In the northwestern part of Cyprus there is a small but very picturesque town called Polis Chrysochous (Polis).
The town has truly beautiful seascapes, secluded bays and lagoons, marinas and clean beaches, excellent places for a walk in nature or in the narrow streets of the town, full of cafes and stores.
The paradise corner of Aphrodite's island is strikingly different from the noisy resort south: rest here is truly divine, calm and measured. It is this speed of being that allows you to relax, stop the rapid pace of life and plunge into the charm of Cyprus for real.
History of Polis
During its centuries-old history, the city managed to change its name several times before it became the modern Polis. Locals claim that Polis was founded on the site of the ancient city-state of Marion, first mentioned in 449 BC. For a long time, thanks to the mining of copper and gold, it was one of the most developed regions of the island. However, in 312 BC, when the city was conquered by the Ptolemaic king of Egypt, the prosperous Marion was completely destroyed.
Later, another member of the same dynasty rebuilt the city and gave it the name of his wife, Arsinoe. The ancient settlement existed in the Roman, early Christian and early Byzantine periods until the Arab conquests in the 7th century, after which it fell into oblivion until the emergence of archaeological evidence of the existence of the city in the Middle Ages, where it was mentioned as Polis Chrysochus.
By the way, in translation from Greek Πόλις Χρυσοχούς means "Golden City". This name was given to Polis because of the copper and gold mined in this area. Today the main basis of life for the locals is agriculture, winemaking and horticulture. Polis is well known in Cyprus as a place of lavish fish fairs and colorful yachting competitions.
Furthermore, Polis is the greenest and Cypriots' favorite part of the island. The region is surrounded by the Troodos mountain forest and the Akamas Nature Reserve with Aphrodite's Baths nearby. It is an ideal place for a private, secluded vacation with beautiful sea views.
What to see in Polis - highlights
Some of the main attractions in Polis include:
- The pedestrianized city center.
- The statue of General Kimon, who liberated the city from the Persians (stands in front of the cultural center of Polis).
- The Archaeological Museum of Polis (open daily except Sundays, near the ruins of the ancient city of Marion on the site of modern Polis).
- Church of St. Andronicus (open only on Sundays from 9:00 to 16:00, entrance is free).
- Church of Agia Kyriaki (18th century).
- Church of St. Nicholas.
So, the center of the town is turned into a pedestrian zone. Next to the main square is the Church of St. Nicholas.
If you walk from the town square to the market and from it along St. Andronicus Street to the namesake park on the river bank, you will find the Church of St. Andronicus. From the outside the church looks more like a stone barn, but inside there are unique frescoes of the XVI century. By the way, for 400 years the church was used as a Turkish mosque. The Turks covered the Christian frescoes with plaster. Only at the end of the XIX century the frescoes were restored.
Next to this church there is a small church of Agia Kyriaki from the 18th century. This small one-nave temple, which was built in 1742 on the site of an older building. Interestingly, icons from the church are kept in the local museum.
If you go back to the town square, go to the parking lot, you will get to Archbishop Makarios Avenue. This is a great location for strolling: check out the stores, have lunch and relax in a local restaurant.
Well, the last number of the cultural program should be, of course, a visit to the Archaeological Museum of Marion-Arsinoa. It is located on the right side of Archbishop Makarios Avenue. It is a small museum where the findings of archaeologists, found during the excavations of the ancient cities of Marion and Arsinoe, are collected.
It is worth mentioning that in the vicinity of the city there are also a lot of interesting locations that are definitely worth visiting. The most popular attractions in the region are:
- Port of Latchi
- Aphrodite's Bath
- Akamas Reserve
- Pomos Village
- Kritou Thera Waterfall
- Anomalous Magnetic Zone
Prospects of buying real estate in Polis
Polis is not as popular with tourists and investors as the popular Limassol or Paphos. However, gradually more and more people are learning about it. All thanks to the fact that the Cypriot government is investing a lot of money in transforming Polis into a premium tourist region of the island. Thus, the Ministry of Tourism has developed a grandiose plan to attract international hotel operators, and the Ministry of Transport wants to build a single promenade, which will stretch more than 50 km in length. The marina in Latchi has been modernized for over a year now.
In addition, the construction of the Paphos-Polis highway started last year after almost 40 years of talks. The length of the new highway will be 31 km. It will be built in two phases. The cost of the project is estimated at 140 million euros. The Paphos - Polis highway will start from the Limassol - Paphos highway exit near the village of Ayia Marinouda and will pass through the villages of Marafounda, Armou, Tsada, Kallepia, Kili and Strumbi.
There is no doubt that all these projects together will significantly improve the quality of life in the region and attract new tourists and investors. Realizing this, many local developers have started to actively develop Polis with luxury properties.
Among the most interesting residential projects in the region are:
Green Valley - a complex of luxury villas on the border with the Akamas Nature Reserve. All houses overlook the Mediterranean Sea and the reserve. The interior and exterior of the buildings are made in accordance with the highest quality standards. Buyers are offered spacious, bright living and entertaining areas, large balconies and terraces, as well as large private gardens with landscaped pools. And also the opportunity to live in the most exclusive location, in peace and quiet.
Properties available for sale in Green Valley project
Beachside Villas - luxury homes made of handmade materials in Polis, next to a long sandy beach. The project consists of 10 individually designed villas offering spacious and comfortable living spaces, as well as private pools (optional), covered terraces, storage rooms, ample parking and beautifully landscaped gardens.
Properties available for sale in Beachside Villas project
Calma Beachfront Villas is a unique beachfront development. Chic 4-bedroom homes with private pools are situated on large plots. The modern design and elegance of the residences make this project truly outstanding in the neighborhood.
Properties available for sale in the Calma Beachfront Villas project
Agnades Village - by investing in one of the villas in this project, you can be sure that there is really nothing ordinary about it. Firstly, the location in the Polis area suggests that the buyer is buying in one of the most desirable areas of the island of Cyprus. Secondly, it is the complex itself that offers the most spectacular sea views. With a choice of thirty one villas, ranging in size from three or four bedrooms, everyone will be able to find something unique to their taste. In addition, it is worth considering the fact that each villa has its own private pool, which can be used throughout the year while enjoying the glorious sunshine of paradisiacal Cyprus.
Properties available for sale in Agnades Village project
Akamantis Gardens is one of the latest projects to be launched on the quiet coast of Polis Chrysochous. The complex is designed for those who are attracted by the unspoiled nature of Cyprus. It is a stone's throw from the beach and a short walk from the planned Marion Golf Club.
Properties available for sale in the Akamantis Gardens project
It is worth noting that in addition to luxury properties in the Polis area, the most interesting for investment are:
- agro land, which can be converted into tourist land (its value will increase 2-3 times in the next 5 years);
- tourist real estate, including hotels, apart-hotels, luxury villas;
- restaurants, cafes and bars.
In conclusion, we would like to say that Polis has a rich historical heritage that has survived to this day, here live pleasant and good-natured people, grows amazing vegetation that charms the eye. Polis is an ideal place for a romantic vacation with your significant other or a quiet family vacation with children. And of course, a very promising area for investment!
Detailed information about all projects in Paphos area can be obtained from the specialists of DOM, the number one real estate agency in Cyprus, by phone +357 26 030 205, or in person at 1st Apriliou Street 8, Aristo Center 8011, Paphos, Cyprus.
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