The place for prayer. The place for worshipping nature. For some, a place to escape from everyday life. For others, it is regarded as their daily routine. Moments of everydayness blended with moments of relaxation. Common denominators: experiences, satisfaction, peace and diversity of the ordinary. It is almost certain that whoever reaches or lives permanently in Cyprus will feel at least something of the above. The island is large and the options are countless. The time that is required is from an hour to unlimited in order for someone to live what would please him or her the most.
epoch. The religious heritage of Cyprus, rich in history and monuments, overwhelms any Christian visitor. Magnificent large churches, small stonebuilt churches, Byzantine hagiography in churches and monasteries with ecclesiastical museums elicit admiration worthy of any space that houses the sublime faith to the Christ. The passage of time and the religious perception of the Christian Cypriots have given a large number of churches and a diversity in both architecture and the size of churches that someone could observe.
Churches and monasteries The churches and monasteries in Cyprus are hospitable to visitors. From parish churches in towns to Byzantine churches on the Troodos Mountains, chapels but also monasteries offer tranquility to the visitor. Places of peace and communication with God boost human stamina for the hardship of our
Wine The wine records its own historical course on the island, which in recent years through the “Wine Routes” it highlights the particular characteristics of the Cypriot wine. Routes to the wine villages, visits to vineyards, wineries and local wine museums comprise for the visitor as sources that reveal the local wine. The journey with destination to wine is an experience of wine tastes combined with traditional dishes. The sun, the Mediterranean climate and the fertile soil are factors for the cultivation of vines on the island since antiquity, but also for the production of quality wines with the top being the sweet and fragrant Commandaria. The expansion of vineyards in some villages became the core, which around it rotate the daily lives of the residents. The wine as power became a tradition and a long-lasting history. It shaped the landscape, where the presence of vines dominates in plains and ridges of low mountains. Cypriot cuisine A unique and highly enjoyable pleasure for many! In Cyprus, as nowhere else, the great variety of food, the cleanliness and the quality of local ingredients all play a vital role for someone to feel completely satisfied by the gastronomy of the place. Despite the plethora cuisine choices, the traditional Cypriot cuisine ranks first with its king being the well-known “Cyprus Meze”. The parade of the various appetisers, cooked and grilled dishes that will pass from the table tastefully compensate anyone who may think about his or her silhouette. Do not miss for any reason the experience of the Cyprus Meze, but also and of the other traditional dishes in a tavern, even if you escape for a while from your usual diet. It is no coincidence that the Cypriot cuisine gains more and more fans, who seek it in many parts of the earth!
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The acquaintance with tradition If you do not get to know the tradition of a place, then your tour is not yet complete. Cyprus, scattered with villages, divulges through these a more crystallised concept on hospitality, the beauties of nature and the joys of a more human everydayness. In the villages, the morals and customs are inherited from generation to generation. Many of these such as the traditional occupations that have been annihilated by the industry revive through small festivals that are mainly organised during the summer by each village. The architecture that characterises most of the villages in Cyprus is simple. It combines stone for building walls, tiled roofs and protruding chimneys, narrow streets and courtyards with every kind of container that has been made a flower pot. This simplicity is the characteristic beauty of the villages of Cyprus, which in combination with their rich cultural heritage and natural landscape are becoming interesting destinations for touring at any time of the year.
