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Choirokoitia
The Neolithic settlement of Choirokoitia, occupied from the 7th to the 4th millennium B.C., is one of the most important prehistoric sites in the eastern Mediterranean. Its remains and the finds from the excavations there have thrown much light on the evolution of human society in this key region. Since only part of the site has been excavated, it forms an exceptional archaeological reserve for future study.
Painted Churches in the Troodos Region
This region is characterized by one of the largest groups of churches and monasteries of the former Byzantine Empire. The complex of 10 monuments included on the World Heritage List, all richly decorated with murals, provides an overview of Byzantine and post-Byzantine painting in Cyprus. They range from small churches whose rural architectural style is in stark contrast to their highly refined decoration, to monasteries such as that of St John Lampadistis.
Paphos
Paphos has been inhabited since the Neolithic period. It was a centre of the cult of Aphrodite and of pre-Hellenic fertility deities. Aphrodite's legendary birthplace was on this island, where her temple was erected by the Myceneans in the 12th century B.C. The remains of villas, palaces, theatres, fortresses and tombs mean that the site is of exceptional architectural and historic value. The mosaics of Nea Paphos are among the most beautiful in the world.
Reference: Unesco
For more information, please visit Cyrprus' Unesco Heritage Page: Link
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Cyprus in Europe (map)
Form of government: unitary multiparty republic with a unicameral legislature, Republic of Cyprus; de facto republic with one legislative house, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus
Head of state and government: President, Republic of Cyprus; President assisted by the Council of Ministers, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus
Capital: Lefkosia, Republic of Cyprus; Lefkosa (Nicosia), Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus
Official languages: Greek; Turkish
Monetary unit: Cyprus pound (£C), Republic of Cyprus; new Turkish lira, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus
Population estimate: (2005) 968,000
Total area (sq km): 9,251
Reference: Britannica | |