Letter from the Editor

Transcription

Discover Cyprus
Letter from the Editor
Autum,Winter & Spring
S
inging the praises of a country like Cyprus has to be the easiest job in the world, it
has a wonderful climate, superb places to visit and the people are the most hospitable
that I have ever met.The difficult task comes in trying to decide what to feature from
the enormous variety of subjects and places to hand.
So I thought ahead about the coming months that this issue of Sun Times was going to cover.
Of course, the main item is the change in season and everything that goes with the falling
temperature; what do you do in Cyprus in the autumn, winter and spring and just what do
Cypriots enjoy in the closing and opening months of the year?
To start with, the nature of Cyprus changes, the land becomes green and the birds are back
on route to have there annual stop-off on the island. Birdwatcher or not, the great flocks are
really amazing to see, especially the Flamingos down on the salt lakes in Larnaca.
The weather forces many inside over the coming months, so a quick run down of some
superb museums and indoor attractions are included in Sun Times; the Byzantine Museum
(page 10) and the Motorcycle Museum (page 4), both in the capital of Nicosia are great for
the whole family. But for those still looking to outdoor sites, then the amazing Kourion
archeological site near Limassol (page 36) and the Paphos Mosaics (page 28) are really
splendid to get close to the history of the island.
If you want somewhere completely different to stay then read all about Agrotourism, the way
to experience real tradition. And what can I say
about the Cypriot cuisine and the wonderful
Zivania, eating and drinking never tasted so
good.You may not think about snow when you
come to a Mediterranean island but, yes, skiing
in Cyprus is real and it’s here!
Sun Times will be back in May, but in the quiet
months ahead we will have many visitors
looking to enjoy and appreciate the sites and
sounds of our wonderful island, we hope you
have a great time.
Michaela Mobley Editor
suntimes@adboard.com.cy
Contributors
Constantinos Christou has
held the position of General
Manager of Adboard Dynamic
Communication for the past five
years. He has extensive
experience in sales and marketing
techniques. He is an ex Philip
Morris employee. Costas' main
focus is to offer excellent
marketing service and unfold new
techniques in selling. He also
teaches sales and marketing
techniques in various companies
in Cyprus and Greece.
Eleftheria Costopoulou is the
newest member of Adboard.
Coming from a financial
background, she's decided to
abandon dry finance and get
involved in the excitement of
sales. At this early stage, Eleftheria
has taken on her shoulders the
selling of advertising space in
Cocktail Magazine and has done
an excellent job!
2
THE SUN TIMES | Fall/Winter Issue 2006
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works late hours, so if you are
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then Andri is your sleepless
contact.
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GENERAL MANAGER
Costantinos Christou
CHIEF EDITOR
Michaela Mobley
ASSISTANT TO THE MAIN EDITOR
Marianna Xenofontos
CONTRIBUTING EDITORS
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Louise Foulger
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
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Special thanks to the Public Information
Office, Cyprus for their contribution in
photography
PROMOTIONS AND ADVERTISING
C. Christou,A. Demosthenous,
L. Sismani, A. Markaki,
E. Costopoulou
DESIGN
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PRINTING
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COPYRIGHT ©2006
Reproduction of The Sun Times Discover Cyprus in
whole or part without the written consent of Adboard
Dynamic Communication is strictly prohibited.
Responsible by Law Michael E Kyriakides
Lia Sismani also comes from a
marketing background. Coming
from Greece, Lia joined the
Adboard Team as a Sales
Executive in 2000. She is also
involved in various public relations
activities on behalf of the
company.
COVER:
Photograph:
The Winter nymph
ushering in the Fall
Istockphoto
Discover Cyprus
Left: Andreas
Nicolaou has been
collecting for 25 years
and now has over 160
motorcycles in his
collection
From the lyrics of
Heavy Fuel by Dire Straits
E
arly Vespas sparkle in
the aisle and Triumphs
and vintage Matchless stand as
timeless monuments to the
history of the motorcycle.The Cyprus
Classic Motorcycle Museum in the old
part of Nicosia (Lefkosia) has been the
inspiration of one man and his unending
enthusiasm and insatiable knowledge of
motorcycles.Andreas Nicolaou has been
collecting for 25 years and now has over
160 motorcycles in his collection, 100 of
which are on display in his bespoke
museum. But he doesn’t take all the
credit, pointing out diffe rent bikes that
family have helped with.
He describes how he managed to get
hold of parts and old motorcycles from
all around Cyprus, the UK and the US,
h i dden in old garages or workshops and
restored with loving care; in fact he even
has the ve ry first bespoke motorcycle
workbench to come to Cyprus. He not
only had to find the parts but all the
original tools to renovate the engines,
bodywork and saddles, a difficult task in
4
The official website of the Museum for additional information is
at http://agrino.org/motormuseum
itself and though
he is using them
on current
projects, some are
on display for visitors.
So let’s get down to the
really interesting stuff, the bikes
themselves.A stunning Triumph Daytona
T100R happens to be the only one that
came to Cyprus in 1972, and a 1947
BSA-B31 stands as one of the few bikes
that had the instruments built into the
petrol tank. Ironically known as the New
Hudson, the 1914 bike is one of the
oldest in the museum and though it’s in
working condition, each time it stops at
lights, it has to be restarted again- getting
through Nicosia rush hour could be
extemely difficult in this modern age!
Along the back wall lie some real
beauties including an Ariel Red Hunter
which was found completely rust ridd e n
and after two years of renovation, when
it was finally ready,Andreas gave it to his
wife for her birthday.
For those who remember
John Cooper,World
Champion, there is
something extremely
special to see. He came over
to Cyprus with the BSA team
in 1971 and prepared the
engine of an A50 with high
compression pistons and high
camshaft.The bike was ridden
by a Turkish Cypriot, n a m e ly
Zeki Isa who won the race.
Andreas re c e n t ly went to see him
in the occupied Northern part of
Cyprus and Mr Zeki generously donated
the bike, his trophies and the photos of
John Cooper doing the presentation.
They have now made plans to restore
the bike together.
Amongst the rare machines there is a
James Cadet from 1954 and a BSA M20
used by members of EOKA during the
period 1955-1959, and two bikes used by
the Presidential Guard of Archbishop
Makarios III, one re s t o red and the other
in the damaged and miserable condition
it was fo u n d , stand in stark contrast to
each other.
An early 1951 Lambretta 150D is in
immaculate condition and next to it are
parked the later generations of the
Lambretta family; the LD 150 and the
Silver Special- a sight for sore eyes fo r
the scooter buff.
The museum also has a small café, a gift
shop, a pool table and a small cinema,
where amongst many archive films
Andreas will also show Dire Straits livewhat more can you want from a day
out?
The bike museum is a story of the last
100 years of Cyprus history show n
through the motorcycle world and with
Andreas at your side, telling you about
events and stories surrounding each
ve h i c l e, it is a superb way of
understanding how much this country
has depended on the motorcycle fo r
pleasure, transport and service in war
and peace.This museum is a way of
thanking the motorcycle for all it has
given to Cypriots over the years.
The Cyprus Classic Motorcycle Museum
is at 44, Granikou str. Nicosia (Tel 99
543215)
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9am till 1pm
and 4pm till 6pm/ Sat 9am till 1pm
The Cyprus Classic Motorcycle Museum
welcomes donations from friends of the
Museum in any form, like motorcycles,
spare-parts, photographs with
motorcycles, tools etc.
Discover Cyprus
Fact Book
Cyprus’ Economy Facts
What time zone am I in?
GMT/UTC plus two hours
What electricity voltage is
used in Cyprus?
240V, 50 Hz
What’s the population:
754,064 (including 135,700 in
North Cyprus)
Which city is the island’s
capital?
Lefkosia (pop 193,000)
How is the population divided?
Into Cypriots: 78% are Greek
Cypriots, and 18% are Turkish
Cypriots
Spoken languages:
Mainly Greek, Turkish & English
Which system of government
is practised?
Democracy, headed by President
Tasos Papadopoulos
GDP:
GDP per head:
Annual growth:
Inflation:
US$10 billion
US$13,000
2.3%
3.6% (much higher
in the North)
Major industries:
Tourism,fruit &
vegetables,
wine, cement,
clothing, shoes.
Main trading partners:
Russian, Bulgaria,
UK, Greece, Japan,
Germany
Member of EU:
Current
(1st of May 2004)
Government
Office Hours
Winter Period
(Sept. 1 - June 30)
Monday - Friday:
07.30-14.30
Thursday :
07.30-14.30,
15.00-18.00
Summer Period
(July 1 - Aug. 31)
Monday - Friday:
07.30-14.30
Embassies
British High Commission
Alexander Pallis Street, Nicosia,
Russian Embassy
Ayios Prokopios & Arch.Makarios III Str.
Corner, Engomi, Nicosia
Tel: (357-22) 774622, 772141, 772142
Fax: (357-22) 774854
Telex: 5808 SOVEMB CY
e-mail: transl@cytanet.com.cy
Office hours: 08.00-14.00 (Mon. - Fri.)
Polish Embassy
Office hours 09-14.00 (Mon.-Fri.)
Kennedy 12-14, Apartment 302, Nicosia
Tel:22-753784/668145
Police Divisional
Headquarters
Private Doctors on Call (weekends)
Nicosia :
1432
Police Headquarters : 1460 Limassol :
1435
Nicosia :
22-802020 Larnaca :
1434
Limassol :
25-330411 Pafos :
1436
Larnaca :
24-630200 Famagusta :
1433
Pafos :
26-240140 Police / Fire Service
Famagusta :
23-803030 Ambulance / Emergencies : 112
Hospitals
Police Duty Officer
Nicosia :
(Confidential Information):
1499
General Hospital : 22-801400 Drug Law Enforcement
Makario Hospital : 22-493600 Unit :
1498
Limassol :
25-330777 Rescue Centre :
1441
Larnaka :
24-630300 Forest Fires :
1407
Paphos :
26-240111 British Bases Police :
1443
Famagusta :
23-821211 Drug Information and
Pharmacies (after hours)
Poison Control Centre :
1401
Nicosia :
1412
Narcotics Helpline :
1410/
Limassol :
1415
22-304160
Larnaca :
1414
Emergency Centre for Victims
Pafos :
1416
of Domestic Violence :
1440
Famagusta :
1413
AIDS Advisory Bureau :
22-301816
6
US Embassy
Monday - Friday from 8:00am - 5:00pm
Metohiou & Ploutarchou Str. - Engomi, Nicosia
Tel: 357-22-776400 ; Fax: 357-22-780944
The Delegation of the European Commission
to Cyprus
Iris Tower, 8th Floor, 2 Agapinor Str., Nicosia
Tel: 357 22 817770 ; Fax: 357 22 768926
e-mail: mailto@delcyp.cec.eu.int
German Consulate
Monday, Tuesdays, Thursdays & Fridays,
mornings
24 Nikitaras Street.
Contact 22-451145 for more information
SHOPPING HOURS
Winter Period (Nov. 1 - March 31)
Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri. :up to 18:00hrs.
