The stone heritage of the cities of Cyprus

The small town of Paralimini is located just North of Protaras. But if we did not find out in advance about the bus route, then we would have to get there by taxi or on our own. Because of the constant repair of roads, transport stops here are constantly transferred, but no one bothers to write a sign - where exactly should you go to land.

We chose the place for the trip with cunning intent. The fact is that according to our calculations - Paralimini - is a transit point to get to Famagusta. That's where we planned to go soon to see the legendary Ghost town. Later we learned that there is a direct road, but once we reached paralimini, we decided to explore this place at the same time.

The town is quite small. everything is small in Cyprus. We were lucky with the weather, it was Sunny and the mood to wander around the sights. And there were plenty of them. But I will tell you about some.

This city is called the place of five churches. There are five of them here. And they are all located on a relatively small patch in the area of the Central square. Only one, new, is on departure from the settlement, we found it in vain to a supermarket METRO.

The largest and most beautiful temple in the city center is the Church of St. George. The building is located on the square and there are no buildings around, except for another Church, an older building. It is a temple of the same name, but it was built much earlier.

Here on the square there is a building of the local diocese of the Church. For some reason we were not allowed to go there, but through the window we saw beautiful stained glass Windows and the clergy strolling there.

In General, the town centre gives the impression that you are a machine time traveller. If not for the modern-dressed tourists and locals, and the presence of a few cars, you would think so.

Relaxing in the shade is located near the area of the Park we entered one of the temples. Here everything, as in all Cypriot churches: iconostasis with the faces of Saints, real candle chandeliers, rows of wooden seats for parishioners.

We had a lot of time before the bus back, so in order not to lose it in vain, we began to study the city. There is not much to see, but in the cozy cafes and shops you will always be offered any goods or treated to something tasty. For a fee, of course.

We were told that there is a Museum of national life and we went there. It was interesting, but I will tell you in detail about this place in one of the following reports. And also show you how the local store of art goods, which we accidentally discovered away from the city center.

Another small Church was found near the Central square. It's St. Anne's. The Church is very old, but carefully protected by the state. Inside, in addition to the very old frescoes, the remains of the iconostasis, there is a small Museum. There under glass various relics and objects of ancient Church utensils are stored.

A local employee offers candles. Available free of charge to put for the health or repose of the family, but usually everyone puts in return for a coin or two. This is usually good form.

There are very few trees here. That day it was hot, and to hide from the sun was practically never. The lack of vegetation is perhaps the biggest trouble of the island.

We liked the city. He's very open and the people here are nice. But soon it's time to go back, we hope to go in the evening to the sea to swim and wash away the fatigue in the water.

On the way back we go to the previously explored on the map supermarket. It's big. There not hot, because the air is cool kondicionery. Surprisingly, among the shelves we find a section dedicated to goods from Russia! Here buckwheat, sunflower seeds, some of our native canned food and cucumbers in banks. Immediately blew home, but the prices here are five or ten times more expensive than we have, so we pass by.

The hotel is about forty minutes away by bus. But if it were not for the long idling at stops, to get from Protaras to Paralimini on the same bike would be less than an hour. I'll have to try it one day. Our next trip.

Photo was made on camera CANON EOS 50D, lens TAMRON 28-75 mm