Unesco sides in Cyprus

UNESCO sites in Cyprus 

If you’re booking holidays in Cyprus, you’re probably aware that our beloved island has many historical wonders to offer visitors. What you may not know is that UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) has deemed three locations in Cyprus to be World Heritage sites.

This means that the sites are considered to be of outstanding value to humanity, due to their cultural and historical significance. We’re very proud of these sites, and we hope you’ll visit them during your Cyprus holidays. 

Choirokoitia 

Located in the south of Cyprus, this archaeological site in Choirokoita was occupied by humans from the 7th to the 5th millennium BC. It is thought to represent the success of the first farmers who came to settle in Cyprus, who played a key role in the transmission of culture from the near East to the European world.
Despite its age, this Neolithic settlement is in excellent condition, and visitors can see a well-preserved courtyard containing houses, wells and more. This fascinating reserve offers a genuine insight into human evolution in this area of the world. 

Paphos 

Pahpos is a city in the Southwest of Cyprus that hosts a number of amazing archaeological finds. It was the centre of the cult of Aphrodite, and contains remains that date back as far as 12th Century BC. Visiting Paphos, you will see the remains of villas, palaces, theatres, fortresses and tombs.
Some of the most famous highlights from this area are the Temple of Aphrodite, and the Tombs of the Kings. Also noteable is Petra tou Romiou (Aphrodite’s rock), which was once a place of pilgrimage for the entire Hellenic world. Nearby is the stone pillar where St.Paul was beaten for teaching Christianity, according to tradition.

No visit to Paphos is complete without seeing the mosaics of Nea Paphos, which are among the most beautiful and rare in the world. Should you wish to spend some real time exploring the area, villas in Paphos and tours of Paphos are available. 

Painted Churches in Troodos Region 

The mountain region of Troodos, located in the centre of the island, contains one of the largest collections of churches and monasteries from the Byzantine Empire. There are ten sites to visit, the most famous being the Kykkos monastery. All of the sites are richly decorated with murals, and the paintings combined with the well-preserved architecture of the buildings will give you a fascinating look at several periods of history.
As well as the historical sites, the Troodos region has many picturesque mountains and valleys, which will give you a chance to absorb some of the true beauty of Cyprus.
Sites awaiting UNESCO approval
Cyprus has a number of additional sites which are likely to be added to the UNESCO list, and they are equally worthy of your attention. I won’t go into detail now, as you will be reading all day, but look out for a post about these sites in the near future.

· Church of Ayios Sozomenos, Galata (extension to "Painted Churches in the Troodos Region") (2002)
· Church of Ayios Mamas, Louvaras (extension to "Painted Churches in the Troodos") (2002)
· Church of Panayia Chrysokourdaliotissa, Kourdali (extension to "Painted Churches in the Troodos Region") (2002)
· The rural settlement of Fikardou (2002)
· Mathiatis South (2002)
· Kionia (2002)
· Khandria (2002)
· Troodos, Mt. Olympus (2002)
· Malounta Bridge (2002)
· Klirou Bridge (2002)
· Agioi Varnavas and Ilarion at Peristerona (Five-domed churches) (2004)
· Agia Paraskevi at Geroskipou (Five-domed churches) (2004)