Wed, Sat.:up to 14:00hrs
Spring Period (April 1 - May 31)
and Autumn Period (Sept. 15-Oct.31)
Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri :up to 19:00hrs.
Wed, Sat : up to 14:00hrs
Summer Period (June 1 - Sept. 14)
Mon, Tues, Thur, Fri. : up to 19:30hrs
Summer afternoon recess from 13:00-16:00
Wednesday, Saturday: up to 14:00 hrs
OFFICES HOURS
September 15-May 31
Monday-Friday: 08:00-13:00, 15:00-18:00
June 1-September 14
Monday-Friday:
08:00-13:00, 16:00-19:00
Discover Cyprus
Discover Cyprus
L
ast Christmas, my little niece Rosie
came to Cyprus for the festive
celebrations.We decided to take her
round on some wonderful excursions
which she was thrilled with, then one day we
said we would go high up into the Troodos
mountains to see the very highest peak of
Mount Olympus, where you could look down
over the whole island, even to the little white
spots of the boats on the sea far below.
When we got there, she couldn’t believe what
she saw, for there we witnessed the first
fluttering of snow beginning to fall in readiness
for the colder months to come.
Rosie went very quiet and slowly a smile came
to her face, she looked up and said, ‘You know
the best thing about Cyprus?’
‘No, what’s that Rosie’, I said.
‘Well, the very best thing is that it is the only
place I know where I can go to the seaside and
the mountains on the same day.’
She was right, I hadn’t thought about before,
but swimming and skiing are actually possible
because of the height of the mountains and the
wonderful climate of the coast.Well OK, it is a
bit chilly in the sea, but if you are brave enough
to throw yourself down a slope with some
planks attached to your feet, then I don’t see
the problem about dipping in the
Mediterranean on a sunny winter day.
‘Well, the very best thing is that it is the only place I know where I
can go to the seaside and the mountains on the same day.’
confident, but just how quickly
could I go? The question
was never answered as
a snow bank loomed
large in front of
me and the last
thing I saw
was my skis up
in the air and a
very cold and wet
face. But was it fun,
my goodness yes, and
I would recommend
anyone to take to the slopes and
try it out, beginners to the more
experienced will always have a great
time up in Troodos.
Later I told my niece about my trip,
and her only comment to me was, ‘you
should have stuck to the seaside!’
‘Out of the mouths of babes’, I
thought!
Rosie asked me about the skiing, so we decided
to go along to the ski centre just round the
corner from the Troodos Resort to find out.
Though Cypriots have been skiing for years up
here, the sport has taken on a tourist appeal
more recently with some good snow offering
several different grades of difficulty.We were
promised a good season that coming February
so what could I do but take up the challenge to
visit again.
So February came and, though not escorted by
my niece this time, I made the steady climb up
to almost 2,000 metres, through the beautiful
villages of Platres and Troodos. I couldn’t
believe it; the place was packed with hundreds
of people all with the same idea of enjoying the
delights offered by that vast white blanket of
snow that had been forming for the past week.
We ducked through snow ball fights and
skirted round snow men to find the Ski Centre
where hiring of skis and equipment went
without a hitch. A ski lift hustled up the hillside,
ducking in and out of view between the pine
trees, ready to take us back up the slope once
we had hurtled ourselves down.
So I started tentatively down the beginners
slope,‘sigar, sigar’ (slowly, slowly) as the
Cypriots say, catching the well-trodden track as
I went. I got faster and then a little more
8
Fall/Winter Issue 2006 | THE SUN TIMES
9
Discover Cyprus
Discover Cyprus
Cyprus Meze
Photographing what you are eating? Best done
before it fades in lustre and temperature and, of
course, before you can’t resist eating it. A huge
spread of meze dishes on the table gives a
colourful picture full of texture.
Cape Greco
The whole of the Ayia
Napa coast is open to
photographers who
want rough coastline
and clear blue seas.
From the view point
at Cape Greco you
can shoot the whole
bay, especially good at
sunset.
Kykkos Monastery
Red bricks and turrets against the clear
sky, bell towers and frescos, the
challenges of internal and external
photography are blended when shooting
the cloisters.
Liopetria Potomos – Best photographed early
morning, the multi-coloured fishing boats lie
tranquil and give off wonderful reflections.You
may even catch them coming into moor and get
some good shots of the fishermen and their catch.
Petra tou Romiou or Aphrodite’s Rock
The perfect picture to represent the island is the
birthplace of Cyprus’ own goddess of love,
especially good first thing in the morning to catch
the shadows.
Kourion
An outstanding site of
roman and Byzantine
archeology, featuring
silhouetted arches, huge
pillars and of course the
theatre that overlooks
the Mediterranean.
Perspective and contrast
is all important.
Lefkara
A picture postcard village that is best
photographed from below to see the
tumbling effect of the houses. Old streets
and craft workers are also a delight to
photograph.Try black and white.
Caledonia Falls
A beautiful, all-year round waterfall that cascades
against dark rocks and is surrounded by canopies
of tall trees. Great place to capture the natural
beauty of Cyprus.
12
Paphos Castle
Stark against the blue sea but right next to the buzz of
Paphos harbour, the Castle offers many angles and
contrasts, with some good ‘people shots’ to be had.
13
AYIA NAPA
AYIA NAPA
A
fter a glorious night at the
clubs and pubs in Ayia Napa,
we have decided that it was
time for us to go sightseeing in
Ayia Napa.We have been here for more
than six days, spoiling ourselves during
those long days at the beach and definitely
the long nights at the clubs and pubs. So
we took our bikes and headed towards
the centre of Ayia Napa.
U
nder a grey sky last
October we met up with
a wonderful local family
just off Nissi Avenue, the
bustling, lavish area of Napa.Whilst
this couple had been used to the
luxury life, they had decided that it
was time for them to move
somewhere more quiet and rural
and get in touch with their roots.
And I mean this literally, as they have
taken up the art of organic potato
growing!
With his funny tone of voice my
friend started to tease me, ‘You
know how some people call others
'couch potatoes'? Well, I think that
anyone sitting on the floor watching
TV, eating junk food, should be called
a ‘mashed potato’ because people
are probably gonna step on them
accidentally, and a stomped on
potato would be...........TA DA!!! A
MASHED POTATO!!!!! I don't know,
I thought of this when my brother
called me a ‘couch potato’ while he
was on the floor in front of me.’
I watched my friend chuckling beside
me; he had made his money from a
long career in business and then had
inherited a number of acres in the
neighbourhood of Ayia Napa. Now
he has turned himself from a
corporate guy into a farmer that
pays attention to quality.The
beautiful fertile red soil and the
climate of the area create the
perfect growing conditions for
14
The monastery of Ayia Napa comes
as something of a surprise after the
sprawling nightclubs and theme pubs in
the centre of town.The building is
enclosed by a wall which tradition says
was erected as a defence
against pirates, whilst today has the effect
of cordoning off the place from the
revellers.
potatoes that are now famed
throughout the world.
He enthused about his new home and
his new life, ‘Ayia Napa offers the best
of both worlds.We can go out in the
summer but in the winter it is really
quiet and tranquil.That is why we love
this place. My organic potatoes can be
grown on a large-scale without
commercial pesticides and standard
fertilizers. However, production costs
for organic potatoes are higher and
their yields are lower than for
conventionally produced potatoes.
Whether prices for organic potatoes
can be high enough to offset these
costs still remains a question.’
He told us that he moved to Ayia
Napa to do something completely
different and this gave him a real
niche. He currently exports the
organic potatoes to both the UK and
Germany. He is looking for more
acres of land to rent as demand grows
and he is slowly starting to see the
benefit of his labours. ‘We produce the
best organic potatoes in the world.
We need to go on. Our accession into
the European Union will enhance our
position.We are confident that we can
make it.’
So far they seem to be happy with
their new lifestyle.They say that every
day they spend in the land of their
ancestors is a bonus.They will pass on
to their children the art of organic
potatoes!
Mrs. Maritsa, an old lady in her mid
eighties, started giving us the details of the
name of Ayia Napa. She told us that her
great grand mother told her that the
name referred to the handkerchief which
Saint Veronica used to wipe the face of
Jesus when He was carrying His cross to
Calvary. Her mother however later on
revealed another myth about Ayia Napa.
During the sixteenth century, some
hunters who owned a mangy dog noticed
that his coat improved remarkably after
visits to a hidden spring.The hunters
didn’t know what to think.They followed
the dog to its drinking place and to their
great surprise they discovered a holy icon
of Virgin Mary hidden there for years.The
icon was taken to a nearby area and there
they constructed today’s monastery of
Ayia Napa.
House of God by a small staircase.The
belfry lies on the rock base whilst at the
west side of the monastery is a sycamore
tree mentioned in the Bible.
Swimming in turquoise seas and walking
along golden sands is the ideal holiday, but
your time in Ayia Napa just would not be
complete it you do not pay a visit to this
charming piece of history at the heart
town. A unique experience…
It is known that the existing building was
completed by the Venetians just prior to
the Turkish quest around about 1570 and
is very well preserved.The monastery was
restored during the early 1970s.The
architecture of the building is quite
unique.The church is located partly
underground and you can enter in the
Three-Potato Grill BBQ Recipe
After endless nagging, we
convinced him to give away
the three-potato grill BBQ
recipe. Try it.Yummy!!!
2
medium Ay Napa potatoes,
scrubbed, cut lengthways in
half
2 medium Ay Napa Gold
potatoes, scrubbed, cut
lengthways in half
2 medium sweet potatoes,
scrubbed, cut lengthways in
half
1 tablespoon olive oil
3/4 teaspoon seasoned salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground
black pepper
Lightly brush potatoes with
oil. Position potatoes; cut
side down, in centre of
cooking grate. Grill 28 to 30
minutes or until tender,
turning once halfway through
grilling time.
