Ayia Napa

Agia Napa, including Ayia Napa ( pronunciation: Ajia Nápa ), Greek Αγία Νάπα, a place with 2,800 inhabitants ( with residents and tourists up to 10,000 ) on the southeast coast of the Mediterranean island of Cyprus.

History

Before the invasion of the Turkish military in 1974 was Agia Napa ( " Agia " = " holy ", " Napa " = " forest land") is a small and tranquil fishing and farming village with irrigated vegetables and potatoes.

The first mention dates back to the year 1530, when according to legend, an icon of the Virgin Mary was found in a forest cave. This was seen as a divine sign, and in gratitude erected a monastery in order that arose around the village later. Corresponding to the former Venetian rule, called the architectural style of the monastery also Crusader Gothic. Today the monastery is an ecumenical center of the Christian churches in the Middle East. About 2 km further west to the holy Thekla lived where you were struck in honor catacombs into the rock and fairs were held.

Religious

The tourists usually have the opportunity to attend a Mass not only in the local Greek Orthodox churches, but also by offering a Catholic Mass primarily by island resident Franciscans ( OFM). Cyprus is under the jurisdiction of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem.

Population

The majority of Cypriot Greek-speaking population now living outside the heavily built-up old Agia Napa and has their former residences to shops, restaurants, discos and pubs rebuilt. Besides the many Englishmen who have selected the area around the city as a retirement home, there is also a larger Swedish colony.

Economy

The initially modest village with jobs in agriculture, crafts and fishing has become in less than two decades into a major tourist center. It is claimed Turkish taking of the northern part of the island ( 1974) in its tourist importance in the place of the village Varosia ( at Famagusta). The errors are very closely spaced hotels you but not repeated in Agia Napa. Most large hotels and apartment complexes extend along the coastline to the east and especially to the west where some land reserves.

Importance of tourism

After Agia Napa and also to neighboring Protaras, are mainly young people from the UK, Scandinavia and the new EU member states in Eastern Europe as well as from Ukraine, Belarus and Russia to populate next to the beaches of the countless bars and clubs. In high season the town center at night is often like one big party. Even soldiers from the nearby British base at Dhekelia and UN soldiers from Nicosia come to party here, not always without conflict so frequently imposed by the military superiors curfews or certain local bans.

The Swedish- English tourism in Agia Napa similar to the German in Majorca. The actual beach operation starts around the beginning of May and ends in October. The sandy beaches are guarded in this time of lifeguards. Russian and English tourists are known to swim at Christmas in the sea.

The Cape Greco headland, three kilometers east of Ayia Napa, according to legend, is also the mythical sea monster, the Ayia Napa Sea Monster - live.

Attractions

Makronissos tombs

Near the beach at Makronissos beach can be found in the rocks smashed the Makronissos graves, a cemetery of the Hellenistic and Roman periods. The grave chambers are empty.

Monastery

From the Middle Ages, more precisely from the period of Venetian crusaders, a monastery has received in the Gothic style, which is located in the town center. Today it serves as the Orthodox community center, but can be visited.

St. Mary's Church

Below the monastery, the modern church of Ayia Napa is located, but which is decorated in a very traditional interior style of the Orthodox Church and therefore to Western culture lovers is very interesting.

Thalassa Museum

The small Thalassa Museum includes highly interesting and informative exhibits on the sea and the ancient seafaring. Noteworthy is the life-size replica of an ancient Greek trading ship, the Kyrenia II, which was created on the basis of a shipwreck.

Kyrenia II

In the same building is the Tornaritis - Pierides Museum of Marine Life housed, which presents a rich collection of shells, sponges and prepared fish and birds.

Attractions

The Agia Napa Water World water park in Ayia Napa is the largest themed water park in Europe with lots of slides and other attractions. His theme is the Greek mythology with replicas Ancient Greek buildings and statues of gods.