SELECTED ORCHID SPECIES  NATIVE TO NORTH CYPRUS

Orchid italic:  pinkish-white with pink  dots. Flowering  period  March-April

Dactylorhiza  romana : Flowers spurred, bright yellow  or pale yellow coloured and unspotted.

                        Flowering   period March-May

Neotinea maculate : flowers white ,yellowish, pink or pinkish-purple. Flowering period  march-April

Orchis papilonacea:  Flower dark pink, red or purple with darker nerves and spots.

                        Flowering period  March-April

Spiranthes spiralis  (L)Chevall: Flowers numerous, white, scented, flowering period

                        September –November

Orchis simian:  Flowers white with dark pink  tips. Flowering period  April-May

Ophrys bornmuelleri ssp. Bornmuelleri.labellum: Brownish, hairy,with creamy yellow shoulders and

                         h-shape ,below shoulders. Flowering period  March-April

Orchis collina : Flowers variable in colour ranging from violet to creamy white.

                         Flowering period  February-March

Limodorm abortivum(L)Swartz: Sepals and petals pale to dark violet.Flowering period  April-June

Serapias vomeracea(Burm.fil.)Briq.ssp. orientalis  W.Greuter: Flowers of all serapias species have a lip

                         Divided into two, a front section and 2 side section. The front section reminds

                         A tongue. Flowering period  March-May.

Ophrys fusca ssp. Fleischmanil: labellum is brownish , yellowish    and white w-shaped line divide it

                         Into two clear parts. Flowering period February- April.

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ZENOBIA

The zenobia lies just one kilometre from the Larnaka coast. It was a Swedish truck ferry that went down in 1980 on her maiden voyage, fully laden with more than with 107 cargo truck. The top of the Zenobia is just 16 metres under the surface and all the trucks can be seen either in the wreck or lying  on the seabed close by- most of them still intact, including the egg lorry with its cargo.

Experience divers can explore the engine room, canteen and accommodation deck and there is plenty of marine  life to see,  including shoals of barracuda, tuna and grouper.

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PLACES OF INTEREST IN POLIS

The Polis area has a remarkable history dating back 3000 years. During your stay you will  have many opportunities to watch archaeologists at work on sites in the centre of Polis.  A visit to the archaeological Museum will give you a chance to see the archaeological finds from ancient Marion/Arsinoe.  Those interested in the Byzantine history of the country can visit the Church of Agios Andronikos, near the traditional square of Polis, with it is 16^th century wall-paintings. 

Another noteworthy church is that of Agia Kyriaki-traditional 18^th century single nave church. Polis has many other superb examples of traditional architecture. As you walk around the town you cannot   fail to be impressed by the old traditional buildings, both in the style of the Classical Revival and with beautiful wooden balconies. The centre of Pafos with it is restored stone buildings, is now a pedestrian area. The paved square with it is cafes,bars and restaurants is now a gathering place full of life from morning until night throughout the year .  Latsi with it is coastal paved walk is the picturesque harbour of Polis, known throughout Cyprus for it is fresh fish.  In the past it served as a small port for shipping carobs.  The old stone carob warehouses have been converted into restaurants, fish taverns and places of recreation, from Latsi, travellers to Polis can go on short cruises to the Akamas, a must for all visitors.  At Latsi there are also water sport facilities.

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AGIOS IOANNIS CATHEDRAL

Within the Archbishopric area . built by Archbishop  Nikiforos in 1662, the 18^th century wall paintings depict scenes from the bible and the discovery of the tomb of Saint Barnabas at Salamis.

Dedicated to Agios Ioannis Theologos (Saint John the Theologian)

ARCHBISHOPRIC (OLD AND NEWCentre of the Cyprus Orthodox Church, the new Archbishopric was built in a  neoByzantine style  in 1960. The old Archbishopric houses the folk art Museum.

ETHNOLOGICAL MUSEUM

THE HOUSE OF CHATZIGEORGAKIS KORNESIOS

It is the most important 18^th century building in Nicosia which after being restored, won the 1988 Europa Nostra Award. Once the residence of the Dragoman Chatzigeorgakis Kornesios ,it now houses the Cyprus Ethnologial Museum.

FAMAGUSTA  GATE

Municipal Cultural Centre Leoforos  Athinon The Venetian walls which completely encircle the old city have a circumference of  4,5km and possess eleven heart-shaped bastions. There were only three gates to the city in the north,south,and east. One of these gates, the Porta Gluliana called Famagusta gate, has been restored and is now the Nicosia(Lefkosia) Municipal Cultural Centre. The Vaulted passage and two side rooms are used for exhibitions,conferences, lectures and various performances, with the passage leading  to the most. One of the most typical quarters of the town  closer to Famagusta Gate is Also being rehabilitated.

OMERIYE  MOSQUE

Near the main Municipal  Market within the walled city. Converted into a mosque in 1571 by Mustapha Pasha, who belived that the original 14^th century Augustinian church of St.Mary was built on the spot where prophet Omer rested when visiting Nicosia .  most of the original building was destroyed by Ottoman artillery. The door of the main enterance belongs to the 14^th century Lusignan  building. Remains of a later Renaissance phase of the building can be seen at the northeastern side of the monument.

FANOROMENI CHURCH

Built in 1872 this used  to be the largest church in Nicosia . the marble mausoleum to the east of the church contains the relics of the bishops and priests executed by the  Ottomans in 1821.

TRIPIOTIS CHURCH

Built by Archbishop Germanos II in 1695, it is an interesting examples of the Franco-Byzantine style.   

LAIKI GEITONIA

Pedestrian area within the walled city,east of plateia Elefterias.  Charming winding alleys with traditional houses, shops, restaurants and galleries all lovingly restored as typical examples of  Cypriot urban architecture of a bygone ,more graceful age.”Laiki Yitonia” is part of the heart and soul of the Walled city. It was the excellent result of the Municipality’s initiative to revive the fascination of the old city.  Most of the building have been restored and new ones were also erected.  The reconstruction followed very closely the typical elements of  traditional Cypriot folk architecture which were preserved through the centuries.

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POLIS

Polis ,which in  Greek means town, is in one of the most beautiful areas of  Cyprus ,near romantic sites, close to where Aphrodite, goddess of love and beauty, used to meet her beloved Adonis. Polis is built on the northwest of Cyprus, near the Akamas Peninsula with it is renowned  Baths of Aphrodite . Akamas is a nature reserve of exceptional  natural beauty and will eventually become a national park. The whole Polis area has been bountifully blessed by nature and combines the beauties of mountain , sea and plain. It is seas are clean and warm with extensive sandy beaches. The climate is healthy with mild winters and cool summer nights. The area is especially suited to people with special interests who enjoy activities when on holiday. Polis is a perfect refuge for mental and physical relaxation and recreation. Those wishing to escape the stress and routine of daily life, will find an ideal place of calm and rest, in an environment of unparalleled beauty. Life in Pafos still rolls along at a quiet pace without too many crowds or noise. Polis is the favourite spot of demanding visitors in search of a quality holiday in a friendly, sociable environment .polis is 35km from Pafos- 30 minute car ride. The two towns are linked by regular bus routes from Pafos Airport, less than 2 hours from Larnaka Airport and 25 minutes from the Tsada Golf Course.cyp

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