Month: November 2015

Athalassa National Forest Park / Visitor Centre

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Located on the south-eastern edge of the city of Lefkosia (Nicosia), Athalassa National Forest Park is an oasis of greenery set across an area of 840 hectares, with many endemic, indigenous and adventive trees, shrubs and herbs. Its network of trails – covering 20 kilometres – makes it a popular place for cycling, walking and dog walking (on a designated pathway).

The Botanical Gardens are open daily and are free of charge to visit, whilst the grounds of the park also incorporate a Visitor’s Centre that provides information about the environmental features of the park. A scale model replica of the park shows its basic natural features, vegetation and recreational facilities, whilst dioramas give three-dimensional representations of the area’s vegetation, birds, mammals and reptiles.

Geological samples, fossils and related objects are exhibited in a separate room, and visual material is used to present the local fauna and flora.

Region: Lefkosia
Address: Leoforos Keryneias, 1, Aglantzia
Contact No: Visitor Centre, Tel: +357 22 462 943 / +357 22 403 704 / +357 22 805 533
Operating Hours: Monday – Friday: 07:30 – 15:30
Closed on weekends.
Operating Period: Visitor Centre:
All year round.
Closed on Public Holidays.
Entrance Fee: Visitor Centre: Adults / children over 6, €1,00 / Children under 6, free.
Website: www.moa.gov.cy
  Opening and closing times as well as entrance fees, are subject to alterations without notice. Visitors are advised to check before visiting.
 

Sculpture Park Petreon – Mazotos village

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Located in the coastal village of Mazotos, 22km outside of Larnaka (Larnaca), the sculpture park of Petreon takes its name from the Greek word for ‘stone’ (‘petra’).

The park consists of a permanent open-air sculpture exhibition – with stone pieces of varying sizes by artist Savvas Koulendros, the Liasidion Amphitheatre, the Archontariki – where various exhibitions are hosted, and a small stone church.

The 8,5 metres high sculpture of Petreos, the man that was born from the stone, dominates over the entire park, whilst the gardens themselves are picturesque with their different cactus species and other flowering plants.

Region: Larnaka
Address: Mazotos, 22km from Larnaka, on the road towards Zygi village
GPS coordinates: Lat: 34.788231 Lon: 33.486757
Contact No: Tel: +357 99 648 116
email: [email protected]
facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PetreonSculpturePark
Operating Hours: Open only with appointment.
Organised groups: Winter, daily: 09:00 – 15:30  /   Summer, daily: 09:00 – 18:00
Individuals / general admission: Summer: 16:00 – 18:00
Special considerations / requests can be discussed including private tours of the grounds.
Operating Period: All year round.
Open on all Public Holidays.
Entrance Fee: Adults €2,50 / Children €1,50 / Organised groups €2,00
  Opening and closing times as well as entrance fees, are subject to alterations without notice. Visitors are advised to check before visiting.
 

Larnaka (Larnaca) Salt Lake

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Larnaka (Larnaca) Salt Lake is the second largest salt-lake in Cyprus and measures 2,2 square kilometres. In 1997 it was declared a protected area under Cypriot Law for the Prote­ction and Management of Nature and Wildlife and under the European Ha­bitats Directive. It is a significant Ramsar and Natura 2000 site – one of the most significant biotopes in Europe – and one of the most important habitats in Europe for waterfowl.  

Located southwest of Larnaka town and east of the villages of Meneou and Dromolaxia, the Salt Lake – known locally as ‘Alyki’ – is actually one of four lakes in Larnaka. Together, with Lake Orphani, Lake Soros and Airport Lake, the lakes collectively cover a total area of 1.761 hectares.

During the winter, the lake fills with water and is home to migrating birds, including thousands of flamingos that stay between November and March, along with wild ducks and other water or shore fowl that find refuge here on their migratory journeys. The most basic element of the food chain in the lakes’ ecosystem is the small brine shrimp Artemia (Artemia salina), which the other life greatly relies on. When flamingos and other water birds are unable to find the shrimp, they desert the salt lakes and continue their journey by travelling to Lake Akrotiri in Lemesos or south towards Africa.

Winding through the lake area is a designated, linear nature trail that is 4 km in length, and leads all the way up to the old aqueduct of Kamares. The various flora of trees, shrubs and flowers is signposted with information along the way, and there are also periodic benches, making the path popular for walkers and joggers.

Archaeological finds show that the salt lake area and that of the nearby mosque have been inhabited since the Late Bronze Age (2nd century BC). In prehistoric times the salt lake was a harbour that served the town, unearthed near where the Hala Sultan Tekkesi mosque stands today. The town was one of the large urban and commercial centres of Cyprus in the Late Bronze Age (1650-1050 BC). When the town was abandoned, the estuary silted up and the natural harbour was destroyed.  

