$Unique_ID{COW01049} $Pretitle{222} $Title{Cyprus Cyprus Tourist Information} $Subtitle{} $Author{Embassy of Cyprus, Washington DC} $Affiliation{Embassy of Cyprus, Washington DC} $Subject{cyprus district museum centre island monastery village limassol nicosia art} $Date{1988} $Log{Petra Tou Romiou*0104901.scf Dherina Churchy*0104902.scf Table 1.*0104901.tab } Country: Cyprus Book: Cyprus Tourist Information Author: Embassy of Cyprus, Washington DC Affiliation: Embassy of Cyprus, Washington DC Date: 1988 Cyprus Tourist Information [See Petra Tou Romiou: Courtesy Embassy of Cyprus, Washington DC] [See Dherina Churchy: Courtesy Embassy of Cyprus, Washington DC] Cyprus - an island tucked away in the top right hand corner of the Mediterranean, close to Europe, Asia and Africa, stepping stone to three continents. An island whose civilisation can visibly be traced back over 9,000 years; where Alexander the Great left his mark, as were left the marks of Greeks, Phoenicians, Romans, Crusaders, Lusignans, Venetians and many others. An island whose turbulent history inscribes a story as dramatic and compelling as anywhere in the world. And an island where those mythical Gods and Goddesses of Ancient Greece indulged themselves in sport, pleasure and tragedy; where Aphrodite, Goddess of love and beauty emerged from the foam, later to become the centre of attraction for the first tourists to flock to the island in their thousands. With such a background, Cyprus could not fail to develop a character that is quite unique. Add to this the superb natural beauty of the island, its rugged coast line interspersed with fine beaches that are never crowded, its rolling hills and forest clad mountains, its picturesque villages where the inhabitants offer true hospitality in the tradition that has been handed down from generation to generation, where the real meaning of Philoxenia, Friendship towards the Guest, is evident; the result is inevitably a holiday maker's paradise to suit all tastes. Then there is the climate - the finest in the Mediterranean. Do you want to spend a summer holiday lazing on the beach with swimming, sailing, water skiing or cruising along the coast as a diversion? Or do you want to enjoy the cool fresh air of the pine scented hill resorts at anything from 2000 to 6000 feet above sea level? The choice is yours - or you can do both for, although there are 3.572 square miles of Cyprus for the tourist to enjoy, no two places are that far apart and self drive cars are cheap compared with most countries. Do you want a 'White Christmas', free of all work and worry in a centrally heated luxurious hotel with all the traditional fare, and skiing on Mount Olympus? Or would you prefer to absorb the warmth of the sunshine at a seaside resort? Cyprus can offer both. In spring time the sight of the wild flowers, the fruit blossoms and the flowering trees and shrubs, has to be seen to be believed; fields of brilliant gold relieved by splashes of scarlet and white, blue and mauve. And over all, the exotic perfume of the citrus blossoms pervading the atmosphere. For the archaeologist, Cyprus is a place of enormous interest. Every day, during the 'digging' season, more and more treasures of a by-gone age are being discovered by experts from all over the world; even the uninitiated must be impressed by some of the finest mosaics in the Mediterranean nearly 2000 years old. In the field of gastronomy, Cyprus lives up to its reputation for variety. Cypriot tavernas provide an extensive range of local dishes that may sound strange at first, but are all very appetising. These contrast with restaurants offering European cuisine or Arabic, Chinese and Indian food. The wines of Cyprus have been known far and wide for centuries and, like everything else in the island, there is something to suit every taste, table wines, dessert wines, aperitifs, brandies and liquers - all at very reasonable prices. And as a conference centre, Cyprus is enhancing its reputation with fully equipped conference halls offering every facility. NICOSIA Nicosia, the capital since the 12th century AD, lies roughly in the centre of the island. It combines the fascination of the old city, surrounded by the Venetian-built walls still in an excellent state of preservation, with the modern sophisticated developments that have sprung up to the south and