Cyprus Sights

Cyprus over the centuries-old history has played an important role in the developments in the eastern Mediterranean. The first historical information related to VI tysyachelentiyu BC. One of the most ancient human settlements in Europe is Choirokoitia, located near Larnaca. Cyprus - the birthplace of the goddess Aphrodite. A huge stone rising from the sea - a place known as Petra tou Romiou - where, according to legend, came out of the sea-foam goddess of love and beauty Aphrodite, Aphrodite's Baths in Policy and Fontana Amoroso (From Love) also reflect the existence of the goddess on the island. This myth has spawned a massive wave of cults and rituals in all the neighboring countries emerging from several centuries.

City of Nicosia (Nicosia) lies in the depths of the island of Cyprus in the fertile valley of Mesaoria, between two mountain ranges - the Troodos and Kyrenia. It is the largest and most populous city of the island. There are about 180 thousand inhabitants.
Divided into two parts of Nicosia is also the capital of the Republic of Cyprus and the center of the Turkish Northern Cyprus. In Turkish Nicosia called Lefkosa. Greek Cypriots call their capital city Nicosia (Lefcosia). Here is the residence of the President of the Republic of Cyprus and the Archbishop (upper hierarchy of the Cyprus Church), the country's parliament, ministries, offices of large companies. The first records of settlements in the islanders on the site of the current Nicosia occur even in the sources of the 7 th millennium BC. e. The city was then called Ledra. Its present name he is obliged to his son, Ptolemy 1 Egyptian Lefkonu - one of the rulers of these lands.
City for its long history, many multiples are being destroyed and for a long time lay in ruins, while in VII - VIII centuries. BC. e. in these places again began to settle people fleeing into the depths of the island from attacks of the numerous invaders. In the X century. came to the island town of Lusignan was elected its principal place of residence. In Nicosia began active construction of this era reminiscent preserved architectural monuments in the Gothic style. Regulation of Nicosia as the main town of the island has been further strengthened with the arrival at the place of the French-Venetian. Venetians did not suit the unreliability of the city fortifications, and they started a grand building.

Within three years, from 1567 to 1570 were built walls and bastions. (Strengthening, known as "Venice", have survived to this day). The grand work of the builders were in vain. In 1570 landed on the island of the Turks laid siege to Nicosia and took the city by storm. As a result, arranged invaders massacre killed thousands of people. Catholic churches in the Turks rebuilt the mosque, ousting the Orthodox population. The coexistence of communities of different faiths - Muslims and Christians - periodically marred by bloody events. In 1804, living in Nicosia, the Turks revolted, accusing the governor of the island of pandering to the Greek clergy, and the Ottoman troops were forced to suppress their co-religionists. In 1821 came the Orthodox clergy themselves. They were charged with conspiracy and executed - in one of Nicosia only a few hundred people. Calmed down with the arrival in Cyprus the British, but the hostility is not dead, and reappeared with the acquisition of Cyprus's independence, when the Greeks and Turks together was to build a new sovereign state. It has long been smoldering discontent spilled onto the streets on the eve of the Christmas holidays at the very end of 1963, the bloody events that took place including in Nicosia, forced the international community to send peacekeeping forces to the island. Already in 1964 there has been division in two parts of Nicosia - Greek and Turkish. This situation finally stuck in 1974, when Turkish troops invaded the island. Since then, Nicosia is also the capital of two neprimirennyh territories: the Republic of Cyprus and the Turkish zone. Peaceful coexistence neighbors provide the UN force. Since the collapse of the Berlin Wall, Nicosia remains the last divided capital of the world.

Sightseeing Nicosia.
The main historical and architectural monuments of Nicosia in the old town, inside the Venetian walls. The narrow streets of the old houses form a pedestrian zone, it focused shops, restaurants and coffee shops.

Venetian walls. These building were built in the late epoch of the Venetians, in the period from 1567 to 1570 by the architect Giulio Savorgnan. Earthworks are faced with stone, 11 bastions would facilitate the protection of city walls, the total length of which amounted to almost 5 km. To pass the city built three gates: Famagustskie, Paphos and Kireniyskie. However, the epic work of builders were in vain. In 1570 the Turks were storming the city broke a bastion of Constance (Constanza) - where the mosque is now located Bairaktar (Bayraktar Mosque), and Nicosia fell. Sami building, known as the Venetian, not injured. Still remain as Famagustskie gates (see below). Currently, the fortifications built thoroughfares to traffic.

Famagusta Gate. One of the three passes through the Venetian building, also known as Porto Giuliano. From this gate began their path those who went to Famagusta and Larnaca. Restoration project, the gate has been awarded the international prize "Europa Nostra". At the present time indoors gate holds regular exhibitions and musical evenings. Gates are open for inspection from Monday to Friday from 10.00 to 13.00 and from 16.00 to 19.00 (from June to August - from 17.00 to 20.00). Address: Leoforos Athinas (a bastion Caraffa). Tel. 43-08-77.

