Paradise island has something to surprise tourists.
Being on this wonderful Mediterranean island, really do not want to move away from the coast, resting and basking in the sun.
But if you take the time to travel around the country, you can visit the rather unusual places and sights! Today we will introduce you with the ten most amazing of them!
10. International airport Nicosia (Nicosia International Airport), Engomi (Engomi), Nicosia
Not many people would want to visit this abandoned airport, but those who like such places, be sure to go there in search of new sensations.
Former major Cypriot with public scheduled flights, it is now a dilapidated, abandoned airport, Ghost. The Nicosia airport was built in the 1930-ies as a military airfield, and by the 1970’s gradually grew into a fairly modern aircraft object.
Once the international airport of Nicosia was Central in the country, but after the military coup he is abandoned in the demilitarized zone between the two countries, slowly accumulating dust and pigeon droppings.
Since its dissolution in 1974, the airport was in the zone closed to civilians, but this did not prevent people coming here stalkers and photographers.
9. Ancient sexual curse of Cyprus, Agios Tychonas (Agios Tychon)
Historians are not quite sure what was happening behind closed doors, but they say that sexual curse has been found on an ancient tablet.
In 2008, during excavations on the site of the ancient city-state of Amathus (Amathus), archaeologists unexpectedly found a curse, written in Greek on a lead tablet. It was simple and clear: “Yes, it hurts your penis when we make love!”
The inscription dates from the seventh century, when Christianity was already well entrenched on the island. The plate also depicts a man who stands and holds in her right hand something like an hourglass.
Pierre Aubert (Pierre Aubuert), head of Athens archaeological school (Athens Archaeological School) in Greece, says that the curse could be associated with the practice of witchcraft or shamanism, which has been preserved since the pre-Christian pagan era. However, the true explanation of this curse is unknown, and, most likely, will be undergoing further investigation.
8. Holy cat monastery of St. Nicholas (Holy Monastery of Saint Nicholas of the Cats), Akrotiri (Akrotiri)
What is the best way of struggle to prefer to the monastery, which is a real problem with snakes? For this island, for example, delivered more than 1000 cats who had to deal with infested reptiles. Since the serpent has not been seen, and the monastery became a place of pilgrimage for fans of cats.
When the invasion of snakes almost prevented the construction of what is today known as the Holy cat monastery of St. Nicholas, in the island was delivered titled cats to save the day.
Construction originally began in the year 327 under the patronage of Queen Helena, mother of Emperor Constantine the Great. As legend has it, at that time the island suffered from a terrible drought, which it divorced many poisonous snakes, forcing not only builders, but also local residents to leave the island.
To get rid of the invasion, Elena has decided to bring to the island 1000 fluffy cats, which were brought from Persia and Egypt. Soon the monks have taught cats to respond to two bells: one signaled the time of feeding, and the other about the time of hunting snakes. After the terrible battles and skirmishes, during which the cats were left without eyes and noses, snake was still destroyed from the island, and the construction of the monastery was completed.
Although the original building of the monastery in the following centuries it was repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt, and the cat remained to live in Cyprus, becoming the island revered animals.
7. The chapel of Apostle Peter and of the Holy Martyr Helen (Apostle Peter and St. Helen the Martyr Chapel), Paphos (Paphos)
This unusual-looking Greek Orthodox chapel, like an upside-down Grand piano is in Paphos, located in the southwestern part of the island.
The Creator of this futuristic chapel, completely at odds with the perception of classical architecture, is a Greek architect Michael Georgiou (Georgiou Michail).
Construction of a small, but roomy Orthodox chapel (56 m2) lasted a year and a half, and the first stone was laid by the Bishop of Paphos, Georgios IV.
6. White Church of Ayia Thekla (Ayia Thekla Church of), Satire (Sotira)
This little blue and white Church, it seems, has absorbed all the beauty of the Mediterranean sea that surrounds it.
The Church of Ayia Thekla (Saint Thekla Church) located a few kilometers West of Ayia NAPA, near the village of Sotira. The chapel’s main entrance faces towards the blue sea, has a breathtaking view.
Before it you can see the steps leading to the cave or carved in the rocks of the tomb, known as the “catacomb of Agia Thekla” (catacomb of Ayia Thekla).
It is believed that the first Christians turned the cave into a place of worship until a new Church. Archaeologists believe that in the same area there was an ancient settlement or a cemetery. Moreover, in the Western part of the chapel was discovered evidence of the existence of the quarry.
Due to its location by the sea and the chapel of Ayia Thekla is a popular place for local residents wishing to hold a civil wedding ceremony. Its doors open throughout the day.
5. The Church of St. Nicholas under the roof (Agios Nikolaos Tis Stegis Church), Kakopetria (Kakopetria)
Erected in the XI century Church is a Prime example of the classical cross-domed Basilica. At the beginning of the XII century it was added the porch (annexe before entering the temple) and the end of the century the Church was covered with a wooden gable roof.
Such roofs covered many of the churches located in the area of Troodos mountain, as protection from the weather. But for some reason only in the name of this Church in the people caught this architectural feature, and since then it was called Church of St. Nicholas, under the roof.
4. Baths Of Adonis (Adonis Baths), Paphos
This, presumably, is the place where bathed Adonis, beloved of Aphrodite, which makes it even more magical than it already looks. According to legend, here Adonis met Aphrodite, and most of the time they spent here.
Near the pond stands a statue of lovers 10 meters. According to Greek mythology Adonis and Aphrodite had many children. Therefore, it is believed that if barren and those who wish to have children, touches the statue of Adonis, in the future will certainly become the parents of many children.
3. National Park of the Akamas Peninsula (Akamas Peninsula National Park)
Surrounded by clear turquoise water and is home to more than 600 species of plants, this national Park offers many scenic places.
Located in the Western tip of the island of Cyprus on an area of 230 km2 national Park of the Akamas Peninsula has been preserved almost in its original form, delighting the clear water bays, natural caves, beautiful beaches and rich flora. Here you can find rare birds, admire the rare trees and flowers, which are not found anywhere else.
2. Roman Boutique hotel (Roman Boutique Hotel), Limassol
During a trip through the unusual attractions of the island to stay at the hotel castle, each room which is decorated with Roman hand-painted and mirror — great idea!
1. Educational-information centre for environmental protection Akrotiri (Akrotiri Environmental Centre), Akrotiri
Salt lake located on the territory of the Educational-information centre for environmental protection Akrotiri, considered home to the world’s only black Flamingo! If that is not a convincing reason to go to Cyprus then, so we don’t know…
According to experts, because of its uniqueness it should, most likely, genetic fail called “melanism”, which resulted in the Flamingo body produces an excessive amount of pigment, giving the plumage is such an unusual color.
People believe that to see a black Flamingo is a good omen to meet him for luck. Nobody knows in advance whether he will arrive here next year.
Staff from the environmental Department request to observe black Flamingo, if possible, from a distance, showing the utmost caution. Usually, arriving on Cyprus, flamingos remain on the island until April.
