Cyprus is more than just a Mediterranean island with beautiful beaches—it’s a crossroads of civilizations that stretches back to the earliest chapters of human history. From Neolithic settlements to Bronze Age kingdoms, from Phoenician harbors to Roman theaters, from Byzantine monasteries to Crusader castles, and from Ottoman mosques to British colonial buildings—every era has left its mark on the landscape of Cyprus.
Over thousands of years, Cyprus has been home to or conquered by a long succession of peoples: Achaean Greeks, Assyrians, Egyptians, Persians, Romans, Byzantines, Franks, Venetians, Ottomans, and the British. Each civilization has added to the island’s rich tapestry of history, leaving behind temples, fortresses, churches, tombs, aqueducts, and more.
This section of the Sanyctours Infothek is dedicated to exploring these layers of history—revealing the stories behind the stones, the people who built them, and the world they lived in. Whether you’re fascinated by ancient mythology, medieval power struggles, or colonial influence, you’ll find insight and inspiration here.
Buffavento Castle is one of the most dramatic and remote medieval fortresses on Cyprus. Perched high on a steep peak of the Kyrenia mountain range, Buffavento Castle dominates the landscape with a sense of isolation, strength and silence. Its name, often translated as “Castle of the Winds,” perfectly reflects the exposed and commanding position of this remarkable site.
Unlike coastal strongholds, Buffavento Castle was never designed to impress through size alone. Its true power lay in its altitude, inaccessibility and strategic visibility across large parts of the island.
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Foinikas Cyprus is an abandoned medieval village nestled in the Paphos district, steeped in history and mystery.
Once a stronghold of the Knights Templar, this village offers a unique glimpse into the island’s rich past.
In this Sanyctours Infothek entry, we delve into the origins, architectural remnants, and historical significance of Foinikas Cyprus, providing a comprehensive understanding of its enduring legacy.
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Apollon Hylates Cyprus and Kourion Cyprus are among the island’s most compelling archaeological sites, showcasing the religious devotion, urban sophistication, and architectural legacy of ancient Cypriot civilizations. Set amid the stunning landscapes near the modern city of Limassol, these two sites reveal the cultural and spiritual heart of Cyprus from the Archaic period through Roman times.
In this Sanyctours Infothek entry, we explore the history, function, and fate of both the sanctuary of Apollon Hylates and the city of Kourion—two places where myth meets reality and ancient stone whispers the stories of empires, faith, and resilience.
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Famagusta Cyprus stands as a testament to the island’s rich and tumultuous history, with its impressive city walls and formidable fortresses bearing witness to centuries of conflict and cultural exchange.
From the medieval grandeur of the Lusignan period to the strategic enhancements under Venetian rule, and the dramatic events of the Ottoman conquest, Famagusta Cyprus offers a captivating journey through time. In this Sanyctours Infothek entry, we delve into the origins, architectural marvels, and historical significance of Famagusta, providing a comprehensive understanding of its enduring legacy.
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Choirokoitia Cyprus is one of the most important archaeological sites on the island and offers a rare glimpse into Cyprus’ earliest human history. Located in the foothills above the Maroni River valley, Choirokoitia Cyprus represents one of the best-preserved Neolithic settlements in the eastern Mediterranean.
For visitors interested in archaeology, early civilisation and the origins of settled life, Choirokoitia Cyprus is a place of exceptional significance.
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Kantara Castle is one of the most dramatic and strategically important medieval fortresses on Cyprus.
Perched high on the eastern edge of the Kyrenia mountain range, Kantara Castle commands breathtaking views over both the northern coastline and the long stretch of the Karpaz Peninsula.
For visitors interested in medieval history, mountain landscapes and panoramic viewpoints, Kantara Castle offers an experience that combines architecture, nature and strategic significance in a truly unique way.
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Bellapais Abbey Cyprus, located in the village of Bellapais near Kyrenia, Cyprus, is a magnificent example of Gothic architecture and a site rich in history. Known for its serene beauty and stunning views of the surrounding landscape, Bellapais Monastery is a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts, architecture lovers, and those seeking tranquility.
Bellapais Monastery stands as a testament to the rich history and cultural heritage of Cyprus. Its Gothic architecture, historical significance, and serene beauty make it a captivating destination for visitors. Whether you’re interested in exploring its architectural marvels, attending a cultural event, or simply enjoying the tranquil surroundings, Bellapais Monastery offers a unique and enriching experience.
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Salamis Cyprus stands as a monumental testament to the island’s rich tapestry of civilizations, from its mythical founding by Teucer to its prominence under Roman rule.
Located near modern-day Famagusta, this ancient city offers a captivating journey through time, revealing layers of history etched into its ruins.
In this Sanyctours Infothek entry, we delve into the origins of Salamis Cyprus, architectural marvels, and historical significance of Salamis, providing a comprehensive understanding of its enduring legacy.
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St. Hilarion Castle Cyprus stands at 732m and is very well preserved. Walls and towers seem to grow randomly out of the rock, giving the castle a fairytale appearance. It is even said that Walt Disney used it as a model for the castle in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.
The castle is named after a hermit who fled Palestine in the 7th century to live up here and rid the mountain of pagan demons. The story goes that the hermit was deaf and so easily resisted the seductive calls of the demons that haunted the mountain. Eventually the demons gave in and left Hilarion and the mountain alone. A Byzantine monastery and later a fortress were built around his tomb.
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After the Ottoman conquest of Cyprus in 1571, Christians were expelled from Famagusta and forced to build new homes outside the walls. After independence from Great Britain, Varosha developed into a well-known tourist resort in the 1960s and 1970s. Large hotel complexes were built near the beach.
A year before the civil war and the Turkish invasion, Varosha was generating more than 50% of the island’s total income from tourism. There were now 45 hotels with more than 10,000 beds, 60 apartment hotels, almost 100 recreation centres, 21 banks, 24 theatres and cinemas and around 3,000 large and small shops. The population was just under 32,000.
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