In a small bowl, combine
seasoned salt, garlic powder,
and pepper; sprinkle evenly
over potatoes.
Makes 6 servings.
15
Discover Cyprus
Just the one?
Want to keep warm in those winter
months or refreshed in the heat of the
summer? Well, Cypriots have the drink
that will warm and relax all at the same
time; the famous Cyprus Zivania.
The liquor is totally colourless, but don’t
be deceived as it has an alcohol content
of up to 45% and can be extremely
powerful. Drink it like the Cypriots,
slowly and by the shot glass and you
won’t suffer the ‘Zivania Zonk’.
So what’s in this incredible drink? Since
the end of the 14th century Cypriots
have been taking the residue of grapes
that were pressed during the
winemaking process (including the stems
and seeds) mixed with high-quality dry
wines produced from the local grape
varieties of Cyprus.The pomace/wine
mixture is then distilled in special
traditional distillation apparatus,
producing zivania- simple as that! In fact,
so simple that most villages had and still
have their own zivania distillers to
produce a home-made version, and my
goodness it’s potent- all I can say is that
if a drink is used for massage, to treat
wounds and as a cold remedy, maybe just
the one is enough!
Of course the quality and taste varies
according to the grapes used, how old it is
and what it is served with.There is a
zivania with a wonderful twist for in some
villages of Cyprus, cinnamon was added to
zivania giving it a nice red color and a fine
aroma and flavour; these days you can find
this variety up at Kykkos Winery in the
Troodos Mountains.
The great thing about zivania is that it
usually comes with such a welcome. Even
nowadays at some villages in Cyprus,
visitors will be welcomed to a home with
zivania served together with almonds,
walnuts, or small appetizers like loukaniko
(traditional Cypriot sausage), or lountza
(traditional Cypriot smoked pork loin).This
goes back to the time when Cypriots
would keep a bottle of aged zivania in the
cupboard for special occasions or as a treat
for visitors.
Heartburning or heavenly, Zivania is here to
stay as the Cyprus drink for many
centuries to come. So enjoy!
17
The Magnificent
Moufflon
.
E
ver looked at the logo of our
national airline, Cyprus Airways? It
depicts a strange animal indeed; is
it a goat, is it a deer, is it plane?
No, it’s a moufflon!
Never having seen one myself, I couldn’t
help wondering about the animal that is so
dear to Cypriots. I was told by one friend
that, ‘The moufflon is to Cypriots what the
kangaroo is to Australians’, a short and
enlightening response I thought, but it did
not answer my questions:What is a
moufflon? Why is it so important? And
above all, where can I see it?
When my friend showed me a picture of
the ‘famous’ moufflon, I realized this must
not only be a very important animal to
Cypriots, but to the history of the sheep
as well! The resemblance was there, but
this animal looked a lot more wild,
beautiful, free and powerful. Indeed, as I
later discovered by a local geographer, the
moufflon has the agility of a young deer
(imagine the way Bambi jumped around in
Disney’s famous cartoon!)
The history of the moufflon dates back to
6000 BC, when the animals were abundant
in number and roamed about freely in the
ancient lands of Cyprus. But how exactly
did the sheep’s great-grandfather end up
in Cyprus? Since moufflons are animals of
the mountain, it is said that they swam a
50-mile distance from the nearest landmass and ended up in the island of
Aphrodite and its several slopes. David
Attenborough himself said that the
moufflon is “the closest approximation we
have to the ancestral sheep.” The male
moufflon is a beautiful wild animal, with a
short-haired coat, a short tail and majestic
curled horns, from which you can tell the
animal’s age.The female is smaller in size
than the male, but nevertheless it remains
just as attractive.
though, I had made up my mind. I wanted
to see this animal up close. So, ‘armed’
with my camera and patience, I went to
the best site for moufflon-sighting. Stavros
tis Psorkas is a forest station situated 54
kilometers from Paphos, and is supposed
to be one of the best natural surroundings
for moufflons – in other words, an ideal
place to see them. After a brief walk in the
forest, I found a good spot, sat down and
started waiting.
It turned out my friend was right about
the patience part. I was running out of it
almost as fast as I was perspiring in the
heat. Maybe it wasn’t meant to be. I
started to get up, when suddenly I heard a
sound in the nearby bushes. Quickly I
turned around while trying to stay as
quiet as possible. And then I saw it.A
majestic creature emerged from behind a
pine tree. Its horns glowered in the sun,
and its brown hair was shining as if it was
in flames. I fumbled for my camera. I
pushed the button. Nothing happened.
Before I realized what was happening, the
moufflon was gone. I looked down at my
camera.The lens cover was not open.
Typical. I sighed.Was it a sigh of relief,
disappointment? To tell you the truth, I
can’t even remember. But one thing I will
always remember is the thrill of seeing the
most beautiful and rare animal in Cyprus,
and one of the most grandiose creatures
in the world.
Maybe my friend was right about the
camera part as well. But, in the end of the
day, it really didn’t matter. Such rare
encounters are better appreciated if they
are only kept in your memory.
Finding out about moufflons was easy
though.The tricky part came when I
decided I wanted to see and photograph
one. “You’ll need a good camera, and a lot
patience!” my friend told me. I didn’t mind
19
Discover Cyprus
Discover Cyprus
Did you know......????
Did you know......????
A number of interesting facts surrounding Cyprus
Cyprus is the third largest island in the
Mediterranean Sea, after Sicily and Sardinia.
Cyprus is said to be the
birthplace of Aphrodite (or
Venus), the Greek goddess of
love.The myth says that she rose
from the sea at Petra tou
Romiou in Paphos.
• Cyprus is the only country in the
world to have its actual map on its
flag.
General Kimon the
Athenian is remembered
for revoking
the
Persian
army on
the
beaches
of
Larnaca
The philosopher, Zeno
of Kition the founder
of Stoicism, was born
in Larnaka but later
lived in Athens.
It is even reputed that
Leonardo da Vinci, on a visit
to Cyprus, was very
impressed by the Lefkara
women’s adaptation of
Venetian embroidery. He is
said to have taken a piece
of work with the “potamos”
design on it back to Italy to
grace the altar in Milan
Cathedral.This design is
known today as the
“Leonardo da Vinci design”.
TOTAL AREA: 9,250 sq km
LAND AREA: 9,240 sq km
WATER AREA: 10 sq km
HIGHEST POINT: Olympus 1,951 m
LOWEST POINT: Mediterranean Sea 0 m
Did you know that Cyprus is the first
country in the world to have their
own scheduled Internet TV channel?
On March 01 2006, Cyprus launched
www.cyprusitv.tv in order to promote
Cyprus business, leisure and culture to
the rest of the world.
• Many trees were cut down in
Cyprus for ship building in early
times leading to deforestation.
Salt is collected from
the Larnaka salt lakes in
summer when the heat
dries up the water
exposing the mineral.
The Birth of Venus is
a famous painting by
the Italian artist,
Sandro Botticelli
(1446-1510).
Any person
residing on a
permanent basis
in Cyprus who has
no other source of
income, or very limited
sources of income, is entitled
to apply to the Ministry of
Labor and Social Services for
financial and or other
assistance. This assistance
can take the form of medical
care, nursing care at home,
medication, home cleaning
or financial assistance.
Cyprus was an
important
shipbuilding center
and timber
exporting country
during Roman
times.
• The Kyrenia ship, excavated in the
late 1960s, was built in the fourth
century and sank just off Kyrenia.
• At the beginning of the Byzantine
era (330 AD) earthquakes
destroyed many buildings in
Cyprus.
Cyprus joined the
EU on 1 May 2004
• Lazarus who was raised from the
dead by Jesus was Cyprus' first
bishop and the island's patron
saint.
• The Church of Agia Faneromeni
in Larnaka, was built over a cave in
the eighth century.
• Richard the Lionheart, King of
England, married Berengaria of
Navarre in Limassol Castle.
• Nine Byzantine churches in the
Troodos Mountains have been
designated UNESCO World
Cultural Heritage Sites.
George Michael, the
musician, singer and
songwriter is of Cypriot
parentage.
…So is Peter
Andre, singer
of 90s pop-hit
‘Mysterious Girl’
• Kolossi castle was the
headquarters of the Knights of St.
John also known as the Templars.
• "The Green Line" is the name of
the division of Nicosia between
the Greek and Turkish
communities which took place in
1974. It was so called because the
line was drawn with a green pencil
on the map.
20
21
AYIA NAPA
Black & White
foam, you can’t go wrong!
If you love soul, swing and R&B, then
the Black & White is the place to be.
It’s one of the only clubs that stays
open all year round; always packed
and always jumping, and watch out
for the special guest DJs that pull the
crowds.
Bagleys Club
Havanna Base
A great bar to hang out with tourists,
celebrities and visiting football stars.
Guest DJs routinely make an
appearance here and it’s open until
2am.
A rocking kind of place that does not
go in for all the straight commercial
sounds. However, wait till the end of
the night and they can’t resist playing
the chart R&B we all know and love.
It's a pretty mixed crowd but worth
a visit.
Senior Frogs
Their web site says, ‘If you don't
know how to party before you come
to Senior Frogs,You sure will when
you leave.’ And they are not wrong;
open in the day for food and sport’s
screens, at night it’s loud, vibrant and
party people pack the place.
Club Ice
Playing everything from 70's to the
sounds of now.The wicked foam
parties...and Ayia Napa's only
POPCORN party are all extremely
popular for obvious reasons; fun and
Excellent funky house club in a
warehouse-like dance venue. Small in
size but has a massive atmosphere.
Buzz Bar
Nissi Bay Cafe Bar
Right on the beach, so if water sports is
too hectic then this is an excellent
choice for afternoon and evening drinks
and the beer is relatively cheap- bonus!
Club Abyss
A massive club with a massive guest DJ
list. Extremely popular for a good
reason– it has four levels of air
conditioning!
Pzazz Club
The place to be for house and garage,
this place is really popular and has a
capacity for over 2000.
AYIA NAPA
Sky Bar
Gas Club
The perfect prelude to the clubs, playing
a range of r’n’b and garage. The bar is
set out just like a club so if you want to
dance but cant wait till the clubs open
here is the place to go!
One of Napa's newer clubs and what
a bargain! Here you get two clubs
rolled into one.The Gallery, which
fits 700 people and plays 70's, 80's
and 90's music.The other part,
"Workshop" squeezes in around
1000 people to the sounds of House
and Garage.