west. Here are new hotels of international standard, apartment blocks, restaurants, shops, supermarkets, discos and night clubs. There are also many places of great historic interest-the Cyprus Museum displaying works of art dating from the Neolithic period (6800 BC) to the Roman period (300 AD); the Cathedral of St. John, containing a number of wall paintings including the Discovery of the Tomb of St. Barnabas who, with St. Paul, brought Christianity to Cyprus, the Archbishopric which is the seat of the Greek Orthodox Church of Cyprus; the Folk Art Museum; the Museum of National Struggle; the Makarios Cultural Centre (Byzantine Icons Museum and Art Gallery); the House of Hadjigeorgakis Kornessios; the Cyprus Handicrafts Centre; the Famagusta Gate, and Laiki Yitonia. In Nicosia there are also Sports Centres, a Bowling Centre, a Horse Racing Club. 7 miles from Nicosia, near Deftera, there is a new Riding School and Sports Centre. Every year at the end of May the International State Fair is held, while the Nicosia Art Festival takes place in September. NICOSIA DISTRICT Nicosia district extends westwards into the Troodos mountains, into country of magnificent scenery, forests, valleys, and hill resorts such as Kakopetria, and Galata with their Byzantine churches. Other interesting features include: Tamassos, the Royal Tombs and Ayios Heraklidios Monastery; Peristerona village, the five dome church and the mosque; Nikitari, the 12th century church of Assinou, one of the finest examples of Byzantine art in the Middle East; Platanistassa, Stavros tou Ayiasmati church; Kalopanayiotis St. John Lampadistis Monastery; Lagoudera, Panayia tou Araka monastery; Dhali, the ancient Idalion, and Macheras monastery, about an hour's drive into the hills southwest of Nicosia. LIMASSOL Limassol, the second largest town in Cyprus, is the island's main port. The newly constructed harbour is constantly being extended to meet the requirements of the latest Roll On - Roll Off techniques as trade develops and passenger traffic increases. It is also the centre of the wine industry, most of the vines used in the production of wines growing on the slopes of the Troodos mountains. The grapes, when harvested, have to be conveyed by the nimble donkeys down the steep tracks to the lorries waiting on the road below - then to the main wineries situated on the outskirst of the town. It is thus natural that Limassol should be famed for its festivities - the Wine Festival in September when free wine flows in quantity accompanied by all the local dishes; the pre-Lenten Carnival with bands, gaily decorated floats, dancing and song, and many other occasions. Limassol is also rapidly developing as the main tourist centre with its public Tourist beach at Dhassoudi backed by every facility including cafes and changing rooms. New hotels and hotel apartments are being built close to the sea; restaurants, tavernas, discos and night clubs can meet the increasing demands of the sophisticated tourist. There is also the local Archaelogical Museum the Folk Art Museum, the medicated Castle where according to tradition Richard I the Lionheart married Berengaria of Navarre and the public gardens with a small zoo. LIMASSOL DISTRICT There are also many places of great historic and archaeological interest to be seen in and around Limassol; Amathus, 7 miles East of Limassol, once capital of a former city-kingdom, now ruined and partly under the sea; the Acropolis, Necropolis and remains of an early Christian basilica, the new excavations of the lower part of the town. Further east Ayios Georgios Nunnery. Westwards, there is Kolossi Castle, headquarters of the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem; Kourion with its superb Greco-Roman theatre where ancient dramas and concerts are performed in summer, also the house of Efstolios with some beautiful mosaics; the sanctuary of Apollo Hylates and the stadium; the Acropolis with the ruins of the Forum, the Christian basilica, and public buildings. Southwards, the Lady's Mile beach and Akrotiri Salt Lake, winter home of thousands of flamingoes. Behind Limassol lies the Troodos range covered with vines and pine forests. The Pitsilia district produces most of the grapes for the Commandaria wine. There are many attractive and hospitable villages situated amidst wonderful scenery - Zoopygi where almond and