The location of Cyprus in the Eastern Mediterranean gives it a special religious significance. The island keeps hold of religious icons, mosaics and artifacts, as well as ecclesiastical architecture, such as Byzantine churches with important iconography and rare icons, chapels and monasteries that speak for the intense dedication to traditions and the close interconnection of art with religious worship, throughout the centuries. The Orthodox Church of Cyprus is the predominant Church on the island. The overwhelming majority of Cypriots belong to the Orthodox Church of Cyprus. The presence and the contribution of the Orthodox Church are significant to the historical, cultural and social life of Cyprus. Byzantine Art and Architecture Byzantine art and architecture is featured widely in many churches and monasteries in Cyprus. A window mural or a mural wall-painting will relate a story. The frescoes were created originally for the poorer community, many of whom were unable to read and write. The icons hold a very religious significance and some of the religious art work are even believed to possess miraculous powers. Pilgrimages are made to certain sites in order to be able to light candles and pray before the icons and some of the larger monasteries still provide overnight accommodation facilities to the pilgrims. Examples of Byzantine art and architecture are displayed in churches that are found on the Troodos Mountains. Ten buildings are found on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. THE TEN BUILDINGS ON UNESCO’S WORLD HERITAGE LIST Agios Nikolaos tis Stegis at Kakopetria The church of Agios Nikolaos tis Stegis "Saint Nicholas of the Roof", near the village of Kakopetria, belonged to a monastery. It is completely painted with murals dating back from the 11th to the 17th centuries and it is considered to be one of the most interesting Byzantine churches on the island. The church took its name from the steep pitched timber roof that was built to protect it from the weather. Agios Ioannis Lampadistis at Kalopanagiotis Originally a monastery, this complex consists of three churches – Agios Herakleidios, Ioannis Lampadistis and a Latin chapel, all of which share a single enormous timber roof. The monastery is situated centrally in the region of the Troodos Mountains, just off the village of Kalopanagiotis. The core monastery church, which dates back to the 11th century, consists of an arched cross-in-square structure. The Agios Ioannis Lampadistis chapel was built in the 12th century to the north of the first church and rested on the tomb of the Saint. Later on, the chapel collapsed and was for its most part rebuilt in the 18th century. A new chapel was constructed to the north of that of Agios Ioannis during the second half of the 15th century. It later became known as the “Latin chapel” as it was believed to have been built for the Latins. The timbered roof that completely covers the roofs of all the three churches and that gives the complex its unique appearance was added at a later date. Furthermore, the Agios Herakleidios church has excellent 13th and 16th century frescoes. Panagia tou Araka at Lagoudera The 12th century church of Panagia tou Araka stands just outside the village of Lagoudera and boasts some of the finest frescoes of the late
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Comnenian style (1192). Together with the churches of Panagia Asinou and Agios Nikolaos tis Stegis, it is considered to be one of the most important Byzantine churches on the island. Visitors should ask for the priest - who can be found on the premises next to the church - to escort them to the church. Panagia Asinou at Nikitari The famous Byzantine church of Asinou has some of the finest examples of Byzantine wall-painting on the island. Asinou comes from the Greek “Asine”, which is an ancient city that was founded by immigrants from the Greek city Argolis, in the 11th century BC. The church dates back to the early 12th century and the murals inside date back from the 12th century to the 17th century. Visitors should ask for the priest of the Nikitari village to escort them. Panagia tou Moutoulla at Moutoullas The tiny 13th century chapel of Panagia tou Moutoulla is found in the Moutoulla village. This chapel of the Virgin Mary has rare frescoes of Saint George and Saint Christopher - both arrayed for battle in Byzantine armour - and of the Virgin Mary and the infant Christ. As yet unrestored, they are redolent of history. The church is one of the earliest dated examples of its type, with a steep pitched wooden roof. Visitors can obtain the key from the adjacent house. Archangelos Michail at Pedoulas The church of Archangelos Michail at Pedoulas was built and decorated in 1474. It is a very small building with a usual sloping mountain roof. The church is completely decorated on two levels, with 11 compositions from the Festival Cycle on the top and depictions of the saints at the bottom. The Crucifixion and the Ascension are depicted in the pediments. It is an example of post-Byzantine paintings, 15 years before the Venetian rule. The key can be found at the adjacent house. Timios Stavros at Pelendri The church of Timios Stavros is situated in a central area of the Troodos mountain range, at the south end of the village of Pelendri, which is attested in the sources since the late 12th century. The 14th century church of Timiou Stavrou is decorated with exquisite wall-paintings of the Paleological period. Panagia Podithou at Galata This church is situated near the village of Galata, in Troodos. Furthermore, the church was erected in 1502 and it once belonged to a monastery. Its paintings are of the Italo-Byzantine style, which appeared on the island towards the end of the 15th century. Stavros tou Agiasmati at Platanistasa The 15th century church of Stavros tou Agiasmati is situated about 3 kilometres outside the mountain village of Platanistasa. The church retains the most complete cycles of mural paintings of the second half of the 15th century in Cyprus. The key to the church can be obtained from the village priest. Metamorphosis tou Sotiros at Palechori The Metamorphosis tou Sotiros Church (Transformation of the Saviour) is an early 16th century chapel, which is found on a hill overlooking the beautiful old village of Palechori, in Troodos. Its interior is completely painted with one of the most complete series of murals of the post-Byzantine period, in Cyprus.
