Lefke City
While about and about in your Northern Cyprus hire car, why not take a look at Lefke City, set below the Troodos Mountains? This small town is situated in an agricultural area in the North West of Cyprus and there are many interesting attractions in and around the town, as well as being home to the European University of Lefke. Some are located a few kilometres from the town itself you so will need your car rental vehicle to reach them easily.
The area where Lefke is located is extremely fertile and the town is famous for its juicy oranges as well as other fruit such as plums, dates and walnuts.
Vouni Palace – perched on a cliff top dramatically overlooking the sea, Vouni Palace was probably built around the 5th century B.C. but later destroyed by fire. Although much of its history is still unknown, excavations have uncovered a majestic stairway and other remains such as storerooms and baths. You can still see today the underground cisterns built into the rock which would have provided the inhabitants with fresh water and bathing. There is also the remains of a temple dedicated to Athena. The excavations continue, and although still shrouded in mystery, it is thought that the palace was a place of great riches and opulence, built for the Kings of Cyprus. Amongst the treasures and artefacts unearthed during the excavations are gold and silver bracelets, silver cups, earthenware jugs and hundreds of coins. A treasure trove indeed!
Soli –this ancient city about 2 kilometres west of Lefke was built in the sixth century B.C. and was originally one of the ten great kingdoms of Cyprus. It flourished for many years under Roman rule before being destroyed during the invasions by the Arabs in the seventh century. Excavations, which are still continuing, have so far brought to light a Roman theatre which would have held about 3,500 people, an agora (market place) and a church with an intricate mosaic floor, all of which visitors can see today.
St. Mamas Monastery and Icon Museum – interestingly enough, St. Mamas is considered the saint of tax avoiders after a 12th century legend in which the devout Byzantine hermit was unable to pay taxes but escaped punishment after showing an act of mercy to a lamb by saving it from a lion’s jaws. Although possessing a relatively simple exterior, the interior of the monastery is lavishly decorated including an ornate chandelier, and it is still a very important place of worship today.
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