The Castle
Is probably the most popular club in
Ayia Napa. It’s spread out, up and
sideways with the different levels and
with a guest list that includes Paul
Oakenfold, Fabio and Carl Cox, you
can’t go wrong.
Club Mythology
Slightly smaller than many of the
superclubs but has a good atmosphere
with the emphasis on the music.The
crowd here is sexy and stylish and
comes for the excellent line-up.
Bedrock
You’ve seen the Bedrock bus, now try
the club. Half-naked prehistoric people
work the bar and there is an
opportunity to embarrass yourself at
Karoke before you boogey the night
away- a fun club if I ever saw one!
Guru Bar
An ethnic experience favoured by the
media types. It’s in a traditional house
with hammocks, garden beds and
tents. And the music? Apparently it is
fusion Ethnic house covering Latin,
Asian and oriental house; beat that!
SITES TO
SEE
Ayia Napa itself, once a
quiet fishing village, now
is a good alternative to
Ibiza as the party-capital
of the Mediterranean.
Surrounded by clubs
and pubs, a charming
mediaeval monastery
stands tall in the middle
of the village, and is a
popular meeting place
for visitors. The church
exists there from the
16th Century, while the
sycamore tree, found in
front of the south gate,
is approximately 600
years old.
Paralimni Village
Now the main administrative district of the area, Paralimni is a much
quieter town than Ayia Napa, which establishes it as a more family
orientated place. A must-see site is the twin aisled vaulted church,
dedicated to the Virgin Mary, which is decorated with interesting 18th
century porcelain plates.
Deryneia Village
The most interesting places to visit in the village are three beautiful
churches; two 17th Century churches dedicated to Virgin Mary and
Saint George, and a 15th century church dedicated to Ayia Marina.
Sotira Village
The village of Sotira has even more churches to visit, the most
remarkable ones being the 12th century church of Ayios Mamas,
which is now partly ruined, and the church of Sotiros with its 13th
Century wall paintings.The church of Ayios Mamas was rebuilt in the
16th century and has wall paintings dating from back then.
Liopetri Village
A further two churches can be found at this village.The oldest one is
a 15th century church dedicated to Ayios Andronikos, which
possesses an octagonal dome, and the other one is a 16th century
church dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Liopetri is also famous for its
villagers’ abilities in the traditional craft of basketry..
Frenaros Village
A number of small Byzantine churches are the main attractions of this
village, the main ones being those of Agios A n d ro n i kos and
Archangelos Michail that have been standing there since the 12th
century.As you pass by the church of Agia Marina, make sure you take
a look at some of the intriguing frescoes found there, which have been
painted by different artists across the years.
Potamos Liopetriou
A beautiful place to visit, ideal for both fishermen and romantics that
enjoy seeing picturesque landscapes. Arthur Rimbaud, the French
poet, was among those inspired by the scenery in the 1880s. With a
little exploration, one may come across the remains of the nearby
Venetian watch-tower.
22
23
Discover Cyprus
Little surprise
then that there
have been
around 375
different kinds
of birds
counted in
Cyprus
M
any European birds spend
the winter here in Cyprus
because of its mild climate.
This Eastern Mediterranean
Island is a handy stopover for migrating
birds on their way to Africa. Other birds
come here in the spring for their
breeding season and then stay on for
the summer. Little surprise then that
there have been around 375 different
kinds of birds counted in Cyprus.
Ornithologists from all over the world
come to admire the rich bird life
particularly in spring and autumn.There
are also several species of indigenous
birds in Cyprus.
Birdwatchers will be amply rewarded in
Cyprus. Among the long list of endemic
birds are the Cyprus warbler, Cyprus
pied wheatear, coal tit and scops owl.
Other feathered residents include
chukar, crested lark, wood pigeon,
kestrel, barn owl, bonelli's eagle and
griffon vultures.
Recent additions to the Cyprus list have
been Timminck's Horned Lark in 2005;
Black-shouldered Kite in 2004: Lesser
White-fronted Goose in 2003; Bewick's
Swan, Upcher's Warbler and Bullfinch in
2002; and Namaqua Dove, Bar-tailed
Desert Lark and Menetries's Warbler in
1998.
26
From the numerous wild birds of Cyprus,
birds of prey are the most fascinating and
amongst them the Eleonora's falcon (Falco
eleonorae) and the imperial eagle (Aquila
heliaca), are the jewel on the crown.
Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean
and covers an area of 9250 square kilometres. It is situated
at the easternmost part of the Mediterranean basin and right
in the middle of the migration routes for millions of birds which
move every year from Europe to Africa and Asia in autumn and
back to Europe in spring. By December there are coots, ringed
plovers, lapwings, sea gulls and sandpipers, then in the spring
come the glossy ibis, egrets and herons. After the late autumn
rains swell the salt lakes of Akrotiri and Larnaca, thousands of
greater flamingoes on hiatus from their traditional homes in
Africa fly in to over-winter there. Many migratory ducks arrive by
December.
Two other recent additions to the Cyprus list have been Yellowlegged Gull and Armenian Gull, now officially split from Herring
Gull, with Caspian Gull likely to follow shortly.
These migrating birds may only rest for a few days to a week.
March to May is the period of Northward migration and August
to October the Southward.
Every month the Birdlife Cyprus group organizes field meetings
for bird ringing, so to get in touch with them, go to
www.birdlife/cyprus.org and join their conservation efforts or
just watch the birds for the mere joy of seeing our feathered
friends.
27
PAPHOS
PAPHOS
importance of the public and private buildings that were
built towards the end of the 2nd century AD.To date the
excavated buildings include an Agora, a Theatre, an
Amphitheatre, an Odeon and an Asklepieion.
The surviving
opulent mosaics
reflect the
importance of the
public and private
buildings that
were built
towards the end
of the 2nd
century AD
There were also temples dedicated to Aphrodite, Artemis,
Apollo, Zeus, Leto and probably Dionysus. Because most
of the mosaics actually feature Dionysus, the largest and
most well-known of the complexes was named House of
Dionysos. Altogether, there are 34 rooms fabulously
covering a wide variety of themes, so two or three hours
should be devoted to seeing all of the mosaics and
appreciating the detail.
The House of Aion was uncovered in 1983, and the
mosaics found in it are of a later period and of a more
‘mature’ and ‘sophisticated’ style.The remaining villas are
the House of Theseus,The House of Orpheus and The
House of the Four Seasons, all three of them also
depicting scenes from Greek mythology.
P
The mosaics visible today survived earthquakes in the
second half of the 4th century A.D. and the majority of
them are displayed in their original position.Though now
they are protected from the elements with shelters
erected by the Department of Antiquities, a visit to the
finest mosaics in the Mediterranean is compulsory, to say
the least!
aphos is one of the most
historic and interesting towns
in the Mediterranean, full of
character with essential and
amazing sites to see.There is the
harbour area, which in itself is a
lovely place to walk and eat in one of
the many restaurants surrounding the
harbour walls.The castle stands
prominently guarding the sea
entrance to Paphos and next to the
harbour is one of the most recent
treasures discovered in Cyprus.
In Nea Paphos, as the Paphos
Archaeological Site has been named,
in 1962, some leveling operations
were taking place in the area and
completely accidentally the remains
of a large and wealthy residence from
the Roman period were unveiled.
Inside these remains, the most
spectacular group of mosaics in
Cyprus was discovered.Today the
mosaics, together with the Tombs of
the Kings (also found close to
Paphos) are the two must-visit sites
of the island.
In 58 BC the Romans annexed the
island and Paphos became the
political and organizational centre of
their administration.The surviving
opulent mosaics reflect the
28
29
Discover Cyprus
PAPHOS
SITES TO
SEE
The region around
Paphos is full of
diversity, from small
quaint mountain villiages
- so high that sometimes
the mist rolls in during
the late afternoons, or
to the resorts which
stretch along beautiful
sandy beaches. Paphos is
probably one of the
richest areas in History
and culture and is even
mentioned in
the book of Acts
Paphos Medieval Fort
Kato Paphos Harbour
Originally a Byzantine fort and full of historic
intrigue; it was built to protect the harbour,
later it was rebuilt by the Lusignans in the 13th
century and then dismantled by the Ottomans
after they captured the island in the 16th
century.
Petra Tou Romiou
Birthplace of Aphrodite
25km from Paphos
The Greek name, Petra tou Romiou (or The
Rock of the Greek) is associated with the
legendary frontier-guard of Byzantine times
Digenis Akritas who kept the marauding
Saracens at bay with amazing strength. It is said
that he heaved this large rock into the sea
destroying the enemy's ship.
Lempa Village
5 kilometres from Paphos
Lempa village can be singled out as one with
historic significance. In its pretty setting near
the sea, Lempa's link with prehistory is the site
of a chalcolithic settlement. Near the site,
replicas of two houses from this period have
been constructed and it is this faithful
reconstruction of dwellings that gives an insight
into chalcolithic life on the island.
Tombs of the Kings
Spread over a vast area, these impressive
underground tombs date back to the 4th
century BC.They are carved out of solid rock
with some being decorated with Doric Pillars.
High Officials rather than Kings were buried
here, but the magnificence of the tombs gave
the locality its name.
Baths of Aphrodite
Located at the Akamas Peninsula, this is a
shaded ‘pool’ created by nature, at which
legend has it Aphrodite used to take her baths.
30
Latchi Village
The famous fishing village of Paphos, where you can visit
one of the many tavernas and enjoy fresh fish right next
to the crashing waves.
The Mosaics of Paphos
Fine Mosaics located in several small villas.They contain
images from Greek Mythology and mostly revolve
around the god Dionysus.
Polis Chrysochous
37 km North of Paphos
At Polis you will come across beautiful beaches,
picturesque villages and interesting sites, such as the
churches of Agia Aikaterini and Panagia Chorteni. Polis
Chrysochous also stands in the location of what used
to be an important commercial centre in Classical and
Hellenistic times.
Kathikas Village
A small homey village up in the hills near Pegeia.There
is the opportunity for you to drink the locally produced
wine and have dinner at one of the cosy traditional
tavernas found in the heart of the village.
Sanctuary of Aphrodite
The most ancient remains of the Sanctuary date back to
the 12th century BC. Excavations continue on the site
of the sanctuary, the city and the necropolis.
I have to say
that staying in
an Agrotourism
house really
gave me a feel
for the
traditional, rural
way of life and
the hospitality
from the
owners and
villages alike
was just what I
needed to relax
and enjoy the
real Cyprus.