This wonderful art that was born in the prehistoric era in Mesopotamia around 4000 BC was devised for the decoration of ancient temples. Initially, in the form of semi-columns decorated with clay nails that contained a coloured head, which shaped red, black and white geometric designs. Such mosaics exist in the “Columns of Uruk”, which compose one of the oldest and most important cities of the Sumerians. In continuation, the Greek civilisation gradually refined and developed the mosaics to a complete picture of natural gravel, which due to its variety of colours and sizes they owe their name to it. The Greeks spread the technique of the mosaics in the Hellenistic world and to the Romans, since Greece was part of the Roman Empire. The Romans are characterised by the popularisation of the mosaic and its introduction to its refined form, both in the architecture of their residences and their temples. They turned the art of the mosaic to a decorative tool up to the 3rd century BC. The art of the mosaic was utilised, apart from on floors, in the architecture of gardens (fountains with mosaics), in decorating canopy baths and buildings and later on, in plying Christian religious icons. In Cyprus, there are Roman mosaics in Paphos in residues of houses that were built between the 3rd and 5th centuries AD. They are considered to be masterpieces of art mostly inspired by Greek mythology, however, what remains unanswered is on who lived and for how long in these magnificent homes. The name given to every residence is related to the images of its mosaics, which are daily visited by foreigners and locals to admire the excellent technique of the ancient artists, who created them with the anticipation in resisting the ravages of time.
The House of Dionysus The House of Dionysus is located in the Paphos Archaeological Park in the Paphos District. The decoration of the mosaics and the mythological compositions are the main characteristics of this restored Roman villa, which dates from the 2nd century AD. The villa has been designated as the “House of Dionysus” thanks to the many representations of Dionysus, God of wine. This villa probably belonged to a member of the Roman government class or to a wealthy citizen of Paphos. From the 2000 square metres of the building, one fourth of it is decorated with floor mosaics, which show themes of mythology, vintage, hunting etc. At the entrance of the house, there is a floor made of sea shells, which shows the mythical sea monster Skyla and belongs to an earlier Hellenistic building. The House of Theseus The mosaics of the villa of Theseus are found close to the House of Dionysus and date from the 2nd century AD. The visitor could admire the extraordinary, interesting geometric decoration as well as mythological representations. What are worth seeing are the mosaics, which depict Theseus slaying the Minotaur and the birth of Achilles. Archaeologists were able to identify courtyards, reception halls, baths and other facilities of the houses, but only the lowest parts of their walls. Columns and lintels were moved elsewhere after Paphos was hit by two strong earthquakes in 332 and 342 AD. ] The House of Orpheus The mosaics of this villa belong to the 3rd century AD and are located west of the villa of Theseus. There are three representations of mythology that are worth seeing and are those depicting Orpheus with his lyre, Hercules and the Nemean lion and the Amazon. The House of Aion The mosaics of the villa of Aion date from the 4th century AD and are close to the mosaics of Dionysus and Theseus. The five scenes of mythology that are worth seeing are those that represent the bath of Dionysus, Leda and the Swan, the beauty contest between Cassiopeia and the Nereids, Apollo and Marsyas and finally, the triumphal procession of Dionysus.
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The House of Four Seasons This villa is located north of the House of Orpheus. It took its name due to the mosaic that depicts the personification of the four seasons, which dates from the first half of the 3rd century AD. You can find all four Roman Moscaics within the Paphos Archaeological Park, down by the small harbour in Kato Paphos very close to the ancient fort. However, the star attraction, possibly of the whole complex, is the Triumph of Dionysos, showing the Roman God riding in a chariot pulled by she-leopards with mythical satyrs and other beasts arranged on either side. Whether or not you are up to speed with all the myths and legends unfolding before your eyes, there is no denying the skill and imagination of the artisans who produced these decorative works of art over a millennium and a half ago. Whilst taking in the splendour of the Paphos Archaeological Park, it is also worth having a look at the Roman Odeon, a small amphitheatre restored in the 1970s and Saranda Kolones, a former Byzantine fort, now in ruins. The Pafos Odeon is located in the heart of the tourist area and has been built entirely of well-hewn limestone blocks. Today, it is used in the summer for musical and theatrical performances.
