Polis Chrysochous: A Serene Getaway in Cyprus

• HelloΓεια σας
  [Ya sas]
• GoodbyeΑντίο
  [Antío]
• YesΝαι
  [Nai]
• NoΌχι
  [Ochi]
• Please/You're welcomeΠαρακαλώ
  [Parakaló]
• Thank youΕυχαριστώ
  [Efcharistó]
• Excuse me/SorryΣυγνώμη
  [Signómi]
• How are you?Τι κάνετε;
  [Ti kánete?]
• Fine. And you?Καλά. Εσείς;
  [Kalá. Esís?]
• Do you speak English?Μιλάτε Αγγλικά;
  [Miláte Angliká?]
• I don't understandΔεν καταλαβαίνω
  [Den katalavéno]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseΘα ήθελα να δω το μενού, παρακαλώ
  [Tha íthela na do to menú, parakaló]
• I don't eat meatΔεν τρώω κρέας
  [Den tróo kreás]
• Cheers!Υγεία!
  [Ygeía!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseΘα ήθελα να πληρώσω, παρακαλώ
  [Tha íthela na pliróso, parakaló]

• Help!Βοήθεια!
  [Voítheia!]
• Go away!Φύγε!
  [Fíge!]
• Call the Police!Καλέστε την Αστυνομία!
  [Kaléste tin Astynomía!]
• Call a doctor!Καλέστε ένα γιατρό!
  [Kaléste éna giatró!]
• I'm lostΈχω χαθεί
  [Ého hatheí]
• I'm illΕίμαι άρρωστος
  [Íme árrostos]

• I'd like to buy...Θα ήθελα να αγοράσω...
  [Tha íthela na agoráso...]
• I'm just lookingΑπλά κοιτάω
  [Aplá koitáo]
• How much is it?Πόσο κοστίζει;
  [Póso kostízei?]
• That's too expensiveΑυτό είναι πολύ ακριβό
  [Aftó eínai polý akrivó]
• Can you lower the price?Μπορείτε να μειώσετε την τιμή;
  [Boríte na miósete tin timí?]

• What time is it?Τι ώρα είναι;
  [Ti óra íne?]
• It's one o'clockΕίναι μία ώρα
  [Íne mía óra]
• Half past (10)Μισή (10)
  [Misí (10)]
• MorningΠρωί
  [Proí]
• AfternoonΑπόγευμα
  [Apóyefma]
• EveningΒράδυ
  [Vrádi]
• YesterdayΧθες
  [Hthes]
• TodayΣήμερα
  [Símera]
• TomorrowΑύριο
  [Ávrio]
• 1Ένα
  [Éna]
• 2Δύο
  [Dýo]
• 3Τρία
  [Tría]
• 4Τέσσερα
  [Téssera]
• 5Πέντε
  [Pénte]
• 6Έξι
  [Éxi]
• 7Επτά
  [Eptá]
• 8Οχτώ
  [Ochtó]
• 9Εννιά
  [Enniá]
• 10Δέκα
  [Déka]

• Where's a/the...?Πού είναι ένα/το...;
  [Pou íne éna/to...?]
• What's the address?Ποια είναι η διεύθυνση;
  [Poia íne i diefthynsi?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Μπορείτε να μου δείξετε (στο χάρτη);
  [Boríte na mou déixete (sto chárte)?]
• When's the next (bus)?Πότε είναι το επόμενο (λεωφορείο);
  [Póte íne to epómeno (leoforío)?]
• A ticket (to ....)Ένα εισιτήριο (προς το ....)
  [Éna isitírio (pros to ....)]

Polis Chrysochous, originally known as Marion, was one of the ancient city-kingdoms of Cyprus. Founded around the 8th century BCE, it became a significant center of trade due to its strategic location and rich copper mines. Marion thrived during the Archaic and Classical periods, forming alliances with other powerful city-states and engaging in trade across the Mediterranean.

In the 6th century BCE, Marion, like the rest of Cyprus, came under Persian control. The city maintained a level of autonomy but was required to pay tribute to the Persian Empire. During this period, Marion continued to prosper, benefiting from the stability provided by the Persian rule and the expansion of trade networks.

Following the conquests of Alexander the Great in the late 4th century BCE, Cyprus became part of the Hellenistic world. Marion was destroyed by Ptolemy I of Egypt around 312 BCE, and its population was moved to the newly established city of Arsinoe, named after Ptolemy's sister. This marked a significant shift in the region's urban and cultural landscape.

Under Roman rule, the city of Arsinoe (present-day Polis Chrysochous) flourished as an important administrative center. The Romans built extensive public works, including aqueducts, baths, and a theater, which significantly improved the quality of life for its inhabitants. The city also became a hub for early Christianity, with several bishops from Arsinoe participating in early church councils.

During the Byzantine era, Polis Chrysochous continued to thrive, with the construction of several important religious buildings, including the Basilica of Agios Kyriakos. The city experienced a decline during the Arab raids of the 7th and 8th centuries but saw a resurgence under the Lusignan rule in the medieval period. The Lusignans fortified the city and restored many of its key structures.

In 1571, Cyprus was conquered by the Ottoman Empire, and Polis Chrysochous, like the rest of the island, came under Ottoman administration. The city experienced a period of relative decline, with reduced trade and economic activity. However, it remained an important local center, with a mixed population of Greek and Turkish Cypriots.

In 1878, Cyprus was leased to the British Empire, marking the beginning of a new era for Polis Chrysochous. The British introduced modern infrastructure, including roads, schools, and medical facilities. This period also saw the rise of political activism and the eventual struggle for Cypriot independence, which was achieved in 1960.

Today, Polis Chrysochous is a charming town known for its rich history and cultural heritage. The town has become a popular destination for tourists, who are drawn to its archaeological sites, beautiful landscapes, and traditional Cypriot hospitality. Efforts are ongoing to preserve and promote the historical and cultural legacy of this ancient city.

Polis Chrysochous is located in the northwestern part of Cyprus. The nearest international airport is Paphos International Airport, approximately 45 kilometers away. From the airport, you can take a taxi, hire a car, or use a shuttle service to reach Polis Chrysochous. The journey typically takes around 40-50 minutes by road. Alternatively, Larnaca International Airport is about 165 kilometers away and offers more international flight options. Public buses also connect Paphos and Larnaca to Polis Chrysochous, though the journey will take longer.

Polis Chrysochous is a small town, and many of its attractions are within walking distance. For longer trips, local taxis are readily available and reasonably priced. Public buses operate within the town and connect to nearby villages and towns, including Paphos. Renting a car is a convenient option for exploring the surrounding areas at your own pace. Bicycles and scooters are also popular for short distances and can be rented from various shops in town.

The official currency in Cyprus is the Euro (EUR). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops, but it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are available throughout Polis Chrysochous, so you can withdraw cash as needed.

Polis Chrysochous is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, like any travel destination, it is advisable to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but it is always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. The local police station and medical facilities are available in Polis Chrysochous. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are several pharmacies in town where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always cover your head when entering churches and monasteries. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. A slight bow of the head is also a sign of respect. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Polis Chrysochous like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Cypriot goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the town's history and culture. Don't miss visiting the nearby Akamas Peninsula, known for its stunning natural beauty and wildlife. For a unique experience, take a boat trip to the Blue Lagoon, offering crystal-clear waters and beautiful scenery.