With the Turkish military occupation of Famagusta in 1974, this
small town of 6,000 inhabitants, is now the main
administrative
town of the district. The twin aisled vaulted
church, dedicated to the Virgin Mary is decorated with unusual 1
8th century porcelain
plates. Parts of the
church belong to the 13th century. Some other interesting churches can also be
found in the
area.
Originally a small fishing village, this is
now a major
tourist centre. The interesting mediaeval monastery dedicated to out Lady of the Forests stands
in the
middle of the village,
surrounded by a high wall. Its 16th century church is partially underground,
cut into the rock. The
hostel, west of the church,
belongs to the World Council of Churches. The ancient
sycamore tree, in front of the south gate,
is believed to be 600 years
old.
The village has three interesting
churches, the small domed 17th
century church of Ayios Georghios, the 15th century Ayia Marina church, and a church dedicated
to the Virgin
Mary with
excellent 17th century icons. The views from this village also include, the 'ghost' city of
Famagusta, now under occupation of the
Turkish army, once the most popular holiday resort in Cyprus, which
has lain
empty since 1974, as all its inhabitants are now
refugees.
At the east
entrance of this village is the partially ruined church
of
Ayios Mamas, which was built around the 12th century, and later
rebuilt in the 16th century. Most of the
surviving
frescoes date from the 16th century. About 1 1/2 km to the west, is the
16th century cruciform
church of Panayia Khordajotissa, whose
dome has been restored, and the church of Ayios Georghios. an
early
christian basilica with three aisles.
There is a 16th
century church dedicated to the Virgin Mary, and a 15th century church of
Ayios Andronikos, with an octagonal
dome,
and the remains of murals which can still be distinguised in the apse. Also, the basket
making
tradition continues at
Liopetri.
A
picturesque
fishing refuge, with the remains of
a Venetian watch-tower nearby. The French poet Arthur Rimbaud
worked in this area in the
1880s.
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