Municipal Park. The park stretches from the green semi-circle outside the Venetian fortifications, where there was once a moat. Green islands in the heart of the city - a pleasant place to stroll.

Spitz Getonya (Laiki Geitonia). Means "Neighborhood quarter. The area of the old city, which lovingly and diligently restored. The houses of traditional architecture, made of limestone, decorated with balconies and secure shutters to form the narrow streets with handicraft shops and souvenir shops, with plenty of cafes and tavernas. Ideally suited for walking. Located inside the Venetian walls, not far from the area Plateia Elefterias, opposite bastion D'Avila.

Ledra Street. Pedestrian street, limiting quarter Spitz Getonya from the west. Stretches from the Venetian fortifications of the city center. One of the main shopping streets, although not always prevailed here this serenity. British nicknamed her "mile of death" because during the Cypriot struggle for independence there were killed many British soldiers. Walk this street along its entire length, you can not - closer to the center of it partitioned army posts. For the post should be a narrow buffer zone and beyond the position of the Turkish army, which can look through special openings in the fence.

Church Hrisaliniotissa (Chrisaliniotissa Church). Oldest Byzantine church of Nicosia, was built in 1450 by order of Helena Palaeologus, the wife of one of the representatives of the genus Lusignan. Beautiful collection of Byzantine icons. The church is situated a few hundred meters north of the gates of Famagusta.

Mosque Omeriye (Omeriyeh Mosque). The mosque was built on the site of the ruined Augustinian church on the orders of Mustafa Pasha, who headed in 1570, the troops of the Ottoman Empire, invading Cyprus. Mustafa Pasha felt that here was buried the prophet Omar, whose name and received a mosque. The mosque is open for inspection daily from Monday to Saturday from 10.00 to 12.30 and from 13.30 to 15.30. Address: PlateiaTillirias.

Church Tripiotis (Trypiotis Church). The building in the Franco-Byzantine style built in 1695, this church is known for its iconostasis, whose width and silver icon's set him apart among prochih.Adres: 47-49 Solomonos (for museum Leventis, if you walk to the center of town).

Church Faneromeni (Faneromeni Church). Built in 1872, here in a marble mausoleum on the east side of the church, the remains of the Cypriot priests who were executed by the Turks in 1821 on charges of zagovore.Adres: Faneromenis (east of the Ledra Street, near an army post).

Archbishop's Palace (Archbishopric). Construction of a three-storey palace in neo-Byzantine style completed in 1960 Here is the residence of senior cleric in Cyprus - Archbishop. Before the palace is a monument to Archbishop Makarios III, first president of independent Cyprus. On the territory of the Archdiocese is Cathedral of St. John (see below), the Byzantine Museum, the Museum of Folk Art, Gallery iskusstv.Adres: Plateia Archiepiskopou Kiprianou.

Cathedral of St.. John (Agios loannis Cathedral). The cathedral was built in 1662 on the site of the Benedictine monastery. St. John called the beloved disciple of Christ. The Cathedral is famous for its beautiful murals 18. Reflecting the time of discovery of the relics of St. Barnabas, who was the founder of an independent Cypriot Church. The cathedral is open to the public from Monday to Friday from 9.00 to 12.00 and s14.00 to 16.00. Saturday - from 9.00 to 12.00. Address: Plateia Archiepiskopou Kiprianou (on the territory of the Archbishop's Palace).

The whole island is endowed with a large variety of natural and historical sites, mountain landscapes, picturesque villages and colorful cities. Country impressive festivals, traditions and myths, which ruled the hospitality and charm, this island can rightly be called an island - a museum. Here everything - history. Intact time ruins of ancient cities, amphitheatres, castles, temples, secluded Byzantine monasteries and many other centuries-old monuments - silent witnesses of Cyprus. Homer called Cyprus "an island of beautiful and prosperous." For centuries, Cyprus attracted, fascinated and inspired people. Sandy beaches, bright blue sea, picturesque villages, mountains covered with pine forests, are a pleasant sight. From the variety of colors of spring and long, basking in the sunshine of summer days - for a cool autumn, only suitable for the study of archaeological excavations and the mild winter, which offers the choice of spending time in the warm sun by the sea or skiing in the Troodos Mountains. Well developed network of roads, communications, transport, banking system, suitably qualified health-care system, plenty of modern hotels, shops, and high service level to attract many visitors to Cyprus as a holiday or for business.

Choirokoitia Neolithic settlement, located 32 kilometers. from Larnaca and 48 km. from Lefoksii, in 1998. was entered in the List of World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. The settlement represents the remains of many uleobraznyh homes, and is divided into two parts, a stone "wall" which is some 185 meters. Finds made during excavations suggest the presence of high levels of social organization of the inhabitants of the settlement.

