Luxury Hotels (Summer 2018) #9 Luxury Hotels (Summer 2018) | Page 42

/ rural life / P A P H O S Around Paphos: THE VILLAGES The island of Cyprus is divided into five districts, with each of them having a cluster of villages and communities around the main cities. We run down some of the villages around Paphos. AGIA VARVARA The community of Agia Varvara Paphos is locat- ed just right of the Ezousa river and stands at 95m above sea level. Findings suggest that the village was inhabited around the Middle Bronze Age. Within the village, are numerous stone mills, an old man- sion, and two churches dedicated to Agia Varvara. VILLAGE KOUKLIA is a fascinat- ing village and significant for archeologists seeking new sites to dig. ARGAKA Standing some 90 metres above sea level in the Chrysochous valley, the community of Argaka is split into Kato Argaka which hinges on the road between Polis and Nicosia, and Pano Argaka which is more retracted and is the more tradi- tional of the two. The Chapels of Agia Varvara and St. George, stand within the community, as well as the churches of the apostles Peter and Paul. KOUKLIA One of the most popular villages in Paphos, Kuoklia is built on the ruins of another village, one which was the hu of the ancient Paphos kingdom, PaloP aphos. Some of the greatest discovery from the Middle, Bronze and Iron ages and the Byz- antines period, have been made in Kouklia. The village has a snake park and is the location of the Agios Nikolaos church, the Panagia Faneromeni church and an Archaeological Museum. DROUSHIA Located at the highest point of the Laona valley, Droushia is a true Cyprus village, retain- ing the stone buildings that characterise Cypriot architecture of old, and has a breathtaking view of the Troodos Mountains. The monastery of Agios Georgios Nikoxilitisis located in the community, alongside the Agios Epifanos which stands in the middle of the village. AMARGETI The site of the discovery of many artefacts pointing to the 3rd-century Hellenistic period, and 4th-century Roman period, makes Amargeti a very interesting village. The village also has a heroes monument which honours fallen sons such as Athanasius George, Socrates, Eyaggegyol. 42 • 2018 EDITION