Güzelyurt (Morphou)
Güzelyurt,
which means `beautiful country' in Turkish, is aptly named. Situated in
the north-west with a population of 12,000; it is a charming little
town which is surrounded by citrus groves; their wonderful heady scent
is itself a good enough reason for a visit in blossom time.
Underwater springs nourish
the apples, vegetables, grapefruit and melons for which the area is
also famous. A large proportion of the citrus fruits are exported and
the remainder are turned into fruit juice and canned for local
consumption and export.
Güzelyurt is also famous for
its annual Orange Festival, which is a major event lasting two weeks.
Güzelyurt Festival Park
Mosaics at Soli
Places of
Interest
St. Mamas Church and Icon
Museum The many valuable historical artefacts are on display
inside, which include the Sacrophagus of St. Mamas which according to
folklore, was washed ashore and discovered by a peasant in the local
bay. In a vision he was told to take the Sacrophagus to the place where
it now stands and build a monastery there.
Museum
of Archaeological & Natural Sciences The museum
contains mainly archeological artifacts from the Bronze Age as well as
a section mainly concerned with geology, birds, reptiles, insects and
some of the wildlife of the island.
Pighades: A Bronze Age
Settlement The Bronze Age sanctuary at Pigadhes dates back to
about 1600 B.C. About 1300 B.C. refugees from Crete brought their
property, including the Horns of Consecration, a religious symbol, to
the Cyprus alter.
Güzelyurt (Morphou) on interactive map
Güzelyurt