The ancient city of Kourion with unforgettable Greco-Roman amphitheater, is located on a hill with a stunning view of the majestic Mediterranean Sea. In well-preserved theater and other attractions Kourion: "Villa Evstoliya" with Roman mosaics, which can be considered a covered platform, Early Christian Basilica, the ancient forum, Nymphaeum, public baths and "House of gladiators.

According to the Greek historian Herodotus, the city of Kourion was founded by Achaean colonists from Argos, Greece. Initially, in the 2 nd century BC, the amphitheater was significantly smaller. It was reconstructed in the second half of 1 century AD during the reign of Roman Emperor Nero. The first Roman theater was badly damaged in the earthquake 77g BC. e. but during the reign of Emperor Trajan (98-117gg.). was rebuilt and enlarged to a size before our eyes today.

Sanctuary of Apollo Gilata (5 th century BC), located near Kourion, is one of the most significant historic religious sites in Cyprus. Apollo was the god of beauty, music, forests, prophecy and shooting their bow, champion trees, cattle and small ruminants - as well as the most Kourion. The site of archaeological excavation is about 15,000 square meters.

At present, archaeological work on the island are conducted under the guidance of the Cyprus Department of Antiquities, many of them conducted in conjunction with the departments of archeology major American and European universities. The Department also deals with issues of storage of archaeological finds, the protection and preservation of ancient monuments, etc. Access is open to visitors for most archaeological sites, urban museums, as well as small museums that are open with ancient monuments, help to get acquainted with the archaeological finds in historical context. In the Cyprus Museum in Lefkosia (Nicosia) is the largest island in the exposition of ancient archaeological treasures. Exhibits Cyprus galleries of the Metropolitan Museum in New York represent a valuable finds, in fact, illegally exported from the island. British Museum, the Louvre and other famous museums exhibiting splendid collection of historic property in Cyprus.

Limassol
Limassol is not only the main port, but also the leading center of tourism, international trade, industry and the Cyprus wine industry. This city has many first-class hotels, alternating with restaurants, tavernas, cafes, bars, discos and nightclubs.

Paphos
Paphos - Cyprus is the ancient capital of Roman times, in this city and its environs a high concentration of historical monuments and antiquities. Paphos is suitable for tourists who want to get acquainted with the ancient period in the history of Cyprus, to visit museums, archaeological sites and world-famous ancient mosaics. They are considered the most famous attraction in Paphos. Some of them are recognized as the best in the world, for example, mosaics, dedicated to Dionysus. At 2 km from Paphos to the sea cliff tombs of kings. Paphos was listed as UNESCO's "Treasures of World Civilization" in 1980. This itself is beautiful and interesting city is also known that in one part of it - Kato Paphos (lower part of the city near the pier) found the remains of the ancient city of Nea Paphos. There is currently an archaeological park, the famous, among other things, its amazing mosaics - houses of Dionysus, Theseus, Orpheus and Jonah.

Larnaca
Larnaca - the third largest city of Cyprus, fast-growing spa and economic center of Cyprus. In this city, in addition to great beaches, emerald sea and comfortable hotels are located large shopping centers, markets, bazaars and small shops with a variety of goods.

Ayia Napa
Ayia Napa - one of the most popular exclusive resorts in Europe. Due to the large number of entertainment life in the resort is striking in its atmosphere of constant joy and fun. Tourists are offered all kinds of sports, the restaurants you can taste the local cuisine and fine wines, and the gay disco dance to the rhythms of music from around the world.

Famagusta
Famagusta - one of the richest cities in the world. He called the city of lovers. Ancient walls, as it were fused together with modern buildings. Attention tourists deserve the Cathedral of St. Nicholas (now a mosque, Mustafa) - very elegant, architecturally perfect building, the castle Othello. According to legend Christopher Moreau (ruler of Cyprus 1506 - 1508) killed his wife in it. Kyrenia - one of the best coastal resorts of Cyprus, located on the northern coast of the island. Most hotels are located near the coastal strip, and a cafe - in the open air. Cultural attractions are the castle of Kyrenia, which was built in Roman times, the museum of shipwrecks and a chapel.

Protaras
Protaras - a booming resort, where there are numerous modern hotel complexes. Tourist region is located on the southeastern coast of the island between Ayia Napoy and Paralimni. In Protaras is one of the most beautiful beaches on the island - a small golden sand, clear water and beautiful rocky coves, shielding tiny bays, luxurious hotels. In the evening you are waiting for taverns and restaurants where you can see folkloric show and taste the dishes of Cypriot cuisine. Large selection of bars and disco lovers will appreciate the night life that does not stop here until dawn. Tourists are offered trips to the village of Paralimni, which has kept the charm of a typical Cypriot way of life. Fans of diving will find here all the conditions for their favorite sport.