Do you wish to see some of the most fabulous coves and bays of Cyprus that would otherwise be totally inaccessible from the land? Do you want to chill out or perhaps enjoy snorkelling in the crystal clear Mediterranean waters? A relaxing Cyprus boat trip is the best way to live such an experience. A er all, there are literally hundreds of beau ful beaches scattered along the coast of Cyprus. You can weigh anchor and spend hours swimming or snorkelling in the clear blue Mediterranean Sea. The waters around this beau ful islanded paradise stay warm enough for swimming right through to November; due to the heat the water stores up during the hot summer months. All Kinds of Boat Trips There are many kinds of boat trips, which sail out of the li le harbours and fishing shelters that are do ed all along the coast. Whether your preference is for fishing or just a nice relaxing pleasurable cruise, there is surely a trip that is just right for you. The fishing trips are many and varied from the chartering of a small private motor launch right up to the most professional and modern vessel that will take large fishing par es right out into the deep water. Pleasurable Cruises For most holiday makers, the ideal Cyprus boat trips are the ones that meander up the coast, stopping off to find a spot for lunch and a swim. There are plenty of such places to choose from that are not expensive either. Some of the most pleasurable cruises sail out of the lovely harbour of Ayia Napa, which is situated right off the main promenade. There is a superb
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moonlight cruise, which sails during the evening mes and includes dinner and a disco too, to live and enjoy the fun of an agreeable journey! Feeling Adventurous? Hire a Power Boat! Are you feeling a li le more adventurous? Well, then the best thing to do would be to hire a power boat with your friends or family, for an hour. They are easy to sail and usually take up to eight people. With this boat, you are able to get to go where you like and want to. There is a great choice of cra available for hire and the prices do vary, so it is worth shopping around first for the best deal. You might even want to keep it for a whole day, in order to stop off in a secluded bay for some private sun bathing or snorkelling without the hassle. Sailing with Modern Catamarans Do you like sailing? The wind does the work, along with the crew, whilst you relax and experience the thrill of a real yacht under sail. There are several modern catamarans and even a tradi onal schooner, who offer organised trips for those who prefer sailing rather than power boa ng. They offer dinner on board and catering for par es or weddings too, in order to make your long day extra special! Whatever you decide, you can be sure that your Cyprus holiday will be extremely memorable if you do something out of the ordinary. What could be more tremendous than that? An En rely New and Unique A rac on Do you want to live a completely unique experience, to enjoy an undersea cruise with a submarine? Cyprus brings for everyone a true experience by exhibi ng closed-up, fascina ng forms of life of the undersea world and of course the magnificent Zenobia shipwreck, which is undoubtedly the best underwater a rac on of the Mediterranean and is classified, as one of the best ten shipwreck dives in the world. The wreck lies within 16 metres to its topside and 40 metres to the seabed. It had two lorry decks, a further lower deck, accommoda on and restaurant areas. It is now a home to many species of fish, such as the Amber Jack, the Grouper and the Barracuda. Usually, the excursion is animated with a diver’s show and the feeding of fish. The Zenobia shipwreck has been designated as a real treat for an experienced diver. The Alexandria Wreck Cyprus is an old fishing trawler that sank in around 2006. The story goes that it was on its way to be scrapped and whilst being towed from Larnaca to Limassol, a storm broke out and the vessel sank. Since the Alexandria went down, it has created a fantas c ar ficial reef around the wreck and as a result there are a variety of fish that can now be seen on the dive. The first thing that you may no ce when you first begin to approach or swim around the Alexandria wreck is that you experience an eerie feeling as the wreck comes and goes in and out of the gloom (it’s like a scene from a movie). Diving in Cyprus is really an unforge able experience. The secrets of an empire are standing at your feet if you only learn to breathe under the water. You will enter a world where only few have the key and will be able to see the underwater paradise through the bluest waters, swimming silent close to thousands of fish.
