Cyprus Finest (issue 2, Spring 2018) #8 Cyprus Finest (issue 2, Spring 2018) | Page 47

PLACE
PARALIMNI — ​THE CENTRE
OF EASTERN CYPRUS
To overcome the
stereotype of being just
a party destination, the
city opened the unique
museum of Thalassa,
its main attraction being
the full-scale replica of a
commercial sailboat that
sank 2300 years ago near
the north coast of the city.
The original wreckage of this
ship can stands in Kyrenia in
the museum of ships.
The Three sisters
Unlike the closest neighbours of Ayia
Napa and Protaras, life in Paralimni does not
stop in the winter, it is bubbly all year round.
Here you can find lots of shopping cen-
tres, fashionable restaurants as well as bou-
tiques. So, if you came to rest in Ayia Napa or
in Protaras and still plan to do shopping, then
Paralimni is the best place for you to visit.
Not far from Paralimni is the village Dé-
rigne.This village is most famous for its straw-
berry festival. Despite its small size, there are
several historical and religious heritages such
as St. George’s Church which was built in the
17th century, St. Mary’s Church of the 15th
century and the Church of the Blessed Virgin
Mary built in the 17th century.
Also, there is a local Museum of Folklore.
It is located in an old town and represents the
economy and life of the Cypriots.
Those who are interested in the modern
history and political life of the island can visit
the cultural centre in Ammochostos (Fama-
gusta).
At the top of the observation deck, there
is a pair of binoculars through which you can
see the whole of the Famagusta district and
even the abandoned district of Varosha.
Right now one of the best resort destination
is undoubtedly on the south-eastern part
of the Island, an area blessed with so many
spectacular views and rich in culture and
preserved heritage, and only serve to add to
the grandeur of the place.
The heart of the village is the church
square — ​known as “Three Sisters”.
This square is considered as the
largest area in Cyprus and it consists
of three churches. Two of these
churches are dedicated to St. George,
one built in the 15th century, and the
other in 1965. A little bit further on
the square, you can find an ancient
Byzantine church of the Blessed
Virgin Mary. Its gorgeous walls made
from a local stone and dates back to
the 13th century. Initially, this place
was a small church, which was later
expanded.
As the size of the church changed and
popularity grew, but still many local
residents called this Church St. Anna
Church. Once upon a time, all its walls
were decorated with frescoes, but
unfortunately, only small fragments
remain to this day. The church is a
national heritage and attracts a lot of
tourists worldwide.
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