I
t’s nice to know that you can come to such a buzzing European island like
Cyprus and there are still places that hold their own in tradition, and are
available for you to experience.The Agrotourism organisation was set up in
1991 to help tradition stay alive and well for both locals and visitors. It is a
programme of restoration and promotion for those who are willing to put
life and soul into renovating beautiful village houses and those who want to
enjoy all the benefits.
So I decided to go and review some of these wonderful places and get a first
hand experience of country living ‘old style’.The first thing I was impressed with
was the quality of the accommodation and, even though the ancient architecture
was all around, mod-cons made life so much easier. Most places have the
enormous four poster beds that you quite literally have to climb up in to, and
the owners of the houses have gone to great lengths to furnish the houses with
authentic items, collecting the wardrobes and chests and chairs, tables and
dressers which once would have been inherited through the generations.
Continued on the next page
31
LARNACA
The natural settings of the Agrotourism houses are quite
charming with indigenous plants and trees in the
gardens. I even came across one, Garden Kamara House
in Katw-Drys, where visitors could wander into the field
behind and pick fruit and vegetables to compliment their
meals; a great hands-on activity for the kids and the
added incentive of a tasty dish.
The alternative break in an Agrotourism house is more
than staying in an old property; the owners and, in fact,
all the villagers have really got behind the whole scheme
for, as well as saving their heritage, they also get the
chance to meet up with people from all around the
world; I was told by a lady in her eighties that this really
was amazing as she had not been out of her village up in
the Troodos mountains for the first sixty years of her
life, but this year she had shaken hands with people from
Russia, Britain, America, Sweden and Germany, ‘I can
finally tell everyone how great Cyprus is’, she said.
Agrotourism houses are all over the island offering short
and long breaks. In the Pafos area tourists can
experience the best of rural life in several fine villages. I’d
say the best is Kallepeia, a beautiful village of stone and
marble surrounded by magnificent countryside. Nature
trails among the plantations and vineyards, as well as a
visit to the marble Monastery of the Holy Cross, really
are a treat.
32
Larnaca has exceptional villages which reminded me
of the white villages of Andalucia in Spain.Vavla,
Tochni, Kalavasos and Skarinou all have lovely
tavernas or cafés to eat at where you get to meet
the locals and even, like me, get to play the
challenging game of Tavli, though I had to have at least
three lessons before my defeats became less
embarrassing!
Above: A House being
renovated to it’s
former charm
Further north in the district of the capital Nicosia,
the mountains start to climb and the villages are nice
and cool in the summer heat.The stone villages
tumble down the hills and the setting is very
dramatic. Polistipos in the Pitsilia area is a lovely
mountainside village with green lush surroundings
and the opportunity for biking and hiking.
I have to say that staying in an Agrotourism house
really gave me a feel for the traditional, rural way of
life and the hospitality from the owners and villages
alike was just what I needed to relax and enjoy the
real Cyprus.
Cyprus Agrotourism Company
19, Leoforos Lemesou,
P.O.Box: 24535, CY 1390 Nicosia, Cyprus
Tel: +357 22 340071Fax: +357 22 334764
Email: helpdesk@agrotourism.com.cy
33
LARNACA
L
arnaca Fort is a great place to
spend an hour or so. Located
right on the seafront at the end
of the Promenade, it is at the
forefront of the old Turkish quarter of
the town, which is rather pertinent as it
was the Turkish Ottoman Governor
who built it. So from wandering round
the little stonewashed houses and tight
alleys, you come to the austere stone
square fortress, which has had an
amazing history.
The parapets can be seen from the sea
for this was the main protection of the
prosperous town of Larnaca back in the
17th century. Of course the whole
area’s history goes back so much
further to the ancient days of the
Kingdom of Kition, through General
Kimon’s victories on Larnaca beach,
then the shifting of the harbour, even
this was the main
protection of the
prosperous town of
Larnaca back in the 17th
century. Of course the
whole area’s history
goes back so much
further to the ancient
days of the Kingdom of
Kition,
LARNACA
the terrible earthquakes. The Fort’s
position was very strategic in all
these encounters as it offered
protection from most eventualities.
What you see now was actually built
on the foundations of a much older
Venetian building and you can still see
much of the original works. It’s been
recently restored to the highest
standard and is a real treat to visit.
Through the large wooden gates lies
an undercover courtyard with all the
original flooring, then to your right
you have a rather gruesome place. It
was here that, during the British
administration of the 19th century,
prisoners were kept and hung for
crimes committed. It has an eerie
feeling to it as plans displayed on the
walls show exactly where the
hangman’s rope use to swing.
The main courtyard itself is large and
spacious and many people take the
time out to sit and ponder the past
life of the building, working out who
lived here through the ages and what
their lives would have been like.
Walking around the side of the great
yard, you come to some tombs with
ancient stones, then onto small
rooms built into the walls, but
venture up onto the roof and a
spectacular view awaits you across
the Bay of Larnaca. Up here you find
cannons gazing out to sea, a
testament of previous bloody battles
when they were fired from these
ramparts.
In the rooms above the main gate are
some very interesting galleries of all
the periods of church architecture,
so if you are looking for Byzantine or
Gothic or Neoclassical, this
collection has it all in full
photographic display.There are also
an abundance of medieval items
including swords, suits of armour, lace
from nearby Lefkara and also some
of the findings from the excavation of
Hala Sultan Tekke, the mosque by the
Larnaca salt lakes. Just to add to the
Ottoman authenticity there is also a
room decorated in the old Turkish
style.
Larnaca Fort may be small but when
it was built in 1625, I guess so were
the people in those days- just mind
your head on those low doorways
and enjoy the history of Larnaca and
the stunning views.
SITES TO
SEE
Larnaca over the years
has grown as the small
villages have formed a
conurbation networking
the area together.
Stooped in rich history
gratifying the
professional Historian as
well as the avid family
excursion while taking a
quickbreak from the
many watersports
facilities offered on the
Larnaca Blue Flag Award
beaches
The Larnaca District Archaeological
Museum
Location: Plateia Kalogreon.
Focus: Collection of finds from the Larnaca area
dating from 3000 BC to the Roman period.
Contact Number: (24) 630169
Opening Hours: Mon-Fri: 07:30-14:30;Thurs:
15:00-18:00 (except July and August)
Entrance Fee: £0.75
Pierides Museum
Location: Zenon Kitieos Street, 4.
Focus: Remarkable private exhibition of Cypriot
art and antiquities, originally collected by
Demetrios Pieridis (1811-1895) and further
enriched by members of his family.
Contact Number: (24) 652495
Opening Hours: Mon-Fri: 09:00-13:00; 15:0018:00; Sat: 09:00-13:00; Sun: 10:00-13:00
Entrance Fee: £1,00
Agios Lazaros Church (St. Lazarus)
Location: Plateia Agiou Lazarou.
Focus: Saint Lazarus is the patron saint of Larnaca.
After his resurrection by Christ, he lived here for
another 30 years. He was ordained Bishop of
Kition by Saints Barnabas and Mark.The 9thcentury church was faithfully restored in the
17th-century, and the iconostasi is an excellent
example of baroque woodcarving. Eight days
before the Greek Orthodox Easter the icon of
Saint Lazarus is taken in procession through the
streets of Larnaca.
Opening Hours: Mon.-Sat.: 08:00-12:30, 15:3018:30 (April-August)
Mon. - Sat.: 08:00-12:30, 14:30-17:00 (SeptemberMarch)
Entrance free
Larnaca Medieval Museum Larnaca Fort
Location: Larnaca sea front.
Focus: Built in 1625, it was used as a prison in the
first years of British rule. It houses the District
Medieval Museum.The fort is also used as the
34
Larnaca Municipal Cultural Centre during the summer.
Opening Hours: Mon. - Fri.: 09:00-17:00 (Summer: 09:0019:30).
Saturday and Sunday closed
Entrance Fee: C£0,75
Kition
Location: Approximately 500 m. northeast of the
Archaeological Museum.
Focus: One of the most important ancient city-kingdoms,
with architectural remains dating back to the 13th century
B.C. In about 1200 B.C. it was rebuilt by the Mycenaean
Greeks, and excavations have revealed cyclopean walls
made of giant blocks of stone and a complex of five
temples.
Opening Hours: Monday-Friday: 09:00-14:30 (Thursday:
15:00-17:00 not in July-August).
Saturday and Sunday closed
Entrance Fee: £0,75.
Contact Number: Tel: 24-658848
Larnaca Municipal Cultural Centre
Location: Leoforos Athinon - Plateia Evropis (Seafront
promenade)
1. Municipal Gallery
Opening Hours:Tuesday - Friday : 10:00-13:00, 17:00-20:00
Tuesday - Friday : 10:00-13:00, 16:00-18:00 (Oct. - March)
Saturday and Sunday: 10:00-13:00
Entrance free.
2. Palaeontology Museum Tornaritis -Pierides
(In cooperation with the Hellenic Bank)
Opening Hours:Tuesday-Friday : 10:00-13:00 & 17:00-20:00.
Saturday : 10:00-13:00
Entrance Fee: £1,00.
Municipal Museum of Natural History - Larnaca
Location: Leoforos Grigori Afxentiou,Tel: (04) 652569
(within the Larnaca Municipal Gardens)
Opening Hours: 1st June - 30th September
Tuesday - Sunday : 10:00-13:00, 16:00-18:00
1st October - 31st May
Tuesday - Sunday : 10:00-13:00, 15:00-17:00
Entrance Fee: £0,20
35
LIMASSOL
T
he temperature over the
autumn and winter in
Cyprus is ideal for visiting
the largest site of ancient
archeology on the island. Situated
19km west of Limassol, you will
encounter the spectacular site of
Kourion.The settlement is located
high on a buff overlooking the sea;
it is exposed, arid and blustery, but
its splendor and vastness are
amazing.The views across the
western coastline take in the
whole of Episkopi Bay with the
Mediterranean stretching out in
front making this a superb strategic
position and one of extraordinary
beauty.
The settlement was originally
Neolithic but became permanent
around 13BC, when Mycenaean
colonists established themselves
there. But Kourion had many
inhabitants; the Ptolemies, the
Romans, and several pre-Christian
cults being active among the
inhabitants, the strongest being that
of Apollo. It was said that whoever
touched the altar of Apollo was
immediately thrown into the sea.
