• Norway!

    Norway: Sunnylvsfjord. Go Now!

    Norway
    Known for its natural beauty, Norway is home to isolated villages, fjords, and mountains that create a culture and landscape without compare. Begin Your Journey!

  • Vatican City!

    Vatican City: Vatican Museums. Go Now!

    Vatican City
    The smallest country in the world offers the heart of Catholicism and among the world's finest art collections, including the Sistine Chapel and the Raphael Rooms (ceiling pictured). Go to Vatican City!

  • Macedonia!

    Macedonia: Traditional architecture. Go Now!

    Macedonia
    Macedonia is a country still finding its unique identity, but its architecture is already one of a kind. Explore Macedonia!

  • Austria!

    Austria: Belvedere Palace. Go Now!

    Austria
    Belvedere Palace (pictured) is just one of many palaces found in Vienna. The capital is a good start to Austria, which also features the Alps, the Lakes District, and incredible history & food. Go Now!

  • Spain!

    Spain: Guell Park and Gaudi architecture. Go Now!

    Spain
    Fusion foods, lively music, historic ruins, and cultural events like the Running of the Bulls and La Tomatina make Spain and Barcelona (pictured) a favorite tourist destination. Explore Spain!

  • Ukraine!

    Ukraine: Traditional Village. Go Now!

    Ukraine
    Ukrainian culture is based on village life, particularly that found in the Carpathian Mountains (pictured). Begin Your Journey!

Architecture of Cyprus

Cypriot Roman Architecture - Roman Ruins in Kourion
Kourion

Despite the incredibly long history, Cyprus's architectural sights are severely limited in scope. The earliest sight is Choirokoitia, which is from 3000-6000 BC, but the sight is rather small. Most of the oldest, and still most impressive monuments are ancient Greek ruins. Among the most impressive of these are those found in Paphos and Kourion.

As an island nation, Cyprus was a center for trade and communication during the Greek period, however as the Roman Empire collapsed, so did much of the communication with the island. For much of history, the architectural styles of mainland Europe ended at the opposite shores of the Mediterranean so Cyprus has very few buildings that represent the Gothic, Renaissance, or Baroque movements. The best example of Gothic architecture is the Selimiye Mosque (1200-1300s, formerly known as the Agia Sofia Cathedral) in Nicosia.

In more recent history Cyprus has embraced the glass and concrete movement as has the rest of the developed world. Much of the country's modern architecture is in this style as many cities look similar to any modern city in Europe or North America.

This page was last updated: March, 2013