‘For those who want to really understand our island, there’s an entirely different set of sites…’
Think like a tourist for a moment. What’s a Cyprus must-see? What’s the one site or place or attraction you’d recommend any visitor should not miss?
Depending on your own interests, this could be anything from Lara Bay to the Sculpture Park. And, of course, your visitors make a difference: I don’t know about you, but I’ve never suggested my gran checks out the Napa nightlife, nor would I advise my tiniest cousins take the long walk up to Caledonian Falls.
According to Trip Advisor rankings, the top attraction in Cyprus is Nissi Beach, closely followed by the Paphos Archaeological Park and the Aphrodite Waterpark. Tombs of the Kings gets a mention, as do Curium and the Paphos Zoo. And, further along from Makronissos and Konnos beaches, we get the ghost town of Varosha.
Some of the choices make sense: I’d definitely recommend Curium and the Avakas Gorge. Some don’t: how the Kings Avenue Mall ranks higher on the list of must-sees than Paphos Castle will remain a mystery.
“I think it very much depends on the visitor,” says Sergis Adamos. “Tourists who are here for the sun and sea are unlikely to look further than the beaches and bars. Young families will be interested in the zoos and waterparks. And the Bridge of Love is always a hit with couples.
“But for those who want to really understand our island – people who are fascinated by our culture, our people and our rich past – there’s an entirely different set of sites…”
An artist, author and amateur historian, Sergis has a deep love of Cyprus. He’s fascinated by our island’s rich heritage; the complex history that has shaped it; the sites and stories that continue to influence our present.
“You can’t understand a country without understanding its past,” he says. “Cyprus isn’t just a place on the map; it’s a tapestry of cultures, conflicts and resilience. Our history is woven into everything – from the architecture to the landscape.”
He makes a good point. Hedonistic teens may not pause their revelries for the Ayia Napa Monastery; sun-baked seniors may never glance north to Varosha. But still, the island’s history continues to silently shape the scenery around them.
There are, however, always a few visitors who look beyond the obvious. A few who want to learn more about what makes the island so unique. And it’s for them that Sergis has created an unusual resource: Landmarks of Cyprus.
Far from being a weighty tome or dry historical guide, Landmarks is an interactive, enjoyable experience: a colouring book that invites both children and adults to explore the island. And choosing which local landmarks to include, says Sergis, was a labour of love…
“There are 24 illustrations in total, four from each district; I think it’s particularly important that we include the entire island; to truly understand it, we need to embrace the stories and landmarks from both sides of the divide.”
Sergis began with a longlist of the most important sites: “Places that tell the story of Cyprus. Narrowing it down was difficult, but I focused on landmarks that hold deep historical, cultural and emotional significance, that capture the essence of the island.”
Speaking with academics and historians, studying everything from ancient books to up-to-the-minute websites, Sergis’ 24 choices take us anticlockwise around Cyprus, from Paphos to Kyrenia, exploring the island’s unique blend of ancient and modern.
“From Paphos Castle to Bellapias, past Curium, the Salt Lake and over the Venetian Walls, each landmark offers a glimpse into the different eras and influences that have left their mark on Cyprus,” he explains.
Hand-drawn by local illustrator Abi Daker, each page gives us a new landmark to colour, as well as a short description of why the site is so important. It’s a good way to introduce the history of the island. Not just to visitors, but also to local children who want to know more about their island, or Cypriots raised abroad who hope to rediscover their roots.
Under the illustration of Saranta Kolones, for example, we’re told that ‘this ruined medieval fortress located within the Paphos Archaeological Park in Kato Paphos was built in the late 7th century, likely during the Byzantine period to protect the port and the city of Nea Paphos from Arab raids.’ And the page depicting Choirokoitia informs us not just of its location, but also its size, age and significance.
“Landmarks is a trip not just around Cyprus, but also through its history,” explains Sergis. “So, as you colour, you learn more about the island.”
The book spans time periods from Neolithic (Choirokoitia) to the present day (modern Limassol), taking in Classical and Hellenistic (Tombs of the Kings, Salamis), Roman (Curium), Byzantine (Saint Hilarion), Franks (Kolossi), Venetians (the walls of Nicosia), Ottomans (Hala Sultan Tekke), and Colonial (Presidential Palace).
In short, it’s a journey through place and time – and one which is unafraid to highlight the poignant reminders of Cyprus’ recent past…
“Both Varosha and The Green Line are included,” Sergis reveals. “These are powerful symbols of our unresolved conflict, and an important part of our story that visitors should understand. To really appreciate the island, it’s essential to know not only its ancient history but also the complexities of its more recent struggles.”
For the author himself, the landmark most dear is Paphos Castle. “I grew up playing hide and seek in and around its walls! And Varosha was where my father lived and worked; so it always evokes strong feelings. But every one of these landmarks is important not just to me, but to our island. And to our guests.
“I think we have a shared responsibility to educate our visitors and our children. To me,” he concludes, “this is the most beautiful island in the world, and it tells its story through its landmarks.
“To some, that could be a story of sun and sea, of Nissi Beach and Konnos Bay. To others, it could be a tale of romance at the Bridge of Love, or of the thrills of the waterpark! But to anyone who cares deeply about Cyprus, the island tells a story of resilience, heritage and a complex history that continues to shape who we are today.”
Landmarks of Cyprus is available from all good bookshops in Cyprus, as well as a printable download. You can also download your FREE COLOURING PAGE OF APHRODITE’S ROCK at www.colouringlandmarks.com