Nowadays the hang gliders do this
for fun, throwing themselves off the
cliffs and souring over the surfers
down below who are take full
advantage of the westerly winds
and great waves that hit this coast.
The settlement started to fall into decline
when pirate raids happened all too
frequently in the 3rd century AD. The
settlement was rediscovered in 1876 by
Luigi Palma di Cesnola, after intensive
excavations.Those continued until 1933.
Other excavations are still taking place as
more is discovered year on year.
The most dominant part of the site is, of
course, the Theatre. This has gone through
many rebuilds over the centuries as
gladiators became more exciting than drama
and then the trend reversed to the Greek
chorus.Today it is back to its original form,
and is used for various theatrical and
musical performances.The most famous of
those are the Shakespeare performances
that are held every mid-to-late-June.
LIMASSOL
understand how the basilica was used for
baptisms, worship and teaching.
To the right of the basilica is the Forum,
where Roman citizens promenaded through
the great street, past mighty colonnades,
bartering in the shops and offering gifts to
their numerous gods at the smaller temples.
They would then visit the baths and the
Nymphaeum, the sacred place devoted to
the nymphs, the daughters of Poseidon the
god of the sea. Under their feet and now
exposed for us to view, are the extensive
waterworks, which extend to under ground
heating systems, baths, saunas and every spa
room the Romans could think of; this was
the height of luxury, a five star creation of
outstanding decadence.
Under the nearby sheltering roofs, you can
explore the house and baths of Eustolios, a
thirty roomed 5th century private residence
which holds the impressive Christian
mosaics and a fascinating irrigation system,
the guide book even points out the ancient
toilets.
The full site, as you may have gathered, goes
on and on, with the Gladiator’s House, the
Stadium, the Extra-Mural Basilica and the
Sanctuary of Apollo all sited outside the
original city walls of ancient Kourion.The
different styles and buildings dating from
different eras all go to make a superbly
interesting trip.
Walking to the west of the site, your view is
soon dominated by the seventy-meter long
Christian basilica, dating from the 5th
century AD. Unfortunately it is now in ruins
due to earthquakes, erosion and plundering,
but the original layout built by Zeno, one of
the bishops who went to the Council of
Ephesus in 431 AD, is still there and the
information boards allow you to really
For a complete visit, there is also the
Kourion site museum, found in the village of
Episkopi, 2.5km off the ancient site.The
collection consists largely of terracotta
objects from Kourion, the sanctuary of
Apollo and two minor sites nearby. The
exhibits give you a really good insight into
the creative skills of those who built, lived
and died at the incredible city of Kourion.
SITES TO
SEE
Limassol’s rich history
includes the marriage
of Richard the
Lionheart to Queen
Berengaria on his
travels to the
Crusades, and the
wicked rule of the
Knight’s Templars.
The Cyprus Medieval Museum
- Lemesos Medieval Fort
Location: Turn right on the roundabout near the old
port.
Focus: A medium-sized fort built in the 14th century on
the site of an earlier Byzantine castle. It was here that,
according to tradition, Richard the Lion-Heart married
Berengaria of Navarre and crowned her Queen of England
in 1191, and it now houses various exhibits in an unusual
museum.
Contact number: 25-305419
Opening Hours: Mon-Sat: 9:00-17:00, Sun: 10-13:00
Lemesos District Archaeological Museum
Location:
Vyronos Street,5.
Focus: Illuminting collection of antiquities found in the
Lemesos area from the Neolithic Age to the Roman
period.
Contact Number: 25-305157
Opening Hours: Mon-Fri: 07:30-17:00; Sat: 09:00-17:00;
Sun: 10:00-13:00
Folk Art Museum
Location: Agiou Andreou Street, 253.
Focus: A beautiful collection of Cyprus Folk Art of the
19th and early 20th century is exhibited in a restored
old house.
Opening Hours: Mon-Fri: 08:30-13:30; Mon,Tues,Weds,
Fri: 15:00-17:30;
(June-September) 16:00-18:30
Kourion
Location: 19 km west of Lemesos on the road to Pafos.
Focus: Kourion was an important ancient city-kingdom and one of
the most spectacular archaeological sites on the island. The
magnificent Greco-Roman Theatre was originally built in the 2nd
century B.C. and is now used for musical and theatrical performances.
The House of Eustolios, originally a private Roman villa, became a
public recreation centre during the Early Christian period. The Early
Christian basilica dates to the 5th century.The House of Achilles and
the House of the Gladiators have beautiful mosaic floors, and the
Nymphaeum is an elegant Roman structure. The Stadium is dated to
the 2nd century A.D.
Opening Hours: Daily 07:30-17:00
Sanctuary of Apollo Hylates
Location: 3 km west of Kourion, on the road to Pafo s .
Focus: Apollo Hylates, God of the Woodland, was the protector of
the city of Kourion. The cult of Apollo, the god of light, music and
prophecy, was celebrated here from the 8th century B.C. to the 4th
century A.D.
Daily 07:30-17:00
Amathous City Kingdom
Location: 11 km east of Lemesos town centre, close to Amathus
Hotel.
Focus: The ruins of one of the famous ancient city-kingdoms of
Cyprus where, according to mythology, Theseus left the pregnant
Ariadne after his battle with the Minotaur.The remains date from the
Archaic, Roman and Christian periods.
Opening Hours: Mon-Sun: 07:30-17:00
Sources: www.cyprustourism.org, and ‘Greek and Cypriot Mythology’
Kolossi Castle
Location: 14 km west of Lemesos on the road to Pafos.
Focus: A fine example of military architecture, originally
constructed in the 13th century and subsequently rebuilt
in its present form in the middle of the 15th century. It
served as the Grand Commandery of the Knights of the
Order of St. John of Jerusalem. In the 14th century it came
under the domain of the Knights Templar.
Opening Hours: Daily 07:30-17:00
Kourion Museum
Location: 14 km west of Lemesos, 4 km before Kourion
site, at Episkopi village.
Focus: Collection of finds from nearby archaeological
sites, exhibited in a beautiful old house.
Opening Hours: Mon-Fri: 07:30-14:30;
Thurs: 15:00-18:00 (except July and August)
36
37
Discover Cyprus
Not anymore! Below you can find a list of commonly used phrases, which in our
opinion is the ideal mini-translator to help you understand a little of what locals
mean when talking to you; or to each other.Who knows, maybe your ‘cute
accent’ will help you meet the girl or boy of your dreams! If not, at least you’ll
make sure that someone’s not making fun of you while you stand there smiling
innocently at them.
38
Discover Cyprus
Discover Cyprus
When its comes to enjoying a place
because it offers so many different
things to do and see, it seems that
Cyprus once again comes out tops.
Whether you want to kick back and
relax, take in inspiring historical sights
or get involved in some action on your
holiday, you need to look no further.
There is one region in particular which
seems to be gathering a reputation as
the latest place to offer everything
under one sky.The Polis region, which
encompasses the northwest region of
Cyprus, about 30 minutes drive from
the popular Paphos resort area and 45
minutes from Paphos International
Airport, is one of those places which
holds a quiet sort of attraction to all
those who visit it.
From being the closest developed area
to the magnificent Akamas Peninsula, to
offering the freshest fish meze (famous
island wide) to some amazing aquatic
attractions with its pristine beaches and
sparkling waters, Polis is no longer the
poorer cousin of Paphos. Instead, it
gives you the chance to enjoy Cyprus as
those who are lucky enough to live
there do.
Take an average day for example.Want
to go for a walk in a protected forest?
No problem.There are about four
walking paths set in the Akamas region,
where you can take in the natural
beauty that leaves you breathless for
more. Fancy something a little more
adventurous? Simply hop on one of the
jeep safaris in the Akamas and hold on
while you go through some pretty
tough but exhilarating wild terrain.
Naturally, being a predominantly Greek
island, you are bound to encounter
some kind of mythology while doing
your rounds in the Polis region.Take a
dip for example in Aphrodite’s Baths
and see if your face is preserved in its
eternal youth. According to myth and
legend, the Goddess Aphrodite used
this natural pool to bathe in, due to its
youth-inducing qualities.While you are
there, you can even buy some organic
oranges from a priest who grows them
himself and sells them at the baths.
Of course, with Polis being a coastal
t ow n , you would be correct in assuming
that there are beautiful beaches in the
area.The whole of the Latchi are a , which
is part of the Polis region, is surrounded
with beaches.While most of the beaches
are of fine pebbles, it is wo rth every
single step to get into the water. It’s as
clear and clean as possible while the area
even offers a beachside camping site.
There can be fewer purer pleasures
than waking up and walking two
steps from your bed to
take your morning
swim in sparkling
waters.
And when it comes to enjoying local
fresh food, you just have to visit one of
the taverns on the Latchi beachfront. All
the fish is freshly caught and one of the
best gastronomic experiences has to be
enjoying a leisurely fish meze,
accompanied by a bottle of crisp white
wine.Your meal is perfectly rounded off
with a plate of fruit which is brought as
dessert; more often than not it is picked
fresh off the trees in the neighbouring
fields.
As an area, Polis is beautiful.Whatever
you want to do, from lazing around the
beach, to enjoying the thrill of
watersports or just taking in nature
with a leisurely forest walk, Polis has it
for you.
Naturally, as the leading property
developers in Cyprus and the first one
awarded the prestigious ISO 9001
Assurance Certification, Aristo
Developers has recognized the benefits
of the Polis way of life.They are offering
property developments in the region,
which promise to enhance the area
without destroying the environment.
Whether you want an apartment for a
quick and quiet getaway or a seafront
villa on an undisturbed beachfront,
Aristo Developers has the Polis
property for you.
Contact Aristo Developers
on international free phone
00800 00800 070, or
visit their website on
www.aristodevelopers.com
T
he
island has
some of the cleanest air in
the world, so nature’s palette
shows through without the
contamination of urban pollution.And
for colour, nothing beats Cyprus in
spring.
Spring is one of those special times, full
of opportunities to experience the real
Cyprus.You can smell the delicate aroma
of rosemary in the fields and meet a
s h e p h e rd ambling with his donkey on a
path up the mountains where he will
tend his herd.An hour later you’re
surrounded by a riot of vivid red, yellow
and blue in fields of wild flowers that roll
across the valleys and hills of Troodos.