walnut trees abound, Kalokhorio and, further up, Agros, a charming village with small hotels and a few holiday homes. PAPHOS Paphos, the focal point of the West coast, has an indefinable unspoilt charm of its own. Built on a rocky escarpment, it commands a superb vista over the coastline and the picturesque harbour of lower Paphos, ringed by tavernas famous for their fish mezes. It is another place of historic and archaeological interest and includes the remains of a Roman villa (the House of Dionysos) of 22 rooms grouped round a courtyard. Here may be seen some of the finest mosaics in the Mediterranean depicting the activities of some of the mythical Gods of ancient Greece. Nearby is another Roman villa, that of US$Theseus. Many archaeological expeditions in the vicinity are revealing more and more of the early history of the district. The natural attractions of Paphos commend it as a holiday resort and new hotels and apartments are rising to meet the increased demand. Paphos was the capital of Cyprus in Roman days and it was here that Governor Sergius Paulos was converted to Christianity by St. Paul in 45 AD. The pillar to which St. Paul was tied and then whipped still stands. Other points of interest include the District Museum, the Castle commanding the harbour, the Tombs of the Kings, Saranda Kolones (remains of a Byzantine Castle overlooking the harbour), Chrysopolityssa Basilica - which is the biggest early Christian Basilica on the island (40 metres long X 42 metres wide). PAPHOS DISTRICT Paphos is an excellent centre for exploration; eastwards the land rises through the vineyards, the forests and the breathtaking Cedar Valley where these magnificent trees surpass any others in the Mediterranean borders; northwards, the road leads over the foothills, passing close to the monastery of Ayios Neophytos founded in 1220 AD, and down to the little town of Polis on the north coast with the attractive fishing harbour of Latchi nearby, another source of various fish dishes including grilled swordfish steak. Westwards from Latsi is a splendid beach untouched by any building; beyond is the little grotto known as Fontana Amorosa where Aphrodite is said to have bathed in the pool formed by a perennial spring. A short drive along the coast northwards from Paphos town leads to Coral Bay with its excellent bathing beach and several good restaurants. Further on is the fishing village of Ayios Yeorgios tis Peyias with an early Christian basilica; beyond it, Lara beach where a turtle hatchery has been established. In the opposite direction, towards Limassol, is the village of Yeroskipos, home of 'Turkish Delight' and boasting a small, but very interesting Folk Art Museum. Further on is the temple of Aphrodite and the birthplace of Aphrodite, 'Petra tou Romiou'. LARNACA The South East of Cyprus provides a complete contrast with the rest, the scenery being unique to this part of the island. The previously sleepy little town of Larnaca is now enlivened by the new International Airport nearby, a new harbour with a number of deepwater alongside berths and the marina accommodating up to 200 yachts and gaining popularity as a wintering place offering every amenity for visiting craft. New hotels of very high standards have been built and there are numerous apartment blocks. The sea front, fringed by palm trees, is alive with cafes and tavernas. Like everywhere else in Cyprus, Larnaca has its historic associations. Lazarus came to Larnaca after his resurrection and was later consecrated as the first bishop of Larnaca. The feast of Kataklysmos - the Greek Orthodox Whitsun - is celebrated throughout Cyprus, but nowhere with such enthusiasm as in Larnaca. Crowds from all over the district, and Nicosia, throng to the shore for water sports, singing, dancing, eating and drinking in a fairground atmosphere. Other places of interest include Ayia Phaneromeni church built over a rock cave dating from 8th century BC; the Larnaca Fort Museum, the District Museum and the Museum of the Pierides family; the ruins of the ancient city of Kition. LARNACA DISTRICT Near the airport is the Tekke of Hala Sultan, said to be the aunt of the Prophet Mohammed; she died when falling off her mule and the Tekke was erected on the spot. It stands in beautiful gardens on the edge of the Salt Lake, winter home of migratory flamingoes. Nearby is