Author: Christos

The Evocative Remnants of the Venetians in Cyprus

Immerse yourself on a historical journey that uncovers the strong ties, cultural influence and special relationship of Cyprus and Venice… one that is ongoing to this day.

Through various routes on the island, you will delight in discovering architecture, churches, monuments, museums and historical sites that tell the story of the Venetians in Cyprus throughout the Middle Ages to the Renaissance, beginning in the Byzantine period, when the Emperor Manuel Comnenus gave the Venetians the right to trade and settle on the island in 1147.

The conquest of the island by Richard the Lionheart and its transformation into a state ruled by the Frankish dynasty of Lusignan saw the properties of the Venetians confiscated by the Crown in the years 1191-1192, with tensions between the Commune of Venice and the Kingdom of Cyprus lasting until 1302.

With the restoration of diplomatic relations in 1302, a period of progressive diffusion of the Italian influence in the Frankish kingdom emerged with the Cornaro family becoming one of the main supporters of the Lusignan dynasty.

The sudden death of James II opened the way to the accession to the throne by Catherine Cornaro in 1474 and the beginning of the direct domination of Venice with Cyprus becoming a province of the Venetian maritime empire, administered directly from the mainland, and the period between 1474-1570 is undoubtedly the period where the links between Venice and Cyprus are the most dense.

The formal integration of Cyprus into the Dominio da Mar in 1489 enhanced the penetration of Italian culture in the island through literary, philosophical and aesthetic values, and churches were decorated by painters drawing their inspiration from Italy.

The Ottoman conquest of the summer of 1570 put an end to the Venetian domination of Cyprus and detached the island from the Italian environment, whilst trade relations between Cyprus and Venice continued until the 18th century.

Through the Cyprus – Venice routes, there are a myriad of opportunities to visit interesting sites across the island. To access the full brochure detailing the island’s Venetian history and connections, as well as all the relevant sites in each region, click here.

Cyprus Copper Itinerary – A tour Through the Heart of Cyprus

Uncover the island’s rich and significant historical ties with copper on a self-drive route that will scenically take you on a journey to the various copper mines and associated sites of the island. Along the way, you will discover a fascinating account of how Cyprus was the largest producer and exporter of the metal to the ancient world for many centuries, and its role in shaping the island’s history.

Pure copper – or its alloys – was a basic material needed for the development of large civilisations around the island, and Cyprus’ copper contributed to the technological progress of the entire Mediterranean world and beyond.

The drive starts from either Lemesos (Limassol) or Larnaka (Larnaca) towards the village of Sia (Sha), where just a few kilometres outside of the village you can admire the bright yellow and brown gossans (iron cap) that are typical of areas where there is copper mineralisation. Two open cast copper mines lie to the left – where the rock formations can be studied on a stroll of the site.

The next stop is the Mathiatis South Copper Mine, preceded by fragrant pine trees, which give way to the bright colours of the gossans that will guide you to the lake of the copper mine. A further drive in the Agia Varvara direction takes you up the road, where there is partial view of the North Mathiatis Open Cast Copper Mine.

From there the journey continues further north towards Agia Varvara village, where a turning near the olive oil factory will lead you onwards to a small valley where the Almyras Copper Mine and its workshops are located.

By continuing your drive through the villages of Kotsiatis, Marki and Tseri, the next site of interest is at Katydata village for a visit to the insightful Museum of Mining Heritage*.

The Skouriotissa Copper Mine and abandoned village are only a five-minute drive from Katydata. To the southwest of the copper mine is the UNFICYP San Martin camp, where you can visit the chapel of Panagia Skouriotissa: ‘Our Lady of the Skouriotissa Copper Mine’, which dates back to around 16th century, and houses some interesting icons. Northwest you will encounter abandoned houses that were built by the mining company CMC, and were used by the miners until 1974. A newly established monastery is situated a few hundred metres from some of the abandoned houses, and is also an interesting sight.

The Cyprus Copper route cannot fail to conjure to mind the rich and vivid past of ancient kingdoms, and the major part that copper played in their development, making it both an interesting and informative day out.

To access the full brochure detailing the island’s copper history and the route in full, click here.

*Visits to the museum require an appointment at least one day in advance, which can be made by contacting Mr Andreas on: +357 99 348 013.

Discover the western region of the island and the roads less travelled, where hidden natural treasures and unexpected cultural discoveries unravel to paint a picture of an area that is both breathtaking and historically rich.

A drive towards the small town of Polis Chrysochous will instantly transport you to a peaceful oasis of seaside charm and beautiful scenery. Just a stone’s throw away is the traditional fishing village of Latchi, famous for its fresh fish that travels from the fisherman’s net, straight into the kitchens of the waterfront taverns, where visitors and locals alike enjoy it in a traditional ‘meze’ meal.

A boat trip from Latchi will take you into the heart of rocky coves, and you will not be able to resist plunging into the cooling turquoise waters for a dip, whilst at the nearby Baths of Aphrodite, legend tells that the Ancient Greek Goddess of Love and Beauty used to do the same, many centuries ago. Her grotto is surrounded by an idyllic, lush landscape and walking trail dotted with fragrant flowers and herbs, and it is here that she met her lover, Adonis.

As you move higher inland, you will discover a winding labyrinth of villages dotted across the Laona Plateau, including Kathikas, Kritou Terra and Arodes. Thereafter, the sprawling, untamed natural beauty of the Akamas National Forest Park stretches all the way to the serene area of Pomos. There, the stunning Avakas Gorge leaves visitors in awe as it etches its way through the rugged countryside. The natural blessings of the area continue still with untouched beaches, whose pristine sands are secluded and far from the noise and the crowds.

As sunset fades to welcome the stars, a drive out towards Pomos in the evening reveals panoramic views and the sight of endless twinkling village lights. A selection of coastal establishments offer drinking with unparalleled views as the perfect way to end this romantic route.

Take a journey through the picturesque rural areas of the eastern part of the island, where traditional charm has been retained – and continues to defy the hands of time.

The route begins in the Ammochostos (Famagusta) area to visit the farming villages that are collectively known as ‘Kokkinochoria’. Comprised of the two Greek words for ‘red’ and ‘villages’, their name perfectly reveals that it is here that the abundance of the island’s potatoes, strawberries and watermelons are grown, in mineral-rich red soil that gives them a deliciously distinctive taste.

Heading further towards Larnaka (Larnaca), the Greek Orthodox monastery of Stavrovouni sits perched up high on a mountain peak, breathtakingly isolated and straight out of a classic painting. Savour the view before heading for the quaint mountainous village of Lefkara – famous for its handmade lace and filigree silver.

A stroll through its narrow winding lanes will take you past traditional terracotta-roofed houses, where the ladies of Lefkara sit outside, busily hand-embroidering intricate lace linens known as ‘Lefkaritika’. This skilled art has been practised exclusively in Lefkara since Venetian times (1489-1570 AD), when the village was a holiday resort for nobles, and the Venetian noblewomen taught the locals how to make the exquisite drawn-and-counted thread embroidery. The linens became an important trade for Lefkara and were world-renowned, and even the great painter Leonardo Da Vinci bought a large tablecloth for the altar of the Milan Cathedral when he visited the village.

In workshops across Lefkara, a second folk art is also still thriving – that of silverware, and the delicate craft of filigree jewellery known as ‘trifouri’. The cobweb effect of the beautiful handmade earrings, pendants and brooches is created by twisting fine silver wire into various designs. Enjoy a touch of traditional shopping for lace, silverware and other local products before stepping into the Folklore Museum for a journey back in time.

Finally, the adjacent village of Kato Drys (‘lower oak’ in Greek) is equally beguiling with its traditional architecture, beautiful views and interesting museums.

Discover the rich, historical wonders of an island that has seen many visitors through the ages, and bears the unique mark of each of them. As you follow a route of ancient ancestors, the insight and revelations they offer will transport you back to the adventures of bygone eras and heroic times. From the oldest settlements to grand architectural feats, a vast choice of archaeological sites can be explored, with so many paths leading back to the glorious past.

Begin your journey on the east coast with the ancient city of Kition in Larnaka (Larnaca). The site provides the first clear evidence that the Mycenaean Greeks arrived in Larnaka in the 13th century BC, and the Phoenicians in the 9th, and features temples dating back to these times.

Thereafter, head for new heights between Larnaka and Lemesos (Limassol), where the Neolithic settlement of Choirokoitia stands proudly on the hillside, distinctly marked out by cylindrical stone and mud dwellings that lay claim to the earliest permanent human housing on the island. The site is remarkably well-preserved and has been a listed UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998.

Further down the southeast coast, the ancient Greco-Roman Kourion stands as one of the island’s top ancient highlights and was an important city-kingdom in antiquity. Its magnificent theatre was built in the 2nd century BC and extended in the 2nd century AD. Today, the theatre has been completely restored and is used for open-air musical and theatrical performances during the summer months, commanding breathtaking views of the surrounding patchwork land and sea.

As you follow the coastline towards Pafos (Paphos), history further comes to life, with the whole town listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, thanks to its world-famous archaeological sites that stretch out from Palaipafos (Kouklia) to the heart of Kato Pafos. Included are ancient villas of stunning mosaics and numerous sites associated to the cult of the Ancient Greek Goddess of Love and Beauty, Aphrodite, whom legend tells was born of sea foam in the region.

Walk in the Footsteps of a Goddess

Follow in the footsteps of Aphrodite, the Ancient Greek Goddess of Love and Beauty, and protectress of Cyprus, and discover the archaeological sites dedicated to her ancient cult as you wander through layers of history, culture and mythology.

Cyprus has always been considered the ‘Island of Aphrodite’, and no other place in the world can boast of being the birthplace of the Goddess of Love and Beauty. In the 8th century BC, Homer mentions Aphrodite as ‘Kypris’ and ‘Golden Aphrodite’, whilst there are many myths connected to Aphrodite that possibly originated on the island, including those concerning Aphrodite and Hephaistos, Aphrodite and Ares, and Aphrodite and Adonis.

With a historically accurate programme of cultural routes – centred on the search for the traces that Aphrodite has left throughout the island – you will embark upon an enchanted journey through the sites of Palaipafos (Kouklia) in the Pafos (Paphos) region, the ancient city kingdom of Amathus in the Lemesos (Limassol) region, and Kition, in the Larnaka (Larnaca) region. Each is linked to other sites and museums, where artefacts related to the Goddess endure to this day. And upon the way, you will delight in learning all about her birth, mythology and character, as well as the rituals, plants and seashells connected with her cult.

Palaipafos – which is an UNESCO World Heritage Site – has the deepest links with the Goddess, as it is the area that played a central role in the genesis (birth) of Kyprida Aphrodite, and combines the most interesting sites of the route, including the main archaeological site of Palaipafos (Kouklia) and the Chalcolithic site of Lempa. There are also a number of related museums, nature sites and trails in the region.

The ancient city kingdom of Amathus – on the Bay of Lemesos – was probably founded by Greek Mycenaean settlers in the 12th to the 11th centuries BC, and was one of the most important kingdoms where Kyprida Aphrodite was celebrated. The ruins of the temple of Aphrodite can be seen at the main archaeological site of Amathus, whilst the District Museum of Lemesos complements the visit with in-depth information about the celebrated Goddess.

Larnaka and the Agia Napa area offer a combination of sites relating to Aphrodite. The main archaeological site is Kition – Kathari in Larnaka, where visitors can explore the links of the ancient city of Kition with the Goddess Kyprida Aphrodite, along with the area’s ties to the sea, culminating at the Kyprida Aphrodite Nature Trail at Cape Gkreko in Protaras.

Nowhere else will you find legend, history and romance so intricately intertwined, with each new discovery a beautiful reminder of the island’s unique and special bond with Aphrodite.

To access the full brochure detailing the island’s connection with Aphrodite; her historical footsteps, and all the information for the various sites and elements associated to the Goddess, click here