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The island of Cyprus sits in the heart of the ancient Mediterranean world, a region synonymous with mythology and legend. Many of the greatest stories ever told take place here, while the lasting impact of several of the world’s most iconic civilisations can also still be felt throughout the country. As such, it’s the perfect holiday destination for history lovers.
With scorching year-round temperatures and 326 days of sunshine, it’s no wonder Cyprus has been a popular choice among British and other European tourists for many years. Throw in a wealth of gorgeous sandy beaches and warm, crystal clear waters and the attraction of the place becomes even more obvious.
But it’s not just modern-day travellers that have become enchanted by this stunning island. From the Greeks to the Romans, many of the greatest empires the world has ever known have set their sights on Cyprus, with the result being that the country is now blessed with a host of fascinating historical and cultural landmarks that just beg to be explored.
If you want to find out more about some of the legendary historic sites in Cyprus, read on.
Petra tou Romiou
Located just off the shores of Paphos on the east coast of Cyprus, this stack of rocks jutting out of the sea is a real focal point of ancient mythology, as the spot is said to be the birthplace of the Greek goddess of love, Aphrodite. For this reason Petra tou Romiou is also known as Aphrodite’s Rock or sometimes Venus Rock, in reference to the Roman name for this particular deity.
Legend states that Cronus, the son of Gaia (Mother Earth) and Uranus (Sky), cut off his father’s testicles and threw them into the sea, producing a white foam from which Aphrodite emerged. This myth was later immortalised in Botticelli’s painting Birth of Venus, which is currently on display in Florence. However, those who want to see the real thing rather than just a picture should definitely pay a visit to this historic landmark off the coast of Cyprus.
Baths of Aphrodite
Seeing as how Aphrodite is said to have been born here, it comes as little surprise that the country is full of legends relating to the goddess of love. Anyone thinking of booking an all inclusive holiday to Cyprus can therefore rest assured that, as well being able to enjoy great beaches, entertainment and nightlife, a trip to the island also comes with a healthy smattering of complementary history lessons.
The Baths of Aphrodite, which can be found near the village of Latsi in the Akamas peninsula, are a series of streams and grotto pools where the famous goddess is said to have bathed. Legend also states that Aphrodite and Adonis met and fell in love at this very spot, so it’s a pivotal site in Greek mythology.
Kolossi Castle
This fascinating castle, which sits some 11 km west of Limassol, was originally built in the 13th century by the Knights of Saint John of Jerusalem, and later came under the control of the Knights Templar, before being damaged in the Mameluke raids and later restored in the 15th century.
Set among vineyards, the castle is the birthplace of Cyprus’s most famous wine, Commandaria, which was first produced by the knights themselves and is now one of the oldest named wines in the world.
These are just a few of the amazing historic sites in Cyprus. If you’re a history buff, a trip to Cyprus is a must.