A paradisiacal land for vacation! The golden sandy beaches of Ayia Napa gently touch upon the east coast of the island of Cyprus. Once being a small picturesque fishing village, Ayia Napa with its stunning coasts of astonishing white sands, its wonderful beaches and beautiful blue waters, today is bustled with life and a cosmopolitan atmosphere and is regarded as the main and most popular summer resort of the Mediterranean. The shallow, calm and crystal clear waters have made this coastal area a heaven of extreme attraction for beach lovers. While you are there, spend the day by sunbathing on one of the many magical beaches, by swimming in the warm waters or by even taking a short cruise along the coast to observe from cosmopolitan beaches to secluded coves and incredible sea caves. You could take another trip to Cape Greco, a place of an indescribable beauty, where you will obtain the opportunity to go for diving and enjoy the exceptionality of the seabed through underwater observations. At night, you could go out and dine at one of the many restaurants that serve
international cuisine or at traditional taverns with delicious local dishes, while later on, you could enjoy every moment by dancing and having fun with the most modern rhythms in some of the many nightclubs that the area consists of. If you love being inspired with culture and tradition, then you will feel truly pleased by visiting this extraordinary destination as year round events and festivals are organised by its municipality that strongly express the island’s culture and traditions. Ayia Napa is a very famous destination for summer holidays. People from all over the world visit this amazing cosmopolitan resort to enjoy in particular, the sun and sea on its remarkable beaches that will surely not disappoint them. Come to Ayia Napa and discover a unique temptation within the crystal waters of the Mediterranean, take pleasure in having a peaceful walk across the shore, enjoy the excitement that the water sports have to offer and try to take upon new and unprecedented experiences. The Monastery The medieval monastery located in the centre of Ayia Napa is dedicated to Our Lady of the Forests. The 16th century church is partly underground and carved into the rock. Undoubtedly, what will impress you the most is a century old sycamore in front of the south gate, which is believed that it is over 600 years old! Within the convent an ancient icon of the miraculous Virgin Mary of Napa is kept. The monastery is surrounded by a high wall with carved stones and the whole complex has a great medieval architecture. The Sea Museum What is remarkable is the Sea Museum situated at the municipality of Ayia Napa, where in a pleasant environment you could explore the role and importance of the sea in the history of Cyprus from antiquity until today. The exhibits of the museum include fossils of marine organisms and animals aged up to 100 million years old and stuffed sea animals and organisms like fish, turtles, seals, birds, starfish, sea urchins, sponges and corals. However, the most awe-inspiring exhibit of the museum is the life-size effigy of the ancient ship in the era of Alexander the Great that was found wrecked off the coast of Kyrenia. The Port Enjoy a coffee or lunch besides the waters of the Mediterranean at the port of Ayia Napa. Gaze upon the colours of the sea as they change in the sunlight and let the relaxing sounds to lure and accompany you to beautiful moments. The anchored boats and other vessels offer to the landscape a tranquil atmosphere that will undeniably calm your spirit.
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The beaches of Ayia Napa The beaches of Ayia Napa are considered to be among the best that exist in Cyprus. The crystal blue waters and sandy beaches are what make each guest to adore them and become attracted to their beauty. From cosmopolitan beaches to almost empty ones, with white or golden sands, well organised to completely isolated ones, at either a green or deserted environment, with calm waters to large waves, with steep cliffs to remarkable caves, in this part of the world you could find any type of beach that would satisfy your needs without having to travel miles just to find it. If you are either an athletic or adventurous person and you like action, you will be impressed by the wide variety of water sports available on the beaches of Ayia Napa. Your adrenaline will reach its heights and will provide you with a unique experience. On the other hand, if you prefer to be in a calmer state then take a ride on a boat to which its bottom part is actually like a submarine! The windows that it consists of will let you observe throughout your journey the magnificence that the underwater life has to offer and when an anchor is casted, a diver feeds the fish in front of your eyes within the sparkling blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea.
