Month: December 2015

Located in the Pafos (Paphos) region, Polis Chrysochous (known simply as ‘Polis’) is a thriving sub-district that has expanded to become a popular tourist destination in its own right and ranks amongst the most naturally beautiful areas of the island. Just 35 km northwest of the town of Pafos, it can be reached by following the B07 route, or by taking the E701 coastal route, and then the E709.

The area’s rich history dates back to the time it used to constitute the ancient kingdoms of Marion and Arsinoe. Marion flourished during Classical times, whilst Arsinoe prospered in Roman times. Lengthy and meticulous archaeological excavations spanning over 20 years have brought to light many archaeological treasures that are now exhibited at the local Archaeological Museum.

The interesting sights of the area include the Baths of Aphrodite – a fresh water grotto shaded by a wild fig tree – where legend tells the Ancient Greek Goddess of Love and Beauty would bathe. There are also a variety of nature trails that take in rare, endemic plants and where nature lovers can spot local fauna and migrating birds.

Also noteworthy is the church of Agios Andronikos with its 16th century frescoes. The church was converted into a mosque from 1571 by the Ottomans, who also covered the frescoes up with plaster additions. After 1974, the Antiquities Department painstakingly uncovered the wall paintings in a delicate and time consuming process, and restored them to their former glory for visitors to admire once more.

With its unrivalled natural beauty, Polis Chrysochous is also a favourite spot for camping, and its campsite is located in a fragrant eucalyptus forest that borders a Blue Flag pebble beach. The campsite and beach also herald the start of a picturesque coastal walkway that leads to Latchi Harbour, which is known locally for its wonderful fresh fish, served at the surrounding restaurants. 

Located in the Pafos (Paphos) region, some 33 km northeast of Pafos town, the beautiful village of Panagia offers agrotourism in its natural environs, with its largest part located within Pafos Forest, at an altitude of 850 metres above sea level. It can be reached by following the A6 from the town of Pafos, and then the E606.

The village’s name comes from Panagia (the Virgin Mary), to whom the neighbouring monastery of Panagia Chrysorrogiatissa is also dedicated. One theory believes that under Frankish rule, Panagia village was a fief called ‘Casal Nostra Donna’ (of the Virgin Mary). The monastery houses an interesting Icons and Utensil Treasury, whilst a large religious festival is held annually on August 14 in honour of the Virgin Mary.

The village is also famous for being the birthplace of the Republic’s first president – Archbishop Makarios III – with two museums dedicated to the late Archbishop; the family home of the Archbishop, and the Museum of Cultural Foundation Archbishop Makarios III.

Other interesting sights include the various local wineries, the monastery of Agia Moni and the Vouni Panagias Nature Trail, which begins at the town square, and takes three hours to complete. Visitors can also enjoy the festival ‘Ta Rogiatika’, which takes place annually on August 15, and includes a programme of music and dance.

The main crops of the village include grapevines, various fruit trees, pulses, almond and olive trees, amongst others.

Located in the Pafos (Paphos) region, at an average altitude of 560 metres, the village of Lysos has existed since Medieval times with legends of the Medieval hero Digenis still told in the area. The village is located about 36 km northeast of Pafos, and can be reached by following the B07 route and then the E723.

The name of the village is believed to have its origins in the ancient Greek settlements in Asia Minor that settlers had brought to Cyprus, and an archaeological site in the area has unearthed tombs chiseled out of rock and geometrical vessels that further cement this theory.

The village is the largest in the Pafos region, with its territory extending to the peak of Pafos Forest where the rare bird of prey – Bonelli’s eagle – can be spotted, along with the shy and rare Mouflon – an endemic species of wild sheep found exclusively on the island.

Sights of interest in the village include its series of old churches, including the main church dedicated to Panagia Chryseleousa – constructed around the end of the 15th century or the beginning of the 16th century. The church is believed to have originally been a Latin temple since its two doors are decorated with blazons.

The village is also known locally for its unique, traditional delicacy of ‘Maxilles’ – a type of dry fig that is consumed as a sweetener, or eaten with almonds or walnuts.

Located in the Pafos (Paphos) region, the village of Kouklia is built at an altitude of 85 metres above sea level. Just 16 km away from the town of Pafos, Kouklia can be reached by turning into the F616 route either from the B06 or from the A06 route; the central highway of Lemesos (Limassol) – Pafos.

The village sits on the site where the ancient kingdom of Palaipafos (old Pafos) once stood. Palaipafos was one of the most celebrated pilgrimage centres of the ancient Greek world; the Sanctuary of Pafia Aphrodite. Excavations at the village have unearthed the famous Sanctuary of Pafia Aphrodite, ruins of the fortifications of Palaipafos, the barrow cemetery, and many tombs. Several ancient findings of the region are kept in the local village museum.

Not far from the village, the imposing rock known as ‘Petra tou Romiou’ or Aphrodite’s Rock juts out from the sea and marks the spot where – according to legend – the Ancient Greek Goddess of Love and Beauty was born out of the foam.

Kouklia’s importance was also marked during the Middle Ages as the Lusignans founded and operated a sugar production centre in the area. As one of just three Medieval sugar cane mills on the island, the site at Kouklia is of the most important, as it is one of the few in the Mediterranean – and in the Near East – that has retained all its important functional elements, thus allowing researchers and archaeologists to study the surviving structure in depth, and gain an understanding on how Levantine cane sugar refineries worked.

Amongst its churches, the most important are the ones dedicated to Panagia (Virgin Mary) Hodegetria and to the Apostle and Evangelist Luke. The former is a cruciform-type church of the 13th century with wall-paintings dating back to the 15th century. The latter is the main church of the village, and is especially worth visiting on October 17, when a large religious fair is held annually in honour of the saint.

The name of the village is believed to originate from the word ‘kouvouklio’ meaning ‘cubicle’ from the Byzantine officials who guarded the emperor’s chambers, and aside from its ancient monuments, it is picturesque and leafy, growing various fruits and other crops.