Polis

 

Known as Marion in antiquity, the town was probably founded by an Athenian warrior called Akamas, the son of Thyseus, who arrived here after the Trojan war, or a certain Maries. Kimon, the great Athenian general, freed the city from Persian rule in the 5th century b.c. Rich in gold and copper ore, it attracted considerable trade, especially with Athens, which in turn exported many pots to the area, a number of which can be seen at the museum. Due to its relations with Athens ancient geographers called it “Marion El1inikon” or Hellenic Marion. The town was destroyed in the battle between the successors of Alexander the Great until a new city was formed by Philadeiphus, a member of the Ptolemy dynasty, who gave it the name of his wife, Arsinoe. From medieval times onwards the town was known as Polis and today it is the administrative centre of the area which includes 23 communities.

 

Take a walking tour of the town starting at the Tourist Information Office from where you can enter the pedestrian precinct that goes through the old town centre. Wander round the streets and browse through the various shops or stop off at a restaurant or taverna in one of the stone houses built in traditional architectural style with internal arches and hanging balconies.

 

The 16th century church of Agios Andronikos is well worth a visit for its recently restored frescoes. When Cyprus was under Ottoman occupation, this church was used as a mosque. The grounds of the Municipality nearby are the venue for many festivals and events in the summer. Further down lies the l8th century vaulted church of Agia Kyriaki and further along is the municipal market with a wide selection of locally produced fresh fruit and vegetables. The archaeological museum displays finds from ancient Marion and Arsