Royal Chapel of Agia Aikaterini (St. Catherine) – Pyrga village

Posted on | by cconstantinou | Leave a Comment on Royal Chapel of Agia Aikaterini (St. Catherine) – Pyrga village

Considered to be one of the most interesting surviving structures from the Frankish Period on the island, the Royal Chapel was built in 1421 by the Lusignan King Janus.

The building is a small, single-aisled vaulted structure without an apse. In the past a portico enclosed the chapel on all sides (except for the east side). Up to the end of the 19th century, the ruins of a manor house or a monastery attached to the chapel were visible. Today only traces of these survive.

The chapel was originally entirely painted, but many of the paintings were destroyed during the course of time. On the eastern façade, King Janus is depicted in a wall painting, along with his second wife, Charlotte de Bourbon. The couple are kneeling in front of the Crucifixion cross, whilst another figure kneeling by the feet of Jesus at the scene of the Entombment is believed to be Hugh Lusignan, brother of Janus and Latin Bishop of Nicosia (Lefkosia).

Included in the mural decoration of the chapel is a series of coats-of-arms of the Medieval Kingdom of Cyprus, as well as graffiti carved into the frescoed walls. The graffiti belongs to various pilgrims and travellers, and the dates carved with them fall within the period between the 15th and the 16th centuries.

Region: Larnaka (Larnaca)
Address: Pyrga village, 32km from Larnaka, 35km south of Lefkosia, off the Lefkosia – Lemesos (Limassol) motorway
GPS coordinates: Lat: 34.925522 Lon: 33.431892
Contact No: Tel: +357  96 473060 (Mr. George)
Operating Hours: September 16 – April 15, Monday – Friday: 08:30 – 16:00
April 16 – September 15, Monday – Friday: 09:30 – 17:00
Operating Period: All year round.
Closed on weekends and on Public Holidays.
Entrance Fee: €2,50
For organised groups consisting of more than 10 persons there is a 20% reduction on the entry fees.
The Department of Antiquities can issue special entry cards for all its museums and ancient monuments: One (1) day entry cards – €8,50, three (3) day entry cards – €17,00, seven (7) day entry cards – €25,00.
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.

 

Church of Agios Varnavas and Ilarionas (Saints Barnabas and Hilarion)

Posted on | by cconstantinou | Leave a Comment on Church of Agios Varnavas and Ilarionas (Saints Barnabas and Hilarion)

Located in the village of Peristerona, on the west bank of Serrahis tributary river, the church dedicated to Saints Barnabas and Hilarion is thought to have been built in the 9th or 10th century. The five-domed building serves as an outstanding example of Cypriot Byzantine architecture, with part of the original church’s north wall still surviving and incorporated in the western part of the wall of the existing church. The oldest wall-painting samples belong to the 15th and 16th centuries.

Next to the church lies the Turkish mosque of Peristerona, and the image of the two side-by-side has appeared on past currency and stamps as a symbol of peaceful coexistence between Greek and Turkish Cypriots prior to the 1974 Turkish invasion.

Region: Lefkosia (Nicosia)
Address: Peristerona village, Lefkosia – Troodos Road
Contact No: Tel: +357 99 620 753
Operating Hours: Enquire at the coffee shop next door.
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.

 

A Stroll in Neapolis, Nemesos, Limassol… Lemesos

Posted on | by cconstantinou | Leave a Comment on A Stroll in Neapolis, Nemesos, Limassol… Lemesos

The Walking Tour (City Route) of ‘A Stroll in Neapolis, Nemesos, Limassol… Lemesos’ is designed to acquaint visitors with one of Lemesos’ most important features – the seafront area known as ‘Molos’ or ‘Embankment’.

Traditionally a meeting point for the locals (Lemesiani), this area was turned into an open-air Sculpture Park, which exhibits works of art by Cypriot, Greek and international artists.

The tour also takes participants past the old port, and Lemesos Castle, which is now a museum on the Medieval history of Cyprus. It continues through the surrounding area – home to interesting stone-built warehouses, many of which have become restaurants and exhibition halls.

The walk then visits the sites of Great Mosque or Kepir Mosque, the Cathedral of Agia Napa, the Municipal Market and the traditional shopping centre of Agiou Andreou – now a quaint, pedestrian area.

Start Point: Τourist Information Office, Lemesos (Limassol), Μichalis Kakoyianis Square-Old Port
End Point: Τourist Information Office, Lemesos (Limassol), Μichalis Kakoyianis Square-Old Port
Days / Times: Every Thursday at 10:00
Operating Period: All year round.
Not available on Public Holidays.
Estimated Duration: 2 hours, 30 minutes
Booking: Advance booking is required.
Price: Free
Organised by: Lemesos Municipality, Deputy Ministry of Tourism and Cyprus Tourist Guides Association
Information: +357 25362756 please book in advance

Accommodation

Posted on | by cconstantinou | Leave a Comment on Accommodation

Blessed with the beauty of nature’s best palette, the scenery of Cyprus unfolds across glittering coasts, rolling mountains, fragrant forests and rugged headlands. From the warm shores of the mainland to the unspoiled and cool oasis of the Troodos mountain range, nature lovers, artists, photographers and explorers will all delight in meeting shy creatures, and discovering rare plants that peep out amidst waterfalls, coves, woodland, winding trails and secluded sandy beaches. As the island is on the migration path between Europe, Asia and Africa, Cyprus is a birdwatchers dream, with flocks of flamingos frequenting the salt lakes, and many other significant species passing through or nesting. And deep in the forests, the national animal – the Mouflon – roams freely, with catching a glimpse of this timid, wild sheep a real treat for locals and visitors alike. Exotic and rare forms of wildlife also give Cyprus a special touch. Green and Loggerhead turtles breed on the island’s sandy beaches in summer, while the Mediterranean Seal and dolphins have also been seen swimming in the warm, calm, crystal clear seas of the island. Botanists and herbalists will equally appreciate the island’s green side, with a large number of local herbs and endemic plants, including the Cyprus orchid, tulip and crocus waiting to be stumbled upon along winding nature trails and paths less travelled. From stunning sunrise to breathtaking sunset, the natural allure of Cyprus is both magnificent and inspiring… and all waiting to be uncovered.