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Paphos
is rapidly becoming the most important tourist center
of Cyprus. It is a small city with about 11.000 inhabitants.
The old Paphos is a small village, called Ktima. Today,
there is also a modern Paphos, called Kato Paphos, which
is the tourist neighborhood. This modern resort has
several hotels, a boulevard with different cafés
and bars and a 18 hole golf course. Paphos is a romantic
city with a vibrant night-life. Close to the harbor
are several archeological sites. In former times Nea
Paphos was the most important city of the island, but
earthquakes and invasions of the Saracens drove most
of the people to the neighboring hamlet of Ktima. For
lovers of ancient Greece culture, Paphos is a must.
Some place to visit are : the Paphos District Museum
(a collection of archeological findings), the Georgios
Eliades collection in Exo Vrysis Street (fossils and
archeological objects), the Byzantine fortress of Saranda
Kolones (the 40 columns), the house of Dionysus (a Roman
villa from the third century that was excavated in 1962
and that has some splendid mosaics), and the house of
Theseus (excavated in 1965).
The
place which is now called Larnaca is probably the oldest
inhabited place in Cyprus. The present city is built
on the foundations of the old city state Kition (founded,
according to legend, by the grandson of Noah). During
the 20th century the city lost most of its importance
to Famagusta. Because of the division of the island
and the construction of the international airport at
Larnaca, however, Larnaca is again a thriving center.
The places to visit are : the Turkish fortress (now
a museum), the impressive church Church of Saint Lazarus
(after his resurrection Lazarus is told to have become
bishop in Cyprus). The church is supposed to have been
built above his tomb. About 5 km west of Larnaca is
a 4 km² salt lake. On the borders of the lake one
can see the Muslim sanctuary Hala Sultan Tekke which
contains the relics of Umm Haram, the aunt of the Prophet
Mohammed, who died here in 647 AD.
Limassol
lies on the south coast of the island, halfway between
Larnaca and Paphos. Already in 2.000 BC people lived here,
but it was only during the time of the crusaders that
it became a flourishing city. Limassol is the second largest
city of Cyprus, and certainly the most lively one. Cypriotes
sometimes call it "the Paris of Cyprus". There
is always some festival or celebration going on in town.
Very renowned is the Wine Festival that takes place in
September. On the eastern side of the city are sandy beaches
that stretch out for miles. Lovers of night-life fun will
certainly not be disappointed in the many bars and discotheques
in the old city. The most important monuments are : the
Limassol fortress, the museum, the zoo and the wine producing
companies. Outside of the city is the former royal town
of Amathus (now a ruin, partially submerged by water).
The Kolossi Castle is a remainder of the old city state
of Kourion (of which also a theater, a basilica and a
stadium are preserved). |
