Royal Palms - Cyprus History

a brief history lesson...

For centuries Cyprus has been influenced by the cultures of many different nations, which has led to an island with a rich and diverse historical and architectural heritage. From soli and vouni in the west, Arabahmet Pasha mosque in Lefkosa to Salamis and the site of Apostolos Andreas in the east there is much to reflect 9,000 years of civilization.

The island has been occupied by succession of peoples from Europe and Asia. In the 8th Century BC it was part of the Assyrian empire, then the Babylonian, Egytian and Persian. In 58BC the island was seized by the romans. Richard the lionheart settled on the island in 1191 during the third crusade and after selling it to the Knights Templar permitted Guy de Lusignan to buy the island.

Cyprus remained in Lusignan possession until captured by the Venetians in 1489. From 1571 to 1878 the island was ruled by the Ottomans until they leased its administration to Britain. Independence was granted in 1960, but after Greek Cypriot and Greek military coup in 1974, Turkey was forced to intervene to safe guard the interest of the Turkish Cypriots. The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus was subsequently proclaimed in 1983.

Listed below are just a few of the places of historical interest that you can visit.

Bellapais
Here you can sit under Durrells Tree of Idleness and watch the world go by.
The abbey was founded by Augustine monks around 1250ad and represents some of the finest medieval gothic architecture in the eastern Mediterranean. The sleepy village of Bellapais was home to Lawrence Durrell and has been immortalized in his classic novel `bitter lemons`.

Located three miles to the east of Kyrenia, built on a rocky outcrop on the slopes of the five-finger mountain range, Bellapais Abbey was a great importance to a people for whom peace was elusive. In North Cyprus, where several monuments to the Gothic period still remain, Bellapais Abbey stands to the fore.

Kantara Castle
Kantara stands at the gateway of the Karpas peninsula. Although only 1900ft above sea level in the mountains, it affords marvelous views of both the northern and southern coastlines.

Mosaic Pilgrims Sandals
Sipilna Mosaics - If you put your feet on the pilgrims sandals - you will return to North Cyprus!

St Hilarion Castle
This spectacular fairytale castle is the best preserved of all three. A wild and dramatic maze of fortifications, it was built around 1100AD and conquered by Richard the Lionheart in 1191AD. Besides its enchanting historical background, the wonderful views from St Hilarion castle are not to be missed.

Buffavento Castle
Buffavento is the highest of the three crusader castles found in Cyprus. Situated 2500ft above sea level in the mountains, a system of flares linked the castle by night to St Hilarion and Kantara.

Roman Ruins at Salamis
Dating back to 1100BC, these ruins are Northern Cyprus most impressive historical site. The best preserved remains are the gymnasium, baths and the spectacular amphitheatre, which is one of the largest in the Mediterranean.

Kyrenia Castle
Founded by the Byzantines in the 10th century, this huge castle with its thick walls and massive bastions, dominates the harbour of Kyrenia. It also houses a museum with the remains of one of the worlds oldest shipwrecks.

Soli
Dating mainly from Roman times, the main attractions are the 3500 seat amphitheatre and the beautifully preserved mosaics of the basilica.

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