Architecture

Cyprus has a variety of architectural styles; as well as the legacy of its past, there are a many modern buildings, especially hotels for the tourist trade.

Remains of Neolithic circular buildings are found near Larnaka and on the foothills of the Troodos. Kition (Larnaka), an ancient city dating back to the thirteenth century BC, was rebuilt by the Mycenaean Greeks. There are also Roman architectural remains, for example, the theatres in Kourion (Limassol) and Salamis.

Many Christian churches were built during the Byzantine era (330-1191 AD) such as the eleventh century Angeloktisti church in Kiti, near Larnaka. After the Turkish invasion in 1571, a number of churches were converted into mosques and minarets were added (one such conversion is the Omeriye Mosque).

Cyprus also has a number of castles, for example, the castle of Kyrenia and St. Hilarion, a Byzantine fortress, later strengthened by the Lusignans.

The French Lusignans ruled Cyprus from the end of the 12th century to the end of the 15th century. During this period Gothic architecture flourished, especially in Nicosia.

The Venetian (1489-1571) occupation left fortified walls in Nicosia (Leftkosia) and Famagusta. In fact, Famagusta has some excellent Venetian architecture. A number of monasteries, such as the monastery at Agia Napa were also built during this period.

Some Turkish architecture survives from the Ottoman period (1571-1878), in particular the eighteenth century Kamares Aqueduct.

British Colonial buildings, for example, St Paul's Anglican Church in Nicosia, remain from the British administration of the later nineteenth century and the first half of the twentieth century.