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The charming scenery includes the tiny fishing harbour of Ayia Napa, and the
mediaeval monastery at the heart of the village, the windmills and small
churches in the surrounding villages, which spread out in the area of Paralimni
and Protaras. This
region, which is the main potato- producing area on the island, is known as
"Kokkinochoria" which means "red-soil villages". Indeed, the
soil of the whole area is deep red in colour, due to a very high metal oxide
content.
The villages of this area are equally known for their folk-poets, who are in
fact regarded as the best on the island. PARALIMNI With the Turkish military occupation of Famagusta in 1974, this small town of 6,000 inhabitants, is now the main administrative town of the district. The twin aisled vaulted church, dedicated to the Virgin Mary is decorated with unusual 18th century porcelain plates. Parts of the church belong to the 13th century. Some other interesting churches can also be found in the area.
Originally a small fishing village, this is now a major tourist centre. The
interesting mediaeval monastery dedicated to our Lady of the Forests stands in
the middle of the village, surrounded by a high wal!. it. 16th century church is
partially underground, cut into the rock. The hostel, west of the church,
belongs to the World Council of Churches. The ancient sycamore tree, in front of
the south gate, is believed to be 600 years old.
The village has three interesting churches, the small domed 17th century
church of Ayios Georghios, the 15th century Ayia Marina church, and a church
dedicated to the Virgin Mary with excellent 17th century icons. The views from
this village also include, the "ghost" city of Famagusta, now under
occupation of the Turkish army, once the most popular holiday resort in Cyprus,
which has lain empty since 1974, as all its inhabitants are now refugees.
At the east entrance of this village is the partially ruined church of Ayios
Mamas, which was built around the [2th century, and later rebuilt in the 16th
century. Most of the surviving frescoes date from the 16th L;cntury. About 1.5
km to the west, is the 16th century cruciform church of Panayia Khordajotissa,
whose dome has been restored, and the church of Ayios Georghios, an earlvy
christian basilica with three aisles,
There is a 16th century church dedicated to the Virgin Mary, and a 15th
century church of Ayios Andronikos, with an octagonal dome, and the remains
of'murals which can still be distiriguised in the apse. Also, the basket making
tradition continues at Liopetri.
A picturesque fishing refuge, with theremains of a Venetian watch-tower
nearby. The French poet Arthur Rimbaud worked in this area in the 1880s.
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FAMAGUSTA 
The Garden Basket with
the Golden Beaches
AYIA NAPA
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