Regions of Cyprus

Pafos Town

Pafos is rich in ancient sites, in particular a cluster of UNESCO-listed Roman villa remains near the harbour, among them the House of Dionysos and the Villa of Theseus, and the Tombs of the Kings.

Paphos has two parts. Kato Paphos (Lower Paphos), where the resort's accommodation and its most important archaeological sites are located, overlooks the Mediterranean and the old harbour. Just over a mile inland Ano Paphos (Upper Paphos) boasts a few small museums and is Paphos' urban centre.

Aphrodite's heritage

At the edge of the Akamas Peninsula, witness where, according to legend, the Greek goddess of love bathed at the Baths of Aphrodite, a grotto containing a freshwater pool. At Kouklia visit the ruins of ancient Palaia Pafos and the Temple of Aphrodite while at the coast is Petratou Romiou (Rock of Aphrodite)

Commercial but historic

Nicosia is the capital city of Cyprus, the center of the administrative districts, and currently the only divided capital in the world, with the northern Turkish and southern Greek portions divided by a "Green line"; a border maintained by the United Nations and now a border to the EU.

History

The name of the city dates back to approximately 2,250 years when it was known as Ledra or Ledrae. This name was changed soon to Lefkotheon but was also referred to as Ledron. The name changed once again in the Byzantine era to Lefkon which means "popular grove". The city served as a seat of the kings of Cyprus from 1192, it remained the capital of Cyprus since the 17th century, except for a brief period starting from 1489 when it was taken over by Venetians. Cyprus was taken over by Turks in 1571 and Nicosia became the Capital again. The city went through major development during the Venetian's rule as they built huge, thick ramparts around the city. Nicosia (Lefkosia) was fortified with imposing stone walls and massive gates.The walls are three and half miles long and have eleven towers and three gates. The famous Famagusta Gate still stands today, proudly protecting the still-ancient town within from the modern city outside.