Date: 26/8/04
www.go-northcyprus.com
Girne is a fascinating town located on the northern coast of North Cyprus in a setting of great natural beauty. It is an ideal resort for those who want to relax in a peaceful place, away from bustling city life.
There are luxury hotels, self-catering apartments, picnic places and sandy beaches on both sides of the town. One of the attractions of Girne is its historic castle, and the tiny horse shoe shaped harbour with its yachts. The castle which was built by the Byzantines and restored and reinforced by the Lusignans and Venetians, still retains all its magnificence today.
Atmospheric restaurants, attractive pubs and open air cafeterias are to be found all along the edge of the historic old harbour.
Girne Yacht Harbour is undoubtedly one of the most enchanting sites of the oriental Mediterranean. The marina is surrounded by old Venetian houses, restaurants and taverns. It attracts numerous colourful fishing boats as well as elegant yachts. Girne was founded by the Myceneans towards 1600 BC.
The Shipwreck Museum houses the remains of the oldest trading ship ever to have been recovered from the sea. It sank in a storm around the year 300 BC, less than a mile off the coast of Girne. The ship was raised from the sea bed by a team of experts in 1969, reassembled, and treated with a preservative before being put on display. Also in the museum is the cargo carried by the ship on its last voyage, including 400 wine amphorae, 9,000 almonds, 29 millstones, 4 wooden spoons, 4 jars of oil, 4 salt pots, and 4 casks of alcohol.
Four miles to the east of Girne, touching the peaceful village which was once home for Lawrence Durrell, the Bellapais Abbey is indisputably one of the most majestic sites of the island. It is the most impressive Gothic monument in North Cyprus. It overhangs citrus gardens which stretch out to the sea below. A truly magnificent view! The name comes from the combination of the French words 'belle' and 'pais' meaning "beautiful peace". It has also been called Abbey de la Pais (the Abbey of Peace). |