Whether you prefer an intimate civil gathering, a traditional church service in a stunning venue or the sheer opulence of a chapel wedding at a luxury hotel, the island of Aphrodite can exceptionally meet all of your dreamful ceremony requirements. From a traditional feast in a village tavern to the ultimate sophistication of a luxury reception in a magnificent hotel, Cyprus consists of a multitude of fantastic options that aim to make every wedding special and to generate an ideal dream day, regardless of wedding party size or budget. Cyprus is most fortunate as it enjoys an intense Mediterranean climate with an amazing sunshine, especially from May until October. From November through to April the temperature is cooler with little rain, lots of sunshine and an astonishing emerald green panorama. Cyprus, the land surrounded with crystal blue waters, is the perfectly unique place to enjoy remarkable and astounding forms of weddings.
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Beach weddings are surely an alternative to the regular and to even the traditional weddings as they consist of the faculty to make your whole day a memorable moment. By the Mediterranean Sea with a glass of champagne, the smooth noise of the waves caressing the rocks and your beloved one is merely a memory that will indubitably last a lifetime. Exclusive weddings on decorated yachts surrounded with ravishing balloons, rosettes and flowers and anchored in a natural bay are individually tailored to formulate the most perfect wedding, you could ever imagine. As far as tradition is concerned, it has nowadays entered into the perspective of a modern era, in which a traditional wedding has become an incredible ceremony in a fantastic luxurious hotel with its own stone-built church, renovated spaces and specifically embellished areas that embrace this paradisiacal happening. Its incredibly romantic sea view rooms that gaze upon the breathtaking sunset, the silver sands and the massive blue are certainly a panoramic view of the Mediterranean aspects, which touch upon the island of love and beauty. Cyprus is composed of the greatest love stories one could ever think of, a mythical sensation that Aphrodite, the Goddess of love and beauty has produced into the island. The myth of Aphrodite and Adonis, a youth of remarkable beauty, is one of the most popular myths, since it is directly associated with love and Eros. Not even Gods and deities could escape the powerful arrows of God Eros and fell in love with mortals. The Goddess of love used to take her bath in a cool pond near Polis. The place is known as the ‘Baths of Aphrodite’ and provides a magnificent view of the Bay of Polis. According to legend, after swimming in the crystal clear waters of the bay, Aphrodite used to bathe in this pond, surrounded by an idyllic landscape with sweet smelling wild flowers. It is here that she met her beloved Adonis for the first time. Adonis was hunting in the Akamas forest, when stopped over the wonderful spring to quench his thirst. He was struck by the sight of the naked goddess bathing in the crystal waters. Aphrodite and Adonis were instantly bewitched by each other’s extraordinary beauty. On his way to the Holy Land, Richard the Lionheart used his might to possess the island, but in the heat of battle, the arrow of love had hit him and fell in love with the enchanting Berengaria of Navarre in 1191. Richard and Berengaria were married in Limassol, on May 1191, amidst great feasting. A chronicler wrote: “And there in the joyous month of May, 1191, in the flourishing and spacious isle of Cyprus, celebrated as the very abode of the goddess of love, did King Richard solemnly take to wife his beloved lady Berengaria”. The wedding was followed by their coronation. Richard was crowned King of Cyprus and Berengaria Queen of England and of Cyprus. It was said that Berenagaria’s crown was more elaborate and more expensive than those worn by previous Queens of England. It was probably due to her being both Queen of England and Cyprus. Throughout the centuries, on the island love become a myth and myth became a legend with picturesque patterns of history remaining perpetually as a fantasy. Live your own myth under the love spell of the Goddess, who rose from the foam of the sea and chose Cyprus to be her outstanding sacred palace, inciting feelings of affection and passion, wherever she passed through. By leaving footprints in your heart feel her strength in your soul and live your fairytale not as a dream, but as a day of excitement and joy, a day to look forward to and to remember for the rest of your lives. On the land of such an incredible beauty generate your own true fairytale and as most fairytales end “and they live happily ever after”, this would undoubtedly be the delightful ending of your story as well; a story of true love on the island with a miraculous sense of peace, hope and robust desire.
