CITIES, TOWNS AND AREAS
LEFKOSIA (NICOSIA)
Capital city of the Republic of Cyprus.
Lefkosia lies roughly at the centre of the island. It has a rich history that
can be traced back to the Bronze Age. It became the capital of the island in
11th century AD. The Lusignans turned it into a magnificent city with a Royal
Palace and over 50 churches. Today it blends its historic past brilliantly with
the bustle of a modern city. The heart of the city, enclosed by 16th century
Venetian walls, is dotted with museums, ancient churches and medieval buildings
preserving the nostalgic atmosphere of years past. Yet this old heart is split
in two, leaving Lefkosia the only capital city to remain divided by force. The
new Lefkosia developed outside the walls, and has become a contemporary and
cosmopolitan business and cultural centre. Just a few miles away are enchanting
places of interest such as Byzantine churches and monasteries, archaeological
sites and charming villages.
LARNAKA (LARNACA)
Larnaka, on the southeastern coast of the island, is a town with an easy going
pace and strong historical links.
In the heart of modern Larnaka are the remains of the ancient city-kingdom of
Kition, reminiscent of its glorious past.
The Mycenaean Greeks fortified the town with cyclopean walls in the 12th century
BC, while the Phoenicians founded a powerful kingdom here in the 9th century
BC. Kition is the birthplace of the philosopher Zeno, founder of the Stoic School.
It is here that Saint Lazaros came, after he was raised from the dead by Jesus
Christ, to become Bishop of Kition for 30 years.
In the 18th century AD it became a commercial centre and the seat of the European
consulates. The delightful palm tree lined promenade, the fort and old quarters
give Larnaka its unique character. The nearby Salt Lakes are a favourite stop
over spot for thousands of migrant birds in winter, whilst on its edge, in a
tranquil setting, stands a popular Muslim pilgrimage place, the mosque of Hala
Sultan Tekke.
There are several museums, which between them depict the historical importance
of the town and surrounding area.
LEMESOS (LIMASSOL)
Successor to two city-kingdoms and host to a Royal wedding in the Middle Ages,
contemporary Lemesos stretches along the south coast. Proud of the spontaneous
hospitality of its people, its archaeological sites, its medieval castles and
its merry Carnival and Wine festivals, Lemesos is the island's most important
tourist and wine centre. Hotels, restaurants and nightspots abound along the
beach.
Close by lie the pine clad southern slopes of Troodos with the picturesque wine
producing villages, the idyllic mountain resorts and the picturesque Pitsylia
area.
PAFOS (PAPHOS)
The growing harbour town of Pafos, nestling on the Western coast of the island,
is so rich in historical interest that the whole town is included on UNESCOS's
World Heritage List. Wherever one treads in Pafos one comes across evidence
of its glorious history that dates back thousands of years. In Hellenistic and
Roman times it was the capital of Cyprus.
When the cult of the goddess Aphrodite, who emerged from the seas, flourished
in this beautiful part of the world many visitors from inland and abroad were
attracted to the area. Still under the spell of her Beauty-goddess, the area
retaining her magic enchants the eye with its majestic coastline, historical
treasures, and delightful traditional villages. Kept in harmony with nature
are mediaeval monasteries that lie peacefully in the Pafos heartland.
AMMOCHOSTOS AREA (FAMAGOUSTA)
ENCOMPASSING PARALIMNI AND AGIA NAPA
The golden sandy beaches of the free (unoccupied) Ammochostos district gently
embrace the eastern corner of the island. The popular holiday resorts of Agia
Napa and Paralimni have been called a veritable paradise for anyone who loves
the sea, water sports and partying.
The charming scenery includes the tiny fishing harbour of Agia Napa, the mediaeval
monastery at the heart of the village and the windmills and small churches in
the surrounding villages that spread out to the areas of Paralimni and Protaras.
This region is the main potato producing area on the island, and is known as
'Kokkiinochoria', which means red soil villages.
In the summer months the area plays host to many fun loving tourists, but in
the winter months the beautiful beaches are revealed and a quieter atmosphere
descends, allowing the seeker of peaceful holidays the opportunity to enjoy
this lovely area with its crystal clear waters and enticing walks.
TROODOS
The impressive Troodos mountain range, with its idyllic forests, stretches across
most of the western side of Cyprus offering cool sanctuary in summer and opportunities
for sport in winter.
Famous mountain resorts, divine Byzantine monasteries and churches perched on
mountain peaks or nestling in its valleys, as well as picturesque mountain villages
clinging to terraced hill slopes make up the splendor of Troodos.
The area has been known since ancient times for its copper mines and in the
Byzantine period it became a prominent centre of Byzantine art, as churches
and monasteries were built in the mountains, far away from the threatened coastline.
Ten Byzantine churches in the Troodos mountain range are included in the official
UNESCO list of the World Heritage.
The actual Troodos area is found around Mount Olympos that, at a height of 1.951
meters, is the highest peak in the Troodos range.
The Nature Trails of the Troodos Mountains meander through the pine forests
to waterfalls and into the tranquility and peaceful quietude of the more remote
areas where the only sounds are bird song and the chirruping of insects, traffic
is non-existent.
Troodos is the natural habitat of the mouflon, saved from extinction and able
to wander freely on the steep mountain slopes.