According to legend, the lake’s saltiness stems from SaintLazarus’ request of an old woman for food and drink. She refused, claiming her vines had dried up, to which Lazaros replied ‘may your vines be dry and be a salt lake forever more’. A more scientific explanation is that the salt water penetrates the porous rock between the lake and the sea, making the water very salty.

Throughout the Middle Ages, salt was so plentiful that it became one of the primary export commodities of Cyprus. Its harvesting and selling were strictly controlled and taxed. Salt was last harvested in 1986.

The nature trail links the area with the Aphrodite Cultural Route.

Cape Gkreko National Forest Park

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Located east of Agia Napa and southeast of Protaras, the beautiful and protected National Forest Park and conservation area of Cape Gkreko is a Natura 2000 site that unfolds across 385 hectares of stunning, unspoiled natural landscape.

The park incorporates a network of nature trails – lined with Calabrian pine trees and Phoenician junipers – as well as specialist cycling paths, with benches along the way. The two kilometres Aphrodite Nature Trail runs through the southeast coast of the Cape Gkreko promontory, and is part of the Aphrodite Cultural Route that commemorates the island’s link with the Ancient Greek Goddess.

Rich in indigenous fauna and flora, approximately 400 different plant species grow in Cape Gkreko. Out of these, 14 are endemic, and another 14 are extremely rare.

The forest was once abundant with trees, but is now covered with low vegetation, making it home to many mammals, such as foxes, hares and hedgehogs; reptiles such as snakes and lizards, and a large number of birds. The majority of birds are migratory, with five varieties and two endemic species – one of which is  the Cyprus wheatear ‘Oenanthe cypriaca’, a migrating bird that breeds on the island.

The general views from the limestone sea cliffs are spectacular and overlook the crystal clear waters of the region. The area is also highly popular for diving and boat trips to the many caves, where an underwater world awaits discovery.

The tiny, whitewashed church of Agioi Anargyroi is also a lovely place to visit, with steps that lead down to a cave by the sea.

Agia Napa Sculpture Park / Park of Mediterranean Plants, Cacti and Succulents

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Located at the crossroads of Cape Gkreko and Kryou Nerou Avenue, the 20.000 square metres sculpture park and its adjoining cactus park offer a beautiful setting for a stroll with stunning, panoramic views, and benches along the way.

The sculpture park consists of a large collection of pieces by over 50 artists from around the world who have participated in the annual Sculpture Symposium held by Agia Napa Municipality. The expansion of the collection is an ongoing project that is continually being added to, and in 2015, artists from around the world created their sculptures on-site over a period of three weeks, turning the park into an open-air workshop.

The Park of Mediterranean Plants, Cacti and Succulents is an extension of the sculpture park and is also an ongoing project to showcase the various cacti and dried plant varieties of the island.

Region: Ammochostos (Famagusta)
Address: Kryou Nerou Avenue, Agia Napa
Contact No: Tel: +357 23 816 300, Fax: +357 23 722 607
Operating Hours: From sunrise to sunset.
Operating Period: All year round.
Entrance Fee: Free
  Opening and closing times as well as entrance fees, are subject to alterations without notice. Visitors are advised to check before visiting.
 

Environmental Information and Education Centre at Cape Gkreko

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The Environmental Information and Education Centre at Cape Gkreko is one of the first buildings on the island designed to take into account its environmental surroundings, and opened in 2017 to showcase the natural wealth of the Cape.

The Cape Gkreko Environmental Centre is one of the first buildings on the island designed to take into account its environmental surroundings, and opened in 2015 to showcase the natural wealth of the Cape Gkreko National Forest Park, as well as educate on the threats to the area’s ecosystem and its preservation efforts.

The eco-friendly building incorporates a Welcome Centre, souvenir shop, exhibition rooms (with visual and audio guides explaining the different ecosystems of the coastal area and the sea), three aquariums (where visitors can view the marine ecosystems up close), and a café.

Located east of Agia Napa and south east of Protaras, the National Forest Park and conservation area of Cape Gkreko is an area of stunning, unspoiled natural beauty that covers 385 hectares.

The park incorporates a network of nature trails and specialist cycling paths, and is popular for diving and boat trips. It is rich in indigenous and endemic flora and fauna and offers spectacular views from its limestone sea cliffs.

Region: Famagusta (Ammochostos)
Address: Cape Gkreko
Contact No: Tel.: +357 23 814 412
Operating Hours: 1 May – 31 October:  Monday – Sunday: 10:00 – 18:30
1 November – 30 April: Monday-Friday: 10:00-14:30
Operating Period: All year round.
Closed on Public Holidays.
Entrance Fee: Adults: €2,00
6-12 years old: €1,00
0-6 years old: Free
  Opening and closing times as well as entrance fees, are subject to alterations without notice. Visitors are advised to check before visiting.

The Church of the Archangelos Michael, or Panagia Theotokos

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Located in the mountainous village of Galata, the Church of the Archangelos Michael, or Panagia Theotokos, is a timber-roofed chapel, painted in the post- Byzantine style of the early 16th century and one of four painted churches in the village.