The village of Kakopetria, a place of admiration and cultural attraction, is located south-west of Nicosia, the island’s capital and is built upon the foothill of the Troodos Mountains – specifically, in the north side of the mountain range. Palia (Old) Kakopetria is the most beautiful and picturesque part of the village and it is built on the place where Kakopetria had first arisen (currently regarded as the Old Village). Today, this part of the village is found on the west side of the village and is surrounded by the rivers of Karkotis and Garillis. Palia Kakopetria is under the protection of the Department of Antiquities and it is classified as an ancient monument. The new village of Kakopetria, with its large modern houses and their tiled roofs, is located in the eastern part of the valley. Kakopetria retains an astonishing National Forest park with an immense natural beauty. Two watermills were generated in the village due to the abundant waters of the rivers of Karkotis and Garillis. The first watermill was named “Milos tis Gonias”, meaning the watermill in the corner and the second “Milos tou Hadjistavrinou”, meaning the watermill of Hadjistavrinos. The watermills used to grind grain and barley to make flour. The two watermills of Kakopetria worked in order to cover the needs of the village, but also for the vicinal villages especially in periods of droughts. After the cessation of its operations, the watermill of “Milos tis Gonias” was restored in 1980 and is nowadays a tourist sight.
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With donations and after an initiative by the inhabitants of the Kakopetria community, the church of Agios (Saint) Panteleimon is currently the main church of the village. The re-construction of the church started in 1989 and ended in 1994. It is a rather large church with a capacity of around 700 people. The memory of Saint Panteleimon is celebrated on the 27th of July, when many Christians from the surrounding regions attend this great feast. At the church of Agios Panteleimon, there is also a chapel dedicated to Agios Fanourios. At the entrance of Kakopetria, the church of Panagia Theotokos is found. It is a small church that was constructed in 1514 and seems to be a Byzantine style chapel. At the beautiful central square of Kakopetria with the tall plane trees and coffee shopsyou can try the traditional homemade sweets of the area and sit round the fireplace during the winter. The square is just a few minutes away from the old quarter of the village, which is a listed area with cobbled streets where old houses have been carefully restored and reconstructed. You can enjoy your stay in Kakopetria in two very hospitable hotels of the area, the Ekali Hotel and Minaides Hotel, which are both located just a couple of minutes of walking distance from the village’s centre. Two picturesque hotels nestling among pines and plane trees, overlooking the picturesque mountain village of Kakopetria in the heart of the Troodos Mountains.
A most original island awaits to be discovered by the discerning travellers wishing to enjoy a different kind of holiday in a village off the beaten track in peace and tranquillity. By staying in a restored traditional house or small hotel in one of the island’s many picturesque villages, travellers add a new dimension to their vacation. The Cyprus Agrotourism Company offers properties which are a great base from where to explore the island. Carefully renovated to maintain their distinctive character while including all the modern conveniences, they are ideal for those seeking comfort and privacy in friendly and attractive surroundings. The Cyprus countryside has a diverse wealth of its own, including traditional villages, vineyards and wineries, tiny fresco-painted churches, remote monasteries, nature trails, cycling routes and cool shady forests not far from coastal areas. A significant number of worldwide holidaymakers to the island prefer to stay in Agrotourism
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establishment and combine their holiday with activities related to nature, people and its culture, where many others of sun and sea holidaymakers enrich their vacations with activities of special interest tourism. The newly redesigned www.agrotourism.com.cy presents all properties in detail and apart from reservations one could find information about the villages, the nature trails, cycling routes, wine routes, events and festivals. The traveler visiting to experience Cyprus country life at its best is only a click away from it. www.agrotourism.com.cy
Cyprus Agrotourism Company Tel: +357-22340071 Email: info@agrotourism.com.cy URL: www.agrotourism.com.cy
Kefalonia is a wooded island that is surrounded by the turquoise waters of the Ionian Sea and is considered to be an island of mystery and strange phenomena! It is the largest island of the Ionian Islands and invites you to discover and to even identify everything that it has to offer since it is regarded as an island of endless amusements and splendid scenery! Few places worldwide have the ability to gather so many geologically “strange” phenomena and one of these is the island of Kefalonia. Apart from the natural beauties of the island, its “geological mysteries” cause the interest to both, visitors and scientists from all over the world. Today with a tour through the island one can see close at hand the grandeur of nature being contrary to laws and rules and “acting freely” through the creation of “artworks” on the canvas of the Kefalonian landscape. Despite being given some explanations for the phenomena by geologists, imputing them to the position of the island, which is found at the junction of the Earth’s tectonic plates, they still compose a scene of mystery that is reinforced by mythology, legends, traditions and religion, offering uniqueness to the island.