There are huge patterns of contrast in
Cyprus that appear after the first
rainfalls in autumn and pro g ress through
to spring.There is nature on a grand
scale as views of vast mountain ranges
and expanses of the Mediterranean fill
the whole horizon, whereas the carpets
formed by the orchids, lavender, rock
roses and wild garlic are submerged in
the shadows of the trees or rocks.
In the forests of the Troodos fo o t h i l l s ,
the traditional architecture of village
cottages co-exists alongside the dark
green pines. Many villages are delightful
heritage sites that have been protected
over the decades; picturesque in quality
and seeped in history.
40
In
the
west
you can
roam
through the
Akamas Peninsula,
watching the dark blue
sea surging on to the rocky
beaches.This wild part of Cyprus is a
national park and is home to some of
the oldest plants, this is what Cyprus
looked like without interference from
man. Just pass the Fontana Amoroza is a
great place for a picnic and to quietly
watch the sun set to the west.
Near Paphos and the villages surrounding
the ancient town, blossoms on the village
fruit trees hold the promise of abundant
summer fruits.Apple white and almond
pink, cherry red and roses of eve ry hue;
the colours are just beautiful.
F u rther north, you can follow the wine
trail through the Limassol area and see
row upon row of early budding vines, tiny
specs of green appearing in the daylight.
Sipping a cool climate Chardonnay from a
balcony overlooking the Diorizos dam
never tasted so good. Chat with the
winemakers about the region’s superb
Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz wines,
produced with passion in stunning
locations.
The south coast fishing villages of
Sotira and Liopetri have less than
a thousand people living around
their shore s . Liopetri is the departure
point for fishing expeditions and a
fantastic place to discover the freshness
of fish and the hospitality of Cypriots.
Further along the coast towards Ayia
Napa there is a chance to experience
the amazing views of Cape Greco and
catch sight of the migrating birds flying in
unique patterns across the sky.
Cyprus is ideal for getting out and about;
it’s an island ready for exploration as
nature takes on its seasonal costume and
fills the land with colour and light. In
spring dusk doesn’t begin till about 7.30
p.m. and it’s a slow twilight, making it
p e r fect for evenings outdoors and
opportunities to breathe that amazing
clean air.
Photographers
rave about it –
that certain
quality of light
in Cyprus.
Craggy
mountains
loom closer,
seas carve out
deeper
coastline
dramas along
wild beaches
and the blue
sky has a wider
reach.
41
Discover Cyprus
MONTHLY EVENTS
OCTOBER 2006
An Information Service Offered by the Cyprus Tourism Organisation
NICOSIA
LIMASSOL
LARNACA
PAPHOS
SUN, 8 OCT
MON, 4 SEP – WED, 11 OCT
MON, 4 SEP – WED, 11 OCT
SAT, 7 OCT
OPERA
“Madame Butterfly” with the Stanislavski Opera Theatre.
Venue: Strovolos Municipal Theatre.
“KYPRIA” FESTIVAL
Organised by the Cultural Services of the Ministry of
Education and Culture.
“KYPRIA” FESTIVAL
Organised by the Cultural Services of the Ministry of
Education and Culture.
BIRDWATCHING
Organised by the Bird Life Cyprus.
Venue: “Asprokremmos” Dam.
For further information please contact 22455072, 22455073.
MON, 9 OCT
THU, 5 OCT
TUE, 17 – WED, 18 OCT
MON, 11 OCT
CLASSICAL MUSIC CONCERT
With the Cyprus State Orchestra and the Helsinki
Chamber Choir. Venue: Patticheion Municipal Theatre.
TRADITIONAL FAIR
A colourful fair at Agios Loukas Church.
Venue: Aradippou village
ANCIENT GREEK DRAMA
“Iphigeneia in Avlis” with the “Amphiktio” Theatre.
Venue: Strovolos Municipal Theatre
ANCIENT GREEK DRAMA
“Iphigeneia in Avlis” with the “Amphiktio” Theatre.
Venue: Kourion Ancient Theatre
JAZZ , ROCK MUSIC CONCERT
“Four Guitars”
Venue: Strovolos Municipal Theatre
MON, 2 - MON, 9 OCT
PHOTOGRAPHIC EXHIBITION
Venue: Strovolos Municipality Cultural Hall.
For further information please contact 22470341.
MON, 9 OCT
TUE, 10 OCT
OPERA
“Madame Butterfly” with the Stanislavski Opera Theatre.
Venue: Rialto Theatre.
For further information please contact 25343341 (Limassol
Patticheion Theatre), 77777745 (Rialto Theatre), 24818212.
SUN, 8 OCT
INTERNATIONAL BAZAAR
Organised by the Christos Steliou Ioannou Foundation.
Venue: Christos Steliou Ioannou Foundation.
FRI, 13 OCT - WED, 15 NOV
ART EXHIBITION
By Angela Detenico and Rafael Lain. Part of the Brazilian
Cultural Month. Organised by the Pharos Trust.
Venue: « Technis Dromena » Art Gallery.
SUN, 1- SAT, 7 OCT
POST CARD EXHIBITION
A post card exhibition ubder the title “Romantic Cyprus”
by Christos Zachariades.
Venue: “Oleastro” Anogyra village.
SAT, 7 - SUN, 8 OCT
3RD CYPRUS INTERNATIONAL 3RD ROUND SLALOM
Organised by the Cyprus Water Ski Federation.
Venue: Polemideia Dam.
MON, 16 - MON, 23 OCT
PAINTING EXHIBITION
Venue: Strovolos Municipality Cultural Hall.
TRADITIONAL FAIR
A colourful fair at Agios Loukas Church.
Venue: Kolossi village
WED, 18 OCT
BOOK LAUNCH
Book launch of the exhibition catalogue following the
Antonio manuel Installation “Occupations / Discoverings”
in October 2005. Part of the Brazilian Cultural Month.
Organised by the Pharos Trust.
Venue: « Lions » Centre.
MON, 23 OCT
BAROQUE MUSIC CONCERT
Organised by the Pharos Trust.
Venue: PA.SY.DY » Auditorium. Time: 20 :30
MON, 30 OCT - SAT, 11 NOV
PHOTOGRAPHIC EXHIBITION
By Christos Avraamides. Venue: « Opus 39 » Art Gallery.
WALKS & BUS TOURS
Get to know the capital by walking
Within the framework
of wider efforts to get
foreign visitors better
acquainted with the old
city within the walls,
the Lefkosia (Nicosia)
Municipality from 1987
established a series of
thematic walking tours.
These tours have been
reorganized to present
various new aspects of
the old city as well as the city outside the walls. A city like
Lefkosia (Nicosia) with its 5000 year-long history has much
to offer. By walking, one gets a better feel for a place and
its yearlong atmosphere, then and now, and a better
understanding of its continual cultural development. This is
the philosophy upon which these walking tours of Lefkosia
(Nicosia) is based.
Monday
Chrysaliniotissa and Kaimakli:
The past Restored
Guided bus and walking tour.
Starting point: CTO Information Office in Laiki Geitonia
at 10:00. Free participation.
THU, 21 OCT
MUSIC AND DANCES FROM CRERE
With the Cretan Traditional Troupe of Giannis and Giorgos
Megalakakis.
Venue: Rialto Theatre. Time: 20:30, Entrance: £7,00 £5,00.
SAT, 21- SAT, 28 OCT
PAINTING EXHIBITION
A painting exhibition by Anna and Christina Kelogrigori.
Venue: “Orpheus”, Art Gellery.
Visiting hours: 10:00-13:00, 15:00-19:00 (Monday to
Saturday), 15:00-19:00 (Sunday).
For further information please contact web-site:
www.orpheusartgallery.com
THU, 26 OCT
CLASSICAL MUSIC CONCERT
With the Cyprus State Orchestra. The programme includes
works by W.A Mozart and L.V Beethoven.
Venue: Rialto Theatre. Time: 20:30 Entrance: £5,00 £3,00.
FRI, 28 OCT
PERESVET MEN’S CHOIR
A world famous choir established by the musicologist
Dmitru Yudenkov. Conductor: Vladislav Kosarev.
Venue: Rialto Theatre. Time: 20:30 Entrance: £10,00, £5,00.
WALKS
Every Monday
A stroll in Neapolis, Nemesos, Limassol….Walking Tour
organised by the Municipality of Lemesos in collaboration
with the Cyprus Tourism Organisation and the Cyprus
Tourist Guides Association. The tour aims for you to get to
know the historical centre of Lemesos by walking through
its narrow streets which visually “narrate” its long history.
Monuments of the past, traditional workshops, unique
architectural features, the bustling life of the old market
and traditional shops.
Starting point: CTO Information Office.
Spyrou Araouzou 115A. Time: 10:00.
Free guiding and participation. Tel: 25362756.
AYIA NAPA
Every Thursday
Guided walking tour of old Lefkosia
Starting point: CTO Information Office in Laiki Geitonia
at 10:00. Free participation.
Every Friday
Lefkosia (Nicosia) - Outside the Walls
Guided bus and walking tour.
42
FRI, 6, 13, 20 AND 27 OCT
JOURNEY AROUND THE WORLD
With the “Rythmos” dance group.
Venue: Agia Napa Town Hall. Time: 21:00.
For further information please contact 23816307, 99420603
WED, 25 OCT – SAT, 11 NOV
PAINTING EXHIBITION
A painting exhibition under the title “Earth, Sky, and Sea”
by the artist Gloria Marathefti.
Venue: « Kypriaki Gonia » Gallery.
Visiting hours : 10 :00-13 :00, 16 :30-20 :00 (Monday to
Saturday) and 11 :00-14 :00 (On Sundays).
WED, 4 – FRI, 20 OCT
ART EXHIBITION
An art exhibition under the title “Invisible Dialogues” by
the artist Demetris Menoikou.
Venue: « Kypriaki Gonia » Gallery.
Visiting hours: 10 :00-13 :00, 16 :30-20 :00 (Monday to
Saturday) and 11 :00-14 :00 (On Sundays).
WALKS
Every Wednesday
LARNAKA-PAST AND PRESENT
This walk covers the history of Larnaka and its
development by focusing on the role that the sea had
throughout the centuries.
Starting point: CTO Information Office, Vasileos Pavlou
Square. Time 10:00
Free guiding and participation. Tel. 24654322.
SAT, 30 SEP – SUN, 1 OCT
AFAMIA
The programme includes amongst others
traditional music and dances, agricultural
exhibition and delicacies made of grapes.
