Explore Cyprus with Our Interactive Map

Explore our top stories and discover ideas worth your time.

Cyprus Lusignan Wine History

Cyprus Lusignan Wine History

The story of Cypriot wine took a remarkable turn when the French House of Lusignan established their kingdom on the island in 1192. Guy de Lusignan received Cyprus after Richard the Lionheart conquered it during the Third Crusade, and what followed was nearly three centuries of transformation that would shape the island's wine culture forever. The Lusignans brought French nobility, Gothic architecture, and a deep appreciation for fine wine that matched their homeland's traditions. Historical Background Wine production in Cyprus dates back over 6,000 years, but the Lusignan period gave the island its most famous legacy: Commandaria. The sweet wine previously known as Nama was produced primarily in the region around Kolossi Castle, where the Knights Templar and later the Knights of St. John established their headquarters called "La Grande Commanderie." This feudal estate gave the wine its enduring name. Richard the Lionheart celebrated his wedding to Berengaria of Navarre in Limassol with this wine, declaring it "the wine of kings and the king of wines." The Lusignan economy relied heavily on agriculture, and wine emerged as a major export product alongside sugar and cotton. The Latin Church owned extensive estates throughout Cyprus that produced cereals, oil, and wine, with the clergy playing an important role in distributing these products, including the famous Maroa wine, to destinations outside the island…

Read more
Lorovounos Hiking Trail

Lorovounos Hiking Trail

The Lorovounos Hiking Trail (sometimes spelled Lourovounos) is a short but historically significant trail located in the dramatic coastal mountains of Cyprus. Nestled within the Tylliria region, near the secluded village of Alévga and the coastal community of Pachyammos, the trail primarily serves as a physical tribute to the island's modern history. Winding up toward the top of a prominent hill, it provides hikers with an immersive natural environment that transitions quickly from dry agricultural landscapes to a solemn high-elevation lookout. It is an excellent trek for those who appreciate military history, quiet countryside, and panoramic vistas of the Mediterranean coastline. Lorovounos Hiking Trail Overview Location: Near Alévga and Pachyammos, Paphos District, Western Cyprus. Distance: 2 to 3.5 kilometers (approximately 1.2 to 2.2 miles) depending on the selected route. Route Type: Linear (with local loop alternatives over the summit). Difficulty: Category 1 to 2 (Easy to Moderate). Elevation Gain: Approximately 125 to 148 meters (410 to 486 feet). Duration: 40 minutes to 1 hour. Best Time to Visit: Winter and Spring (December to April) for the most comfortable temperatures and blooming flora. Terrain: Predominantly wide dirt forest roads transitioning into a steep, narrow, rocky footpath near the peak. The Geography and Setting of Alévga and Tylliria To fully understand the context of the Lorovounos trail, one must grasp the unique…

Read more
Church of Panagia tou Araka

Church of Panagia tou Araka

The Church of Panagia tou Araka, located near the village of Lagoudera in the Troodos Mountains of Cyprus, is one of the most celebrated monuments within the UNESCO World Heritage group known as the Painted Churches of the Troodos Region. Built in the late 12th century, the church stands as a remarkable testament to the artistic and spiritual vitality of Cyprus during the Middle Byzantine period. Its significance lies primarily in its interior decoration, which preserves some of the finest examples of Comnenian art an artistic style associated with the reign of the Comnenian dynasty in Byzantium and closely linked to the cultural life of Constantinople. At a Glance Location: Lagoudera village, Pitsilia region, Troodos MountainsDate of frescoes: 1192Artist: Theodore ApsevdisStatus: UNESCO World Heritage Site (Painted Churches of the Troodos Region)Best known for: One of the most complete Middle Byzantine fresco cycles in Cyprus Historical Background Theodore Apsevdis is one of the rare Byzantine artists whose name survives alongside his work. Trained in Constantinople, he brought metropolitan skill to a rural Cypriot setting. His style belongs to the late Comnena period, marked by elongated figures, flowing drapery, and faces filled with restrained emotion. The church demonstrates how artistic developments from the imperial capital reached even remote regions, shaping local expressions of faith and aesthetics. The late 12th century was a…

Read more