| hird largest island in the heart of the pristine | | | | literature and culture have laid the foundation for the |
| Mediterranean Sea, Cyprus, is full of rich history, | | | | island’s colorful culture. Among them is the |
| splendors that dazzle the eye and incredible attractions | | | | famous Byzantine Museum that contains historical |
| making it one of the world’s most prominent | | | | artifacts ranging between the 9th and 18th centuries. |
| tourist attractions. With its easy access form all | | | | Laiki Yitonia is an area filled with pedestrians that |
| corners of the earth; there is no reason to skip out on | | | | boasts restaurants, art galleries, and shopping. The |
| this alluring island paradise. | | | | architecture of this area pays homage to a forgotten |
| Cyprus has a culture rich with Western Europe. Greek | | | | era in the history of Cyprus. |
| mythology calls the island the birthplace of Aphrodite, | | | | In the capital city lie the ruins of the Kingdom of Idalion. |
| the Goddess of Love and Beauty. It’s location | | | | The Ancient city is still in the process of being |
| being close to the shores of Africa and Asia it is | | | | excavated but here this is the location with roots deep |
| riddled with touches of the East. Its rich, cultural tones, | | | | in mythological lore. This is the place where her jealous |
| which creep throughout the island, are an excellent | | | | husband, through use of a wild boar, killed |
| place to start your journey, immersing yourself in an | | | | Aphrodite’s lover, Adonis. The ancient city can |
| ambience soaked in fascinating history. | | | | be seen on the outskirts of the village, Dhali. |
| The city of Limassol is the second largest city of | | | | Among the historical sights, Cyprus is also known for |
| Cyprus, which flourishes with ancient ruins and modern | | | | its glorious festivals that occur though out the year. In |
| wonders. One of the first places to greet tourists like a | | | | June, Kataklysmos, the Festival of the Flood, takes |
| stone monolith looming on the horizon is Kolossi Castle. | | | | place in Limassol. On the Sunday after Pentecost and |
| The castle was said to be the marriage place of | | | | the Monday of the Holy Spirit, people gather on the |
| Richard the Lion Heart to Berengaria of Navarro after | | | | near sea to douse each other in water from the sea in |
| the returning form the Crusades. It was destroyed | | | | honor of Aphrodite and Adonis. Singing and dance |
| during the 15th century but was rebuilt on a smaller | | | | contests last thought out the festival spreading |
| scale then left to ruin and eventually the British | | | | jubilation to all who attend. |
| restored the castle in 1933. | | | | In late August and early September, tourists flock in |
| Within the city limits of Limassol lies the ancient city of | | | | great hordes to take part in the Limassol Wine Festival. |
| Kourion. Containing some of the most masterful ruins | | | | It rivals the festivals held by the ancient Greeks |
| on Cyprus, this ancient city should not be overlooked. | | | | honoring Dionysus, the God of Wine and Aphrodite. At |
| The ruins contain a Greco-Roman theatre, which is a | | | | this festival, the locals serve up mouth-watering dishes, |
| breath-taking sight to behold. Other key attractions in | | | | a vast medley of wines and a heart-warming |
| Kourion are the House of Gladiators, the House of | | | | environment with local theatre, music and dancing. This |
| Achilles and several well-preserved mosaics. Another | | | | festival is the perfect time to visit Cyprus and save |
| place of interest is the Cyprus Medieval Museum that | | | | money while doing it (the festival is free of charge). |
| is housed in the Limassol Castle. If able to do so, a | | | | Although it is hidden deep in the realm of the gorgeous |
| whole day could easily be spent exploring what the | | | | blue Mediterranean, Cyprus offers quite the travel |
| past has to offer. | | | | destination. With is fair climate year round, there |
| Nicosia, the capital of the island, is filled with museums | | | | isn’t a poor time to visit and get lost in culture |
| and districts delivering information about the history, art, | | | | far different from your own. |