Venue: Koilani village
MOUNTAIN REGION
TRADITIONAL FAIR
A colourful fair at Agios Ioannis Lampadistis
Monastery. Venue: Kalopanagiotis village
Useful Telephone Numbers
Cultural Services of the
Ministry of Education and Culture
Cyprus Theatrical Organisation
Nicosia Municipal Theatre
Strovolos Municipal Theatre
Lemesos Patticheion Municipal Theatre
Larnaka Patticheion Theatre
Larnaka Town Hall Theatre
Pafos Markideion Theatre
Rialto Theatre
State Gallery of Contemporary Art
Famagusta Gate
22800933
22492900
22673218
22313010
25343341
24629300
24665794
26932571
25343900
22304947
22430877
W
ine drinkers will be
euphoric with the
tastes and
temptations waiting
for them at the Kykkos Winery.
Imagine a table spread with the full
range of Cypriot wines, from the
smooth and luscious Commandaria to
the tangy biting Zivania, and not
forgetting the berry essence of dry
reds that reveal indigenous and
foreign grape flavours. Confessing a
love for wine here is not an option.
series boasts combinations of
indigenous vines such as Mavro mixed
with Cabernet to make fruity reds
and the Cypriot grape Xynisteri and
the French visitor Chardonnay infuse
to make the dry and reserve whites.
The Monastiriako series of wines has
all the red, white, rose and reserve
needed to complete a superb
collection, but the special wines are
really worth a mention.The little
known but highly sort-after honey
wine is just exquisite, available in
white and red, it is fermented from
honey collected by bees that feed on
the Kykkos thyme; it is half the
sweetness of the deep throated
Commandaria and best served to
complement any dessert or cheese.
Mr. Zacharias Papapetrou, the new
Director of Kykkos Winery states
that, `this site has been home to wine
making for over one thousand years, and
today the new winery with all its modern
vats and stills, stands as a testament to
the experience of those who have gone
before`.
Mr Zacharias Papapetrou also states
that, `the winery also prides itself with
award winning wines and the most
outstanding and original of these is the
Kyprion Nama.We took one of our best
vintage Commandarias and produced a
sweet, nutty wine with a complex and
mature bouquet to win the Gold in Der
Grosse Internationale 2003 in
Switzerland; there were 15,000 bottles
and they have 8,000 left, so this is a real
collector’s item`
Of course a visit to see the
collections of treasures in the
monastery is necessary, but just look
to the front of the entrance, over the
road, and glimpse a little bottle booth.
This may look like a village fair stall,
but look more closely, have a taste
and don’t be shy to ask about the
vintages and their vines. If this
stimulates enough interest, then the
winery is 500 meters up the road, just
waiting to reveal its secrets.
The favourite speciality at Kykkos
though has to be the Agiagraphia,
though the wine is not the subject of
fascination here, instead it’s the label
that holds the appeal. Every bottle has
a hand painted icon, no two are the
same and the craftsmanship is
incredible; a wonderful and different
present to take home.
The people who run the winery really
know their stuff, they have been
working in wine making most of their
careers and the managers were here
to open the modern facility in 1992.
`The most famous of our products is the
excellent zivania, the whisky of Cyprus.
But here the zivania has a twist; as well
as the common white liquor there is also
a red version.This is strained with sugar
and cinnamon to create a fantastic spicy
drink with a real kick.The red Zivania
has been made here since 1090 and the
monks still, to this day, bring it to the
dinner table, along with the other Kykkos
wines, when entertaining our guests!!
Zivania now shares the title of a ‘Cyprus
traditional product’ along with halloumi
cheese and Commandaria throughout
the European Union. A victory for
common sense!` said Mr. Zacharias
Papapetrou.,
The wines they have on offer fall into
several categories and of course this
all depends on taste.The Kykkotiki
From the very origins of the winery
to the present day it has always been
the aim of the monastery to produce
excellent liquor; the holy wine for
communion, the honey wine for
dessert or the award winning
vintages; but there is also an
underlying necessity to make sure the
local people were looked after. `This
prerequisite is no different now as it was
then; the new winery and water factory
established by Bishop Niciforos, the Abbot
of Kykkos, now employs the young
people of the area; for it is the next
generation that is needed to carry on the
tradition. Let us hope that this remains
so for the next thousand years!!`
FROM: Mr. Zacharia Papapetrou- Director of Kykkos Winery LTD
43
Discover Cyprus
H
ave you ever arrived in
Cyprus around April or May
and wondered what all the
fuss is about? Well, that will
be the Easter celebrations and my, do
they celebrate!
Easter is the biggest festival in the
Greek Orthodox Church and is
observed on the first Sunday following
the full moon of the spring equinox.To
celebrate Easter everything should look
clean and new, so houses are cleaned
and new clothes are a must, especially
new shoes! But before we get carried
away with shopping, let’s not forget this
is Holy Week and everything about it is
dedicated to the people’s understanding
and celebration of the resurrection of
Christ.
On the Thursday before Easter, the
enormous task of Easter baking is
embarked upon.‘Flaounes’ are made, a
kind of cheese cake found in Cyprus,
made of shortcrust pastry with a
cheese, egg and mint filling, ‘Koulouria’
are baked with milk, spices and a little
sugar and ‘Tyropittes’- loaves with small
pieces of cheese added and rolled in
sesame seeds.Traditionally, eggs are
dyed red with a special root called
‘rizari’, or yellow using the marguerite
flowers that cover the fields during
April. All of these will be saved for
when the lent fast is broken on Easter
Day.
Good Friday begins with people taking
flowers to church so that the Holy
Sepulchre can be decorated, but
everything stops for lunch, traditionally
‘Faki Xidati’- vinegar and lentil soup; it
contains vinegar because it is said that
when Christ asked for water on his
way to Calgary He was given vinegar
instead. Later that evening, the solemn
processions of the Holy Sepulchre start
in all villages and towns as the
congregation follow behind, walking
round the village boundary and back to
the church.
Saturday is quiet until about midnight
when the people return to church to
But before we get carried
away with shopping, let’s not forget this
is Holy Week and everything about it is
dedicated to the people’s
understanding and celebration of the
resurrection of Christ.
44
hear the sermon of the resurrection. If
you get the chance to go along
remember to take your candle as this
will be lit by a neighbour with the
greeting of ‘Christos anesti’- Christ has
risen, to which you answer ‘Alithos
anesti’- Indeed He has risen. Everyone
goes outside and an enormous bonfire
is lit which usually has an effigy of Judas
on the top; in our village the teenagers
tend to find an old stuffed toy and last
year we had a pink elephant!
On Sunday morning it’s off to church
again then home to crack those eggs
and eat all those delicious pastries with
neighbours, family and friends. Lunch is
the best part of Easter day as most
people gather for picnics and get the
barbecues going, cooking meat on the
spit and sharing huge amounts of food
and wine in the spring sunshine.
Easter really is a wonderful festival to
witness or be involved in, and the lovely
thing about the Cypriot Easter
celebrations is that everyone is
welcome.
Discover Cyprus
When you come to Cyprus, the hospitality mood rubs off and you are bound to make new
friends. So why not invite them round for drinks and snacks Cyprus style. Sun Times has put
together some great party food recipes to show off you culinary skills and start the night off
perfectly. Lovely for the whole family and a guaranteed hit!
Serve with warm pitta bread as a great
appetizer. Or with Falafel Chickpea
fritter (see image below)
100g tahini paste (crushed sesame seed
paste from most supermarket in
Cyprus)
Ingredients
2 crushed garlic cloves
2 lemons juiced
4 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon ground cumin seeds
Cold water
Parsley for garnish
Method
1. Beat all the ingredients in a bowl or
use a food processor.
2. Add enough water to allow the dip
to be poured.
3. Yes, it is as easy as that!
Feta Pastries are the nibbles that keep
you coming back for more.
- fantastic sugar treats from Cyprus, a
sweet treat.
Ingredients
Ingredients
100ml sunflower oil
250g coarse semolina
225g sugar
400ml water
75g blanched almonds, sliced
1 tablespoon blanched almonds, sliced
(for decoration)
100g butter or margarine
120g plain flour
650ml warm milk
3 eggs
half teaspoon salt
half teaspoon pepper
half teaspoon grated cinammon
350g feta cheese, grated
500g filo pastry
125g butter or margarine, melted
Sesame seeds (optional)
Method
1. Melt the butter or margarine in a pan.
2. Add the flour and stir for 5 minutes.
3. Add the milk slowly, stirring continu o u s ly
until the mixture is smooth.
4. Remove pan from heat.
5. Add the feta cheese, eggs, pepper,
nutmeg and a pinch of salt and mix well.
6. Let the cheese filling cool.
7. Lay the filo pastry out flat and cut it
lengthwise in strips 5cm wide.
8. Take 2 filo strips at a time and brush
them with the remaining melted butter.
To create the triangle shape take one
corner of the filo and fold it so that a
dessertspoonful of the filling is covered
by a triangle of pastry 5cm x 5cm x
7cm. Continue to fold the filo strip so
that a number of layers are built up and
you keep the triangle shape.
9. Place pastry triangles on a greased
baking sheet, brush with the remainder
of the melted butter and sprinkle on
some sesame seeds.
10. Bake in the oven at 180C (350F/Mark4)
for 35 minutes or until golden brown.
Method
1. Heat the oil in a pan.
2. Add the almonds, semolina and
sugar and cook until the semolina is
golden.
3. Add small amounts of water stirring
slowly on a low heat until the
semolina doubles in volume.
4. Remove the pan from the heat and
cover the mixture with a towel for
10 minutes.
5. Transfer the mixture into a pudding
mould and let it cool completely.
6. Remove from the mould and
decorate with the almonds ready for
serving.
Brandy sour
The perfect Cypriot aperitif to have
before any meal with snacks and
nibbles.
Ingredients
50 ml Brandy
25 ml Lemon Juice
1/2 teaspoon Superfine Sugar
Few drops of Angostura bitter
Soda water
Method
Give it all a shake with ice cubes and
strain into a glass rimmed with sugar.
Garnish with Cherry, Orange Slice or
fresh mint
Fresh Lemonade
a refreshing drink to start the
evening. Add a dash of gin or vodka
for that extra zing.
Ingredients
3 lemons
1 litre water
75 g sugar (the more sugar, the
sweeter the drink)
Method
Squeeze all the juice from the lemons
into a large jug, add the water and
sugar and stir for about 2 minutes
until the sugar is dissolved.The drink
should only be kept for two days.
Kali Orexi
46

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