History & Heritage

Cyprus the birthplace of Greek goddess Aphrodite is the third largest island in the Mediterranean. Cyprus has 10,000 years of valuable ancient history and that has enriched it with an abundant historical heritage and compelling culture. Cypriot history and culture is among the oldest in the Mediterranean and has enjoyed a rich and varied history.

Anchored at the junction of three continents, Cyprus has always been a prized possession for the many civilisations that ruled it through history and has been subject to regular invasions by powerful empires. From the earliest Greek settlers who gave the island its Hellenic identity in the second millennium BC, the island was then subject in turn to the empires of Assyria, Persia, Greece, Egypt, Rome, Byzantium, the Franks and the Venetians, the Ottomans and the British before it achieved independence in 1960.

Cyprus is enriched with a fascinating blend of Roman, Byzantine, Greek and British influenced characteristics and traits. Cyprus is like a large open air museum with a mix of archaeological monuments and sights that evidence its varied past. Cyprus also has a rich list of multifaceted museums.

Cyprus now is a modern island nation with a Mediterranean character. Cyprus since May 2004 is a member of the European Union and follows European norms and standards.