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Cyprus > Cyprus
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| The Hospitallers (the Order of St John of Jerusalem), were granted land here in 1210 and built Kolossi Castle, and for a while this was their headquarters. The British restored it in 1933. |
| Photo: Giuseppe Pennisi |
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Cyprus > Cyprus
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| Outside the city of Lemesos, Kolossi Castle, a Crusader fortress of the Knights of St. John that was constructed in the 13th century and rebuilt in the 15th, towers over a landscape of vineyards. It's accessible by a short drawbridge that was originally defended by a parapet high above, through which defenders would pour molten lead or boiling oil on the heads of unwanted visitors. A spiral staircase leads up to the roof and the restored battlements. |
| Photo: Giuseppe Pennisi |
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Cyprus > Cyprus
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| The Sanctuary of Apollo Ylatis (5th century BC), behind Kourion, is one of the largest, most significant historic religious sites in Cyprus. Apollo was a god of beauty, music, woodlands, prophecy and archery, and protector of trees, flocks and herds - and of Kourion itself. The site spreads out over 15,000 square meters. |
| Photo: Giuseppe Pennisi |
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Cyprus > Cyprus
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| The cliff-top Kourion amphitheatre has panoramic views of the coastline and al fresco Shakespeare performances in the summer. |
| Photo: Giuseppe Pennisi |
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Cyprus > Cyprus
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| At the southeast edge of a commanding plateau lie the remains of the House of Eustolios. Built on the ruins of an earlier palatial private residence, which was completely destroyed by the earthquakes of the late 4th century A.D., the present form of this impressive House dates from the end of the 4th to the middle of the 7th century A.D. The entire building complex was constructed of limestone blocks and consisted of more than thirty rooms and a bathing area. The main entrance was on the west and opened onto a rectangular forecourt. |
| Photo: Giuseppe Pennisi |
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Cyprus > Cyprus
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| With its grand, instantly recognizable Greco-Roman theatre built into the side of a bluff overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, the site of Kourion is simply spectacular. Its riches include the House of Eustolios, its extensive Roman mosaics visible from covered walkways, the Early Christian Basilica, the ancient Forum, the Nymphaeum, the public baths and House of Gladiators. |
| Photo: Giuseppe Pennisi |
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Cyprus > Cyprus
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| Archaelogical evidence and historical sources strongly suggest that Kourion is one of the most important and glorious ancient kingdoms of Cyprus. It is believed that a total of twelve kingdoms (Paphos, Salamis, Kition, Kourion, Amathous, Marion, Soloi, Tamassos, Idalion, Ledres, Chytroi and Lapithos) existed in ancient Cyprus, each having the role of an urban and administrative center. |
| Photo: Giuseppe Pennisi |
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Cyprus > Cyprus
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| The Greek goddess Aphrodite was ‘born’ on Cyprus. Specifically, she was born from the foam of the sea around Aphrodite’s Rock, on the beach close to Pafos. In ancient times, people came here to join in the fertility rituals and at the nearby temple. In Greek, the rock is calledPetra tou Romiou. |
| Photo: Giuseppe Pennisi |
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Cyprus > Cyprus
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| Many charming wineries are located in Pachna, in the Limasoll district. |
| Photo: Giuseppe Pennisi |
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Cyprus > Cyprus
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| The Monastery of the Holy Cross is one of the oldest and most historic monasteries on Cyprus. According to legend, the Monastery was established before St. Helen's arrival in Cyprus in 327 AD, when she left a part of the Holy Rope and the Holy Rood in the Monastery. This was the rope with which the Romans bound Christ to the Cross. |
| Photo: Giuseppe Pennisi |
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Cyprus > Cyprus
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| No trip to Cyprus is complete without a visit to the famous Kykkos Monastery (Panagia tou Kykkou). The monastery was founded by the Byzantines in 1092 and is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It is now the richest monastery on the island and holds one of the three surviving icons ascribed to Saint Luke. |
| Photo: Giuseppe Pennisi |
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Cyprus > Cyprus
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Cyprus > Cyprus
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| The charming west coast town of Pafos is built around an attractive harbor whose picturesque open air fish restaurants line a quayside of bright fishing boats and pleasure craft. The castle, originally built as a Byzantine fort to protect the harbor, was rebuilt by the Lusignans in the 13th century, then dismantled by the Venetians in 1570, who found themselves unable to defend it against the Ottomans, who in their turn restored and strengthened it after they captured the island. |
| Photo: Giuseppe Pennisi |
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Cyprus > Cyprus
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Cyprus > Cyprus
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| Cape Greco is a wildlife sanctuary blessed with a kaleidoscope of extraordinary coastline, bizarre rock formations and exquisite sunsets. It’s a breathtaking spot with stunning views and crystal clear waters that are great for snorkeling and scuba diving. |
| Photo: Giuseppe Pennisi |
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Cyprus > Cyprus
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Cyprus > Cyprus
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| Nicosia (Lefkosia), the island’s capital, is home to the majestic statue of Makarios, in front of the Archbishoric Palace. Makarios was the first president of Cyprus, elected in 1959. |
| Photo: Giuseppe Pennisi |
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Cyprus > Cyprus
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| Limassol (or Lemesos in Greek) is the largest seaside resort and the second largest city in Cyprus. Situated on the south coast, Limassol was built between the two ancient Greek kingdoms: Amathus in the east, and Kourion in the west. It now has a population of about 150 000 and is the center of the country's winemaking industry, and an important commercial and tourist center. |
| Photo: Giuseppe Pennisi |
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