Month: December 2015

Located in the Ammochostos (Famagusta) district, the village of Sotira is one of the agricultural ‘red soil villages’ (Kokkinochoria), and produces juicy watermelons, figs and pomegranates, along with ‘kolokasi’ (taro root – colocasia esculanta) – which is celebrated annually with a Kolokasi Festival in September.

The village was founded in the Byzantine period and named after Jesus the Saviour (Sotiros Christou). Its interesting sights include the village church dedicated to Metamorphosis tou Sotiros (Transfiguration of Jesus Christ), which is a significant Medieval monument of the 16th century, and the Ecclesiastical Museum. There are several other churches in the area dating between the 13th – 16th centuries, including the Cruciform church of Panagia Chordakion; the church of Agios Georgios Chordakion; the church of Agios Theodoros (of which only the narthex survives), and the church of Agios Mamas.

The important festivals of the village include the Traditional Festival of Sotira, which is held annually at the end of June/beginning of July, and the important religious festival of the Feast of the Saviour, which is held to honour Sotiros Christou annually on August 06. Visitors are welcome to join in the traditional festivities of both, which include stalls, entertainment and local food and drink.

Paralimni is a main holiday area of the Ammochostos (Famagusta) region and incorporates the subdistrict of Protaras, which is a popular tourist resort.

Hundreds of windmills dot the landscape, and the area is famous for its beaches of crystal-clear waters and soft, powdery sands. The Natural Forest Park of Cape Gkreko – located southeast of Protaras – is especially beautiful with its coves, caves, rare flora and fauna and stunning views.

Other sights of interest include the Paralimni Folkloric Museum / Traditional House, which depicts daily life in olden times, and the fishing shelters of Saint Nicholas and Agia Triada chapels,

The area also has significant religious monuments, including the 13th century two-aisled church dedicated to the Virgin Mary, which is decorated with unusual 18th century porcelain plates, and houses a small ecclesiastical museum. There are also a number of other interesting churches in the wider region.

An important religious festival is held to honour Agios Georgios annually on April 23 (Feast of Agios Georgios), where visitors are welcome to join in the traditional festivities, which include stalls, entertainment and local food and drink. There are also various other festivals in Protaras throughout the year, including the Flower Festival, the Festival of the Flood and the Summer Film Festival.

Located in the Ammochostos (Famagusta) district, the village of Liopetri is one of the agricultural ‘red soil villages’ (Kokkinochoria), and produces juicy pomegranates and figs, whilst its main crop is the famous Cyprus potato.

The village has existed under the same name since Medieval times and is referred to as ‘Ligopetri’ on old maps. The French poet and adventurer Arthur Rimbaud (1854-1891) worked in an old quarry located in the neighbouring Potamos tou Liopetriou (Liopetri River), which includes a quaint fishing shelter.

Interesting sights include the traditional houses made of mud-bricks and straw, and a barn that was the site of a long battle between the locals and British troops on September 02, 1958. The barn now serves as a war memorial of the National Liberation Struggle (1955-1959).

There are also two significant churches: the small-domed 16th century church dedicated to the Virgin Mary – which is celebrated annually on August 15 with traditional festivities – and the 15th century church dedicated to Agios Andronikos, with an octagonal dome and remnants of its murals found in the apse.

Located in the Ammochostos (Famagusta) district, the village of Frenaros was named after the Lusignan monks that lived in the nearby monastery of Panagia of Hortakion, and were called ‘Fremenors’.

As one of the fertile ‘red soil villages’ (Kokkinochoria), Frenaros is one of the main watermelon growers of the island and produces bumper crops of the juicy and refreshing fruit. Visitors to its annual Watermelon Festival, held in July, can enjoy complimentary fresh watermelon and its products such as ice-cream and cocktails.

The village’s sights of interest include the Byzantine churches of Agios Andronikos and the Archangelos Michael, which date back to the 12th century, and the 15 century church of Agia Marina with its interesting frescoes.

An important religious festival is held to honour Archangelos Michael annually on September 06 (Feast of Archangelos Michael), where visitors are welcome to join in the traditional festivities, which include stalls, entertainment and local food and drink.

Located in the Ammochostos (Famagusta) district, the small town of Deryneia – originally known as ‘Yerinia’ – has a rich, ancient past and is likely to have been where settlers to the island arrived after the Trojan War.

As one of the fertile ‘red soil villages’ (Kokkinochoria), Deryneia is the main strawberry grower of the island, and is famous for its juicy, sweet fruit. Visitors to its Strawberry Festival – which takes place every two years – can enjoy complimentary fresh strawberries and their products, such as juice, jam, liquor and ice-cream.

The village’s sights of interest include a Folk Art Museum and Open Air Museum for Traditional Professions, and the Cultural Centre of Occupied Ammochostos. The village also has several significant churches, including the 15th century church of Agia Marina, the Byzantine church of Panagia (with its preserved 17th century icons), and the small Medieval church of Agios Georgios.

An important religious festival is held to honour Agios Modestos annually on December 16 (Feast of Saint Modestos), where visitors are welcome to join in the traditional festivities, which include stalls, entertainment and local food and drink.