Cyprus Interest

Tróödos and around Paphos

Tróödos Region

The Tróödos Mountains form a stark contrast to the beaches and clear waters of the coast. These mountains form a rolling backdrop to Paphos and soon ascend to the highest point at Chionistra the highest point on Mount Olympus (1,953 m). The Tróödos are mainly pine covered mountains and the home to many Cypriot weekend homes and the well known skiing slopes of Cyprus. Many of the villages in the Tróödos are largely unaffected by modern day life, and often specialise in the production of a particular crop or product. The tranquillity of this area was probably the rationale for the sitting of so many of the Byzantine churches and monasteries in these mountains. Nine of the Byzantine churches have been listed in the UNESCO World Heritage List for their unique architecture and detailed frescos. These are: Stavros tou Ayiasmati, Panayia tou Araka, Timiou Stavrou at Pelendri, Ayois Nikolaos tis Stegis, Panayia Podithou, Assinou, Ayios Ioannis Lampadistis, Panayia tou Moutoula and Arkhángelos Mikhaïl at Pedhoulas.
The mountains are also home to a wide range of flora and fauna including the timid Moufflon which are protected in a natural reserve in the Cedar valley.

Historic Buildings and Archaeology

PETRA TOY ROMIOU - Birthplace of Aphrodite
According to legend, Aphrodite, goddess of love and beauty, rose from the waves in this strikingly beautiful spot. The Greek name, Petra tou Romiou '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.

SANCTUARY OF APHRODITE
PalaiPaphos (Old Paphos) was one of the most celebrated pilgrimage centres of the ancient Greek world, and once city-kingdom of Cyprus. Here stood the famous Sanctuary of Aphrodite, the most ancient remains of which date back to the 12th century BC. The glorious days of the sanctuary lasted till the 3rd-4th century. The museum, housed in the Lusignan Manor, contains many interesting finds from the area, and excavations continue on the site of the sanctuary, the city and the necropolis.

Baths of Aphrodite at Polis
The Baths of Aphrodite at Polis, supposed source of fertility and the Fountain of Love, or Fontana Amorosa a few miles further into the Akamas Peninsula. According to legend, the goddess Aphrodite used to take her beauty baths in a pool of a natural grotto, shaded by a fig tree, which can still be visited.

LEMPA
At Lempa village excavations have brought to light an important settlement of the Chalcolithic period. Near the site replicas of two houses from this period have been constructed.

Birthplace of Archbishop Makarios III - PANO PANAGIA
The birthplace of Archbishop Makarios III, first President of Cyprus. The house where he was born has been converted into a museum. POLIS37 km north of PaphosPolis tis Chrysochou lies where there once stood the ancient city-kingdom of Marion, an important commercial centre in the Classical and Hellenistic times. Its beautiful climate, crystal clear beaches and breathtaking scenery have made the area an attractive popular resort.

Monasteries and Churches

Arkhángelos Mikhaïl church, Pedhoulás (UNESCO listed)
This fresco rates as one of many UNESCO-recognized frescoes in the foothill churches of the Tróödos range.

Stavros tou Ayiasmati (UNESCO listed)

Panayia tou Araka (UNESCO listed)

Timiou Stavrou at Pelendri (UNESCO listed)

Ayois Nikolaos tis Stegis (UNESCO listed)

Panayia Podithou (UNESCO listed)

Assinou (UNESCO listed)

Ayios Ioannis Lampadistis (UNESCO listed)

Panayia tou Moutoula (UNESCO listed)

AGIA PARASKEVI CHURCH
One of the most interesting Byzantine churches on the island, dating to the l0th century. It is a basilica surmounted by five domes forming a cross and has beautiful mural paintings dating mainly to the l5th century.

PANAGIA CHRYSELEOUSA
A l2th century church standing in the centre of the village. A series of icons and two panels with the 12 Apostles date back to the middle of the l6th century.

Agios Georgios Basilica and Fountains of PEGEIA
Near a fishing refuge 4,5 km from the village of Pegeia are the ruins of two Early Christian basilicas with some very interesting mosaic floors depicting animals. This site must have been an important establishment in Early Christian times. There are also rock-hewn tombs of the Roman period above the sea. Pegeia is famous for its fountains in the stone paved village square.

AGIOS NEOFYTOS MONASTERY
Founded at the end of the l2th century by the Cypriot hermit and writer Neofytos. The "Egkleistra", an enclosure carved out of the mountain by the hermit, contains some of the finest Byzantine frescoes dating from the l2th to l5th century. In the monastery's church there is a very interesting ecclesiastical museum.

CHRYSORROGIATISSA MONASTERY
Set in beautiful surroundings, the monastery, originally founded in the l2th century AD, is dedicated to 'Our Lady of the Golden Pomegranate'. The monastery, whose present building dates back to 1770, has a collection of important icons and treasures. An impressive religious ceremony and celebrations are held on l5th August. The old winery of the monastery produces some of the best vintage wine of Cyprus. Chrysorrogiatissa is renowned for its most spectacular panoramic views.

Kykkos Monastery
Probably the largest and most famous monastery is Kykkos Monastery with a Golden icon of the Virgin Mary allegedly painted by St Luke.

Machairas Monastery

Trooditissa Monastery
Noted for it’s steeply sloped roof

Museums and Galleries

GEROSKIPOU FOLK ART MUSEUM
The name of the village comes from the Greek phrase "Hieros Kepos", the sacred garden of Aphrodite. A fascinating collection of folk arts and crafts is exhibited in the beautiful Chatzismith house.

Sports and Activities

Nature Trails from Akámas
Nature trails set off from Akámas to lead nature lovers to incomparable views of unspoiled land.
More details on these trails can be obtained from a special leaflet issued by the Cyprus Tourism Organization in co-operation with the Forestry Department.

Loggerhead turtles
Loggerhead turtles return every summer to lay eggs on remote Páfos district beaches.

“Caledonian” waterfall
The so-called “Caledonian” waterfall is among the beauty spots accessible by maintained hiking trails around Mt Olympus.

Skiing and Snowboarding
The Tróödos Mountains offer seven ski runs and four ski lifts in the winter months, catering for all standards and abilities. The ski resort is fast gaining a reputation among young snowboarders rolling two holidays into one, hitting the slopes in the morning, the beaches in the afternoon and the clubs at night.

Golf
One of Cyprus’s three world-class golfing complexes, Tsada Golf Club is located in the Tróödos Mountains overlooking Paphos.