HELLENIC communities have played a big part in Scotland’s identity since the beginning of the 20th century, and the country’s first Orthodox Christian primary school, Edinburgh, has just been officially given the green light.
Scottish education earlier this month added St Andrew’s Orthodox Church School to the official register of independent establishments. Based at Craigmillar Park Church in the south of the city, it offers a traditional style of education.
Many Cypriots originally made their way over to Scotland in search of work and a better way of life, and there were also war brides who married Scottish soldiers after the Second World War.
Today, Glasgow, Edinburgh and St Andrews universities are popular studying spots for Cypriots, and many have their own societies to embrace their culture.
There have been Greek schools in Glasgow and Edinburgh since the 1950s, along with the Edinburgh Hellenic School of St Andrew which teaches Greek to all ages, and the community has a real warmth to it. Low-cost flights mean it is also relatively easy to fly back to Cyprus and enjoy the likes of seaside beauty Paphos. One of the most luxurious and secluded places to stay is the five-star Constantinou Bros Athena Beach hotel, just yards away from the sands of Kato Paphos and a 15-minute stroll from the beautiful harbour, archaeological sites, shops and restaurants.
The old town of Paphos is great for soaking up the traditions of Cyprus and at the heart of it is The Place, a converted warehouse where craftsmen continue to use ancient methods to create wonderful arts and handicrafts.
This oasis of joy is full of talented people selling their work and also providing valuable classes to allow others to learn the same skills. Visitors can try their hand at everything from pottery painting to creating mosaic magnets, and The Place also has a lovely café.
Full of history, Paphos is officially a Unesco World Heritage site, with the Archaeological Park one of the most important in Cyprus. It dates back to the fourth century BC when King Nicocles moved it to its current home by the harbour.
It features sites and monuments from the time up to the Middle Ages, with most of the remains dating back to the Roman times.
The most impressive are the intricate mosaic floors of the houses of Dionysos, Theseus, Aion and Orpheus, which show various scenes from Greek mythology. Other important monuments including the Asklepieion, a theatre known as the Odeon, and the Agora. The Limeniotissa, the ruins of an early Christian basilica, and the Tomb of the Kings are also in this fascinating and huge park.
The big underground tombs are carved out of solid rock and, despite the name, it was actually high-ranking officials and aristocracy who were buried in the cavern, with some decorated with Doric pillars.
Sitting grandly at the west end of the city’s harbour, Paphos Castle was originally a Byzantine fort, which was built to protect the water. It was renovated by the Lusignans in the 13th century, only to be dismantled by the Venetians who did not want to fall into the hands of the Ottomans.
What survives today was restored by the Ottomans in the 16th century and features a big square tower and central hall.
The castle was handed over to the British in 1878 and it was used as a salt store until 1935, when it was declared an ancient monument.
It really makes for an impressive site in the harbour, alongside the rows of fishing boats, and yachts which moor so people can enjoy this lively area.
Seafood is very much on the menu in Paphos and two of the best restaurants are Ta Mpania, which is slap bang by the water and, in the old town, the very popular Christos Grill and Seafood Restaurant has al fresco dining to allow gorgeous views of the city, while feasting on the finest of local dishes.
Enjoying the simple pleasures in life is very much the mantra in Cyprus and repeated in the adopted home of Scotland.
Factfile
- Getting there – low-cost airlines fly to Paphos from Scotland. For transfers from the airport see www.ambervoyagetaxi.com
- Accommodation – the five-star Constantinou Bros Athena Beach hotel is the eptiome of class, with excellent facilities to match veryhas excellent facilities and friendly staff, www.athena-cbh.com
- What to do – for traditional arts and crafts in a relaxed setting see www.theplacecyprus.com
- There’s lots of history – www.visitcyprus.com/discover-cyprus/culture/sites-and-monuments
- Where to eat and drink – by the sea, www.tampaniarestaurantcafeloungebar.com and in the old town – www. christosgrillandseafood.com
- Tourist information – www.visitcyprus.com or www.visitpafos.org.cy
