There are three Unesco World Heritage sites on the island nation of Cyprus, and we have visited them all.
Well, not all of them exactly, because the painted churches of the Troodos region are a little hard to track down and seeing them all would take a few days, and probably a better road map to remote villages than we had.
Nevertheless, Cyprus is a fascinating place, and well worth a visit. The very epicenter of ancient Greek culture. For a classics geek like me, it's hard to beat.
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The outstanding mosaics of Paphos are particularly interesting and are a complement to the temple ruins of Aphrodite in Kouklia, some of the oldest ruins of the ancient Greek world.
Here is a list of the UNESCO World Heritage sites in Cyprus:
Cultural (3)
When you come across UNESCO World Heritage sites like the Neolithic settlement at Choirokoitia, Cyprus, you have to use your imagination a bit. The site, in a way, looks like just a pile of rocks that stretches along a walkway that wends up a hill. But, thanks to some nice work by the archeologists, and some few didactic signs, you get a good idea of the organization of the village that dates back almost 9000 years. There are 20-some circular structures, encompassing dwellings, storage bins, and even tombs.
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- Choirokoitia (1998)
- Painted Churches in the Troodos Region (1985,2001)
The ancient city of Paphos, Cyprus, at the edge of the current city of Paphos, is called the city of mosaics. Not a bad thing to be known by. The ancient parts of the city are, collectively, a Unesco World Heritage site. They are spread over various parts of town, but for the most part, so indeed distinguish themselves with lots of excellent mosaics.
- Paphos (1980)
We have visited hundreds of Unesco World Heritage sites throughout our travels. For an ongoing updated list of the sites we've been to, click here. This list is being updated as we go.
We will be going to Cyprus in 2020 and can’t wait to add to our own World Heritage Sites list (not as many as yours!).
Hurray, Carol. Be sure to read the comments in the Painted Churches post. If you are serious about visiting these–and getting inside–some advance planning is needed.
One of Mr. (Dr.) Excitement’s mentees is Cypriot and invited us to visit there when she and her Cypriot husband were also there, so we had local guides. At the time, we described it as Greece lite. There are the benefits of enjoying Greek culture and history in a country that still sort of runs on British administration (except for that money laundering thing), where lots of people speak good English.
We didn’t even have time or preparedness to hop back and forth across the border–which is why I’d love to return. Good on ya!
Cyprus is definitely in our list and I’m not sure why it hasn’t happened yet but I think I have to go soon, thanks to your post ?
We really enjoyed it. Greek, yes, but English as well. Fascinating place.
I always make a point of visiting UNESCO sites where I travel. I enjoyed visiting these on Cyprus vicariously with you.
We do the same. Usually worth going out of your way to see.
Wow. I need to get Cyprus on my list. I travel so much in the UK and France, I end up neglecting the rest of Europe. Thanks for the wonderful photos – I’m convinced!
It’s honestly one of my favorite places we’ve been. I’d go back any time.
Cyprus totally fell under my radar, now I’m even more curious to get to this special place.
It really is unique and wonderful. We enjoyed it very much.