The region is the main potato-producing area on the island and is known as Kokkinochoria, meaning red soil villages, thanks to their fertile red soil. The villages of this area are equally renowned for their folk poets and traditional song performers, who are regarded as the most inspired on the island.
Places of interest are the following
Agia Napa monastery
The imposing medieval monastery, dedicated to our lady of the forests, stands in the middle of Agia Napa surrounded by a high wall enclosure. Its 16th-century church is partially underground, carved into the rock. An ancient sycamore tree, believed to be over 600 years old, grows in front of the south gate.
Thalassa Agia Napa municipal museum
The Thalassa Agia Napa municipal museum’s main purpose is to present to the audiences the impact and significance of the sea upon the history of the island. The exhibits of the museum cover a chronological span, from the paleontological to historic periods until present times. Among the exhibits are bones and skulls of Cypriot pygmy mammals, a 4th century B. C Greek trading vessel, the original of which was found off the coast of Kyreneia, Cypriot antiquities and stuffed marine life animals.
Agia Napa Aqueduct
The Agia Napa Aqueduct was originally a Roman structure, with Frankish alterations. Its main purpose was to deliver water from the boundaries water sources to the local monastery.
Makronisos Archaeological Site
The Makronisos Archaeological site is a Hellenistic and Roman period cemetery, which consists of 19 underground tombs. They are all provided with a rectangular trench in the middle, slightly lower than the floor and three benches at the sides of the chamber.
Cape Greko National Park
It is believed that a temple dedicated to Aphrodite once existed in the Cape Greko area. Cape Greko National park is an area of unique natural beauty, where one can admire magnificent cliff formations. Many of the 36 different orchid species growing on the island are found here, as well as crocuses and lilies.
Deryneia village
Deryneia village is 8km north of Agia Napa, has three important churches- the small medieval domed church of Agios Georgios, dating to the 17th century. The 15th century chapel of Agia Marina, and a church dedicated to the Virgin Mary which has two exquisite 17th-century icons. From the hill to the north of the village one can view the occupied city of Ammochostos, once the most popular holiday resort in Cyprus.
End of part 2
Cyprus: City of Ammochostos - Part 2
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