Region: Troodos area [Lefkosia (Nicosia) district]
Address: Galata village
Contact No: Tel: +357 99 671 776
Operating Hours: By appointment.
Operating Period: All year round.
Closed on Public Holidays.
Entrance Fee: Free
Website: www.mcw.gov.cy/da
  Opening and closing times as well as entrance fees, are subject to alterations without notice. Visitors are advised to check before visiting.
 

Agios Sozomenos Church

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Located in the centre of the mountainous village of Galata, the church of Agios (Saint) Sozomenos dates to the early 16th century and retains a complete series of frescoes in the post-Byzantine style. It is one of four painted churches in the village.

According to an inscription above the west entrance, the church was built and decorated in 1513, and 14 villagers undertook the financial responsibility of painting the church. The structure is aisle-less and timber-roofed, with the roof extending to form a portico in the shape of the Greek letter ‘pi’ (like a square ‘u’).

The church’s interior is covered with frescoes that are in generally good condition and are divided into two tiers. On the upper tier there are scenes from the Christological cycle, while on the lower tier the standing figures of saints are depicted under painted arches. In the apse of the bema, the Virgin Mary is shown between the Archangels Michael and Gabriel. The wall paintings on the external side of the north wall include scenes from the Second Coming, the Root of Jesse and the eight Ecumenical Synods.

Region: Troodos area [Lefkosia (Nicosia) district]
Address: Gallata village
GPS coordinates: Lat: 34.996485 Lon: 32.898295
Contact No: Tel: +357 99 671 776
Operating Hours: By appointment.
Operating Period: All year round.
Closed on Public Holidays.
Entrance Fee: Free
Website: www.mcw.gov.cy/da
  Opening and closing times as well as entrance fees, are subject to alterations without notice. Visitors are advised to check before visiting.
 

Trooditissa Monastery

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Located on the southern slopes of the Troodos mountain range, the 13th century Trooditissa Monastery is situated among pine trees, commanding a picturesque spot. The present church was built in 1731 and contains a priceless silver-leaf covered icon of the Virgin Mary brought from Asia Minor, believed to give childless couples hope if they pray to her.

The exact date of the foundation of the monastery is not known, but it is believed to have been established immediately after the iconoclastic era by a hermit who resided there during the years of the iconoclasm. The church, as well as the monastic buildings, belong to a later period and can be dated to the end of the 18th or the 19th and 20th centuries.

The monastery is a retreat for prayers, and as such it is closed for visits, although the church is open to visitors.

Region: Troodos area [Lemesos (Limassol) district]
Address: Between the villages of Platres and Prodromos
GPS coordinates: Lat: 34.91292 Lon: 32.838212
Operating Hours: Daily: 09:00 – 12:00 / 14:00 – 16:00 (church only)
Operating Period: All year round.
Closed on Public Holidays.
Entrance Fee: Free
Disabled Access: Wheelchair accessible.
Website: www.mcw.gov.cy/da
  Opening and closing times as well as entrance fees, are subject to alterations without notice. Visitors are advised to check before visiting.
 

Timios Stavros Church in Pelendri village

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The 14th century church of Timios Stavrou (Holy Cross) in Pelendri village is decorated with exquisite wall paintings of the Palaiologan period and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The church was originally a single-aisled domed structure, built around the middle of the 12th century, and may have been the church of a cemetery. It was destroyed under unknown circumstances, and the present form of the church is the result of several additions and alterations, carried out throughout various periods, with only the original apse surviving.

According to an inscription in the apse, the original wall paintings date to 1171 / 1172 with fragments of the decoration preserved on the apse under the layer of the 14th century frescoes. The main part of the church was decorated during the second half of the 14th century by at least two artists.

The north aisle served as a private chapel for the family of the Latin feudal lord of the area, Ioannes Lusignan (1353 – 1374 / 1375), and the village itself was once the property of Jean de Lusignan, son of the Lusignan King of Cyprus, Hugh IV.

Church of Timios Stavros – The Holy Cross – in Pelendri – Audio Guide 

Region: Troodos area [Lemesos (Limassol) district]
Address: Pelendri village
GPS coordinates: Lat: 34.893036 Lon: 32.91096
Contact No: Tel.: +357 99 909 393 and +357 99 662 286
Operating Hours: Summer:
Monday – Friday: 10:00 – 13:00 and 15:00 – 17:30, Saturday: 09:00 – 13:00
Closed on Sunday.
Winter:
Monday – Friday: 09:00 – 12:00 and 13:00 – 16:30, Saturday: 09:00 – 13:00
Closed on Sunday.
Operating Period: All year round.
Closed on Public Holidays.
Entrance Fee: Free
Website: www.mcw.gov.cy/da
  Opening and closing times as well as entrance fees, are subject to alterations without notice. Visitors are advised to check before visiting.