Welcome to my LAST POST of Cyprus !!!
In this post I drive from Argos to Nicosia (Lefkosia) via: Church of the Transfiguration of the Saviour in Palaichori, The Church of St Andrew the Apostle and All Russian Saints in Episkopeio and the Archaeological Site of Tamassos. I also walk and visit the centre of Nicosia and then drive back to Larnaca Airport on the last day to catch my plane to Athens.
Another cold morning in the mountains but bathed in more brilliant golden sunlight made it a pleasurable drive to the village of Palaichori where I visited the UNESCO protected Church of the Transfiguration of the Saviour. Its interior is completely painted with one of the most complete series of murals of the post-Byzantine period in Cyprus. It was built at the beginning of the 16th century and it belongs to the single-aisled, timber-roof type churches of the Troodos region. The main highlight of this tiny and isolated chapel is a series of wall paintings showing scenes from the life of Christ, painted in the early 16th century.
The next Church was completely different and the best I have seen, inside and outside in Cyprus. The Russian Church of St Andrew the Apostle and All Russian Saints is a masterpiece and sits in a huge enclosure that contains a huge ornate administration building, outdoor icon mosaic murals, a park with swings for kids and several covered shops and restaurants. The church boasts five gold domes transported from St. Petersburg and the central dome, weighing nearly eight tons, was placed on the church on July 7, 2016 to the sound of chanting and fireworks, followed by a music and dance program. The church holds 400 people and is supported by Russia. I came across this place completely by accident by spotting the golden domes shimmering in the sun as I was driving to the Archaeological Site of Tamassos, which is very close by.
Tamassos was a city-kingdom in ancient Cyprus about 21 kilometres southwest of Nicosia. This city was mentioned in 673BC and established by the Neo-Assyrian Empire and grew rich because of the abundance of copper in the area. It evolved into a place dedicated to the worship of Aphrodite especially by those unable to have children. The site itself is disappointing as there is not much left.
Nicosia (or Lefkosia in Greek) is the largest city and capital of Greek Cyprus. The Greek half has a population of 299,214 and sits at 220m. It was first settled back in 3900BC. It is a very modern city with a ring road and wide boulevards. I arrived early so I could have a haircut and prepare for my trip back to Greece. My visit of the city is described after the photos below.
At 6pm I met with my first cousin Dimitra (whose late mum Eleni was my mum’s sister) at her favourite café restaurant in the city. Dimitra moved to Nicosia almost 5 years ago with her husband Manoli and their two children, Markos and Eleni. I met with Dimitra, Markos and Eleni as Manoli was in Athens. We had a terrific time talking about Cyprus, Australia, the kids studies and interests, my travels and life in general.
Enjoy the journey to Nicosia…
My 10km run through the city of Nicosia was great. Saw many interesting parks and buildings. Traffic is bad in the morning. After some brekkie and phone calls to organise Thailand I ventured into the city. Great experience. Easy to walk. Easy to visit. Hardly any high-rise. The city was once surrounded by walls and gates, only four gates remain and parts of the wall can be seen. I visited the following places: Ledra Street & Checkpoint, Shacolas Tower 11th Floor Observatory, Archangel Michael Trypiotis Church, St Saavas Church, Omeriye Mosque, St Barnabas Church, Hadgigeorgakis House, St George Church, Liberty Monument, Famagusta Gate, Chryssaliniotisa Church, St Kassianou Chuirch, National Struggle Museum, Archdiocese Headquarters, Byzantine School of Music, Makarios V Chapel, Dimachieas Square, Faneromeni School & Church.
I did not realise how close my hotel was to the “Green Line” or border with the Turkish part of Nicosia and Cyprus. This “Ledra Street Checkpoint” is easy to cross and one of the few that allows Greeks and Turks in and out as long as they return before end of day. Ledra Street itself us the main pedestrian alley full of restaurants, cafes, boutiques and shops running through the middle of the city. The Shacolas Tower gives the best view of the city. The rest of the city comprises 11th to 16th Century churches and mosques with the occasional church dating back to the first 4 centuries AD.
Overall Nicosia has a very good feel to it and probably a comfortable place to live and work.
Enjoy Nicosia…
FAREWELL CYPRUS...
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