the church of Panayia Angeloktisti (meaning 'built by the Angels') containing one of the finest pieces of Byzantine art - a 6th century life-size mosaic of the Virgin Mary and child flanked by the Archangels Michael and Gabriel. Westwards is the village of Lefkara, famous for its lace, and the Nunnery of Ayios Minas; off the Limassol-Nicosia road stands Stavrovouni Monastery, the Royal Chapel in Pyrga and Kornos Village known for its pottery. Further west is Khirokitia, where the remains of one of the earliest settlements in Cyprus dating from 6800 BC (neolithic period) can be seen. Eastwards, Larnaca Bay has its new public bathing beach with all facilities as in Limassol and several newly built hotels. Just beyond the village of Xylophagou and the Liopetri fishing creek lies the boundary with Famagusta district. FAMAGUSTA DISTRICT THE SOUTH EAST CORNER, AYIA NAPA PARALIMNI - PROTARAS Famed for its lovely silvery beaches, this area provides everything the sea-side visitor could wish for. The fascinating village of Ayia Napa with its 16th century Venetian monastery looks down on the fishing harbour with its tavernas offering fish dishes and other Cypriot specialities. Ayia Napa itself is also catering for the visitor with cafes, restaurants, bouzouki and Cypriot dancing shows, though retaining its local atmosphere. Around Cape Greco, the scene changes, part of the variety that is Cyprus. The coast line is indented with rocky coves and small sandy beaches, ideal for schnorkelling, explorations by boat and picnics. Fig Tree Bay, Flamingo Bay, Protaras and Pernera beaches are among the most popular, each with cafes and beach bars. Inland the little town of Paralimni, too, is providing entertainment for the tourist with restaurants, discos and cafes. In the area of Ayia Napa/Paralimni there are excellent and comfortable hotels and hotel apartments of all categories. The whole of this area is very fertile; here, most of the crops of vegetables are grown for export - potatoes, tomatoes, cucumbers, beans, marrows etc. The South East Corner may be summarised as perfect for holidays in the sun and sea, excellent swimming, beautiful, but safe, beaches, ideal for children. THE HILL RESORTS The two main resorts are Platres, 3700 feet a.s.l. on the southern approaches to Mount Olympus, and Kakopetria, 2200 a.s.l. on the north eastern slopes. Platres is the larger with many hotels to choose from. It is the ideal base for picnics and excursions through the forests and villages; scenery that defies description; Phedoulas, famous for its cherries (and blossom in spring) and other fruits; Kalopanayiotis, also very productive in various fruits; Moutoullas, the source of mineral water which is bottled and exported to the Middle East; Stavros tis Psokas where there is a controlled enclosure for the preservation of the Moufflon, the wild sheep of Cyprus; Prodromos, the highest village in the island, 4600 feet a.s.l., claiming the best apples; Kykko Monastery, still containing a golden icon of the Virgin Mary said to have been painted by St. Luke; Throni tis Panayias, the tomb of the late Archbishop Makarios III in a setting so superb that is worth a visit for this reason alone. The villages of Moniatis, Saittas, Fini with its trout farm and pottery industry; Mesapotamos Monastery and the Caledonian Falls. Omodhos village and Monastery of the Holy Cross with its small Folk Art Museum; Trooditissa Monastery. Kakopetria, less than an hour's drive from Nicosia, is preferred by those not suited to the higher altitudes. It is a village of great charm with a delightful central square shaded by plane trees situated at the head of the Solea valley, prolific in apple, pear and peach production. Like Platres, it is a centre for excursions through the forests and mountains where ridge succeeds ridge, in almost endless progression to the summits, with deep gorges and fertile valleys in between. Both Platres and Kakopetria are conveniently placed for the skiing season on Mount Olympus which usually lasts from January to March, Troodos itself is the nearest resort to the skiing area, with convenient hotels and cafe's attuned to the requirements of winter sports enthusiasts. On Mount Olympus there are three Ski-lifts in operation. The Ski-Club, which has its own shelter, accepts tourists as temporary members. [See Table 1.: Mileage Chart]