worth visiting. The first was founded in 12th century, but the present buildings are only a little more than 300 years old. The monastery is situated in beautiful surroundings and houses a number of valuable, religious effects. The author Neophytos founded the other monastery about 800 years ago. The monastery has an interesting collection of icons and frescoes.

The Mosaics

In the houses of Dionysos, Theseus and Aion in Kato Paphos, you will find some of the most beautiful and remarkable mosaics in this part of the Mediterranean. The mosaic floors of the three villas originate from the 3rd century B.C. and are an absolute must for every tourist in Cyprus.

The Panayia Chrysopolitissa Church

The Panayia Chrysopolitissa Church in Paphos was built in the 13th century on the ruins of a Byzantine basilica. The church is well preserved and definitely worth a visit.

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