VILLA RENTALS

PLACES TO VISIT IN NORTHERN CYPRUS

 Kyrenia (Girne) At the heart of the town is the colourful harbour, surrounded by many lively restaurants, harbour cafes and taverns and dominated by Kyrenia Castle. Built in the 7th century, the castle houses the famous Shipwreck Museum displaying wrecks and their cargoes dating from 300 BC. Part of the attraction and the benefit of being based in Kyrenia is the proximity to the ancient villages, castles and monasteries that can be found in the neighbourhood.       

                                               Kyrenia Harbour

In the range of hills behind Kyrenia, perched over 2,000 ft above sea level, is the fairytale castle of St Hilarion. It has nine towers, walls up to a quarter of a mile long and a network of interconnecting passages that lead to a dormitory, monastery and cellars. Also located in the foothills is well-preserved Bellapaix Abbey, founded as an Augustine monastery in the 14th century. Surrounded by trees and foliage on all sides, it has spectacular views across land and sea. With the refectory remaining almost intact, an unusual pulpit, gracefully vaulted roofing, parts of the cloister and the chapter house, it is a beautiful example of Gothic workmanship. 

Soli & Vouni  was a great city founded in 600 BC and was at the height if its power during the occupation of Cyprus by the Romans. It was destroyed during the Arab invasion of 648 AD. A Swedish archaeological expedition excavated the Roman amphitheatre in 1930 and an early Christian basilica and mosaics have come to light during later work by Canadian teams. Much work remains to be done on this huge site. The Palace of Vouni is thought to have been built during the Persian occupation in the 5th century BC. The ruins stand on a cliff top, surrounded by a wall, and were burnt down in 380 BC. At a later date the foundations were destroyed by the Soli inhabitants. 

Guzelyurt  Situated in the north-west  is a charming little town surrounded by citrus groves. Underground springs nourish the apples, grapefruit and melons for which the area is famous. Sights in the town include the mosque, a Greek church with interesting icons and a small natural history museum.   

Nicosia The capital city (known as Lefkosa), lies at a little over 500 ft above sea level, and came to prominence in the  13th century dominion of the Lusignans. Prosperity lasted until the city was sacked in 1426 during the Egyptian Mameluke invasion. Today it is a city with a strong visual impact, with some buildings still remaining from the days of the Lusignans and with many examples of the many periods and architectural styles which have flourished since that time. As with other medieval towns, it is the city walls, built by the Venetians, and the Girne Gate that first make a great impression. Of all the sights, one of the most important is the Selimiye Mosque. Originally built in the 13th century, it was once the cathedral of the Lusignan kings. Also worth exploring are the Stonework Museum, the Sultan's Library, Bedestan and Haydar Pasha's Mosque. 

Famagusta  Among the massively fortified places along the Mediterranean coast, Famagusta takes high rank. It enjoyed its golden age in the 14th century under the crusading dynasty of the Lusignans who crowned their kings in St Nicholas' cathedral that now dominates the old city. Later, the Ottoman Turks were to add a minaret to the exterior and convert the interior into a mosque. Famagusta offers a wealth of treasures to the visitor including the Othello Tower containing a 14th-century Gothic hall, the Venetian Palace, later used as a prison.

Outside Famagusta lies the ancient city of Salamis, a great commercial centre in Roman times. It was destroyed by earthquakes in the 4th century but was rebuilt and named Constantia. Finally destroyed again but this time by Arab invaders, Salamis was not rebuilt but impressive testimony of greater times remain in the form of the amphitheatre, the largest in Cyprus, the Gymnasium, the baths and the marketplace. There are many sandy beaches around Famagusta.

The collonaded quadrangle is part of the gymnasium and bath complex at the eastern Roman/Byzantine city of Salamis

The Karpas Peninsula is a place where time has stood still. There's mile after mile of sandy beaches with hardly a person in sight. Whilst the road to the Karpas is reasonable it is not a motorway, a visit there is best with an overnight stay. This way you can take your time without having to do the return journey in a day.

For further information and availabilty please contact Peter or Mary at Cyprus Holidays Villa Rentals by e-mail.