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FOUNDATION FOR THE
MANAGEMENT OF THE
EUROPEAN LIFELONG
LEARNING PROGRAMMES

ABOUT CYPRUS Cyprus , an island of legends that basks year-round in the light of the warm Mediterranean sun. A historic island, the third largest in the Mediterranean where modern travellers retrace the footsteps of legendary figures as diverse as Alexander the Great, St. Paul , and Leonardo da Vinci.

Today Cyprus is a modern country that effortlessly marries European culture with Ancient Greek-Roman enchantment. You will discover a compact world of alluring beaches and fragrant mountain peaks, vineyards studded with olive trees, citrus groves, old stone villages and ancient ruins that stir the imagination. The people of Cyprus owe their individuality and warmth to their amazingly colourful history. This sun-drenched island has been at the crossroads of world events for centuries. Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and British influences (to name just a few) have all left their mark. Perhaps that's why Cypriots have a special gift of making visitors feel at home as soon as they arrive on the island. The warm welcome, and the unhurried pace of daily life, makes Cyprus an instant favourite of anyone who comes here. However, Cypriots managed to positively and creatively assimilate the foreign influences from all the invaders and to maintain unchanged the Greek language and the cultural heritage. Incidentally, Greek Cypriots are the vast majority of the island population and Greek is one of the two official languages of Cyprus , the second one is Turkish. In 1974 Turkey invaded Cyprus and occupied the northern part of the island. More than a quarter of a century after the invasion by Turkish troops, 37% of the island is occupied and Cyprus still remains the only divided country in Europe . However, Cyprus can be proud of all its important achievements, the greatest of all being its accession to the European Union. With a modernized economy Cyprus is in position to be part of a new peaceful and prosperous Europe in which all Cypriots together, will be able to utilise the vast opportunities that membership offers. The challenge facing Cyprus is to ensure that both Greek and Turkish communities have a role to play in the future of the country. A viable and functional solution to the Cyprus problem will ensure human rights for all the Cypriot European citizens and this will guarantee security and well being. Lefkosia ( Nicosia ) The capital presents two distinct facets: 1) The old original part of the city, which encloses monuments of historical interest as well as little shops, cafes and tavernas, surrounded by strong stone walls built by the Venetians in the 16th century. 2) A busy modern metropolis. During the Venetian expansion eastward in the 1500's, Lefkosia ( Nicosia ) was fortified with imposing stone walls and massive gates. The famous Famagusta Gate still stands today, proudly protecting the still ancient town within from the modern city beyond. Through the Gate lies Laiki Geitonia, an old section that has been lovingly restored. Weave your way through narrow stone streets where crimson flowers cascade from window pots and the aroma of traditional baking wafts through open doorways. Explore jewellery and handicraft shops, dine in charming taverns, and marvel at churches centuries old. Limassol Limassol, the second largest city is located in the southern part of Cyprus between the ancient kingdoms of Curium and Amathus. It is one of the major tourist resort in Cyprus, has the biggest port in the island and it is the home of many offshore companies. There are many sites to visit in Limassol such as the Limassol Castle, Old Port, Limassol Museum, Tourist Area and the Beaches, however the more glorious sites are outside of the city in the nearby countryside. Larnaca Larnaca located in south central Cyprus has the main International Airport of the island. That is where most likely you will set your foot first. Larnaca it's a resort city too with its own unique attractions. Paphos Aphrodite emerged from the gentle waves near Pafos and made her home in this region. Pafos itself is a leading cultural centre of the Mediterranean , with fascinating mosaics to see at the Houses of Aion and Dionysos, St. Paul 's Pilar, the Tombs of the Kings and more. The whole town is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.