On Cyprus you will encounter one of the oldest cultures in the world. Over 10,000 years of human history can be traced here. In ancient times, Cyprus supplied the world with copper, hence the Latin name cuprum for the metal. The island is strategically located at the intersection of three continents. It is not surprising that it resembles a huge open-air museum, where different cultures and epochs have left their traces. The cult of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and beauty, flourished here and pilgrims from all over the world came to worship her. Even today, the locals celebrate "Anthestiria", the spring flower festival.
Cyprus was the first country visited by the Apostles Paul and Barnablas on their missionary journey, and the first to identify itself as Christian. In Paphos stands a stone column where, according to legend, Paul was flogged before converting the governor of Rome to Christianity.
Many Byzantine art treasures are preserved here to this day, magnificently painted churches with colorful frescoes on the walls and apses. Ten of them have been declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
