The nature trails that cross the peninsula pass through unspoiled areas of extreme physical beauty. The area is ideal for hiking, cycling, diving and swimming in crystal clear waters.
The ‘’Baths of Aphrodite’’ is an area in the Akamas between Polis and Cape Arnaouti. It derived its name from small grotto shaped by an old fig tree, in the waters of which, legend has it, the goddess Aphrodite used to bathe. According to mythology, this is where she met her lover Adonis.
POLIS
The small town of Polis, 37km north of Paphos, is the location where once stood the ancient city-kingdom of Marion, an important commercial centre in the classical and Hellenic-roman period, Marion was renamed Arsinoe. Polis has become a popular seaside resort with a noteworthy traditional centre that maintains its beauty and many of its traditional buildings.
Agios Andronikos church is a 16th-century vaulted church in the middle of Polis with frescoes of the same period. During the Ottoman period, this church was turned into a mosque. A northern annex was added to it and the frescoes covered up. These have recently uncovered. Other churches in the region include the 16th-century church of Agia Aikaterini in the village of Kritou Tera as well as the 15th century of Panagia Horteni in Pelathousa village.
Polis archaeological museum Marion/ Arsinoe consists of an interesting collection of antiquities discovered in the region where once stood the ancient city-kingdom of Marion-Arsinoe.
The Byzantine Museum of Arsinoe is situated at the Holy Bishopric of Arsinoe at Peristerona village, it houses one of the largest collections of icons dating from the 13th to the 19th centuries, as well as wood carved ecclesiastic items, local and imported silver and metal artefacts, as well as local textiles. Rare books and manuscripts are also on display.
Another museum Steni is dedicated to all those men, women and children who lived in Steni village during the difficult and challenging years from the day of its creation to the end of the Second World War. Weaving the loom scene, ploughing are some of the exhibits of this village museum.
Kato Pyrgos is a small village in Tylliria area, north of Pafos, lying on the roots of the Troodos mountain range with a stunning view of the sea. Kato Pyrgos is one of the few villages left in Cyprus where the natural environment remains virtually untouched and maintains its natural beauty, it is an ideal spot for fishing and hiking.
Rich in History and culture, Kato Pyrgos hosts many monuments, chapels and churches. Especially interesting is the chapel of Virgin Mary Galoktisti built using milk instead of water around the 12th to the 14th century.
Continued on part 6
The ‘’Baths of Aphrodite’’ is an area in the Akamas between Polis and Cape Arnaouti. It derived its name from small grotto shaped by an old fig tree, in the waters of which, legend has it, the goddess Aphrodite used to bathe. According to mythology, this is where she met her lover Adonis.
POLIS
The small town of Polis, 37km north of Paphos, is the location where once stood the ancient city-kingdom of Marion, an important commercial centre in the classical and Hellenic-roman period, Marion was renamed Arsinoe. Polis has become a popular seaside resort with a noteworthy traditional centre that maintains its beauty and many of its traditional buildings.
Agios Andronikos church is a 16th-century vaulted church in the middle of Polis with frescoes of the same period. During the Ottoman period, this church was turned into a mosque. A northern annex was added to it and the frescoes covered up. These have recently uncovered. Other churches in the region include the 16th-century church of Agia Aikaterini in the village of Kritou Tera as well as the 15th century of Panagia Horteni in Pelathousa village.
Polis archaeological museum Marion/ Arsinoe consists of an interesting collection of antiquities discovered in the region where once stood the ancient city-kingdom of Marion-Arsinoe.
The Byzantine Museum of Arsinoe is situated at the Holy Bishopric of Arsinoe at Peristerona village, it houses one of the largest collections of icons dating from the 13th to the 19th centuries, as well as wood carved ecclesiastic items, local and imported silver and metal artefacts, as well as local textiles. Rare books and manuscripts are also on display.
Another museum Steni is dedicated to all those men, women and children who lived in Steni village during the difficult and challenging years from the day of its creation to the end of the Second World War. Weaving the loom scene, ploughing are some of the exhibits of this village museum.
Kato Pyrgos is a small village in Tylliria area, north of Pafos, lying on the roots of the Troodos mountain range with a stunning view of the sea. Kato Pyrgos is one of the few villages left in Cyprus where the natural environment remains virtually untouched and maintains its natural beauty, it is an ideal spot for fishing and hiking.
Rich in History and culture, Kato Pyrgos hosts many monuments, chapels and churches. Especially interesting is the chapel of Virgin Mary Galoktisti built using milk instead of water around the 12th to the 14th century.
Continued on part 6