Melissani Cave Here, the sea water mysteriously disappears at some point below Argostoli, the island’s capital, at the so-called “Katavothres”. It flows with momentum on the ground and underground traverses the entire island, from west to east, a distance of about 15 kilometres to reach the Melissani Cave, which is considered to be an amazing grotto, a real “miracle” of nature. At Midday, Kefalonia is a wooded island that is surrounded by the turquoise waters of the Ionian Sea and is considered to be an island of mystery and strange phenomena! It is the largest island of the Ionian Islands and invites you to discover and to even identify everything that it has to offer since it is regarded as an island of endless amusements and splendid scenery! Few places worldwide have the ability to gather so many geologically “strange” phenomena and one of these is the island of Kefalonia. Apart from the natural beauties of the island, its “geological mysteries” cause the interest to both, visitors and scientists from all over the world. Today with a tour through the island one can see close at hand the grandeur of nature being contrary to laws and rules and “acting freely” through the creation of “artworks” on the canvas of the Kefalonian landscape. Despite being given some explanations for the phenomena by geologists, imputing them to the position of the island, which is found at the junction of the Earth’s tectonic plates, they still compose a scene of mystery that is reinforced by mythology, legends, traditions and religion, offering uniqueness to the island. Melissani Cave Here, the sea water mysteriously disappears at some point below Argostoli, the island’s capital, at the so-called “Katavothres”. It flows with momentum on the ground and underground traverses the entire island, from west to east, a distance of about 15 kilometres to reach the Melissani Cave, which is considered to be an amazing grotto, a real “miracle” of nature. At Midday, when the sun’s rays enter from the cave’s roof and are perpendicular on the surface of the water, the water of the lake creates turquoise reflections on the cave’s walls, an extraordinary spectacle generated by the elements of magic and regarded as one of its kind. The grotto took its name either from the legend of Nymph Melissanis, who is believed to have committed suicide in the lake because the Greek God Pan would not reciprocate her love or from the legend that states that the shepherdess Melissanthi died after falling into the lake while she was chasing one of her sheep. Today, the cave could be visited from an artificial entrance which, through a tunnel, leads to the main hall. The tour is done by boats along the entire length of the lake, while it composes an idyllic place for weddings. Saint Gerasimos Saint Gerasimos, the patron saint of the island and the founder of the monasterial landscape that operates until today with monks living an ascetic tradition, has an imperishable body! This saint is regarded as recent and his blissful repose took place on the 15th of August 1579. However, since on this day the Virgin Mary is also celebrated, Saint Gerasimos is celebrated on the following day, precisely, on the 16th of August. When Saint Gerasimos was a monk he performed miracles to believers and his body, when it was exhumed three years after his death, in 1581, was found incorrupt and it is said that it gave off a pleasant smell, a sweet fragrance like
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that of perfume. Since then, it has been placed in a glass case and everyone who visits the monastery has the chance to observe such a supernatural phenomenon. Behind the glass, the saint seems as if he is sleeping and not a body deprived of life since his relic has remained miraculously intact. The Drogarati Cave One of the biggest and most beautiful sights on the island and in extension, of the Ionian Islands is the Drogarati Cave, where the formation of stalactites and stalagmites has made its appearance for thousands of years. This cave is considered to be a natural “work of art” of millions of years, since every a hundred years the length of the stalactites and stalagmites grows to only just 1 cm. The cave is located a short distance from the grotto of Melissani and was discovered 300 years ago, when during a strong earthquake a part of it was
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crashed and hence, the cave was revealed. Nowadays, this area composes the entrance from which the view of the cave is truly magical. According to the archaeologists, the part which is currently free to access is only a part of it, since they are almost certain that the cave communicates and with other caves or cave formations in the region, which until today remain unknown and are hidden in the bowels of the earth. The depth of the cave is approximately 60 metres, with an average temperature of 18 °C and sufficiently contains high humidity that reaches up to 90%. It holds excellent and natural acoustics to the point that even a whisper will reach clear as crystal to the human ear. The atmosphere of this spectacle is astonishing and generates a sense of mystery. However, how many other natural “treasures” are hidden under the Kefalonian earth that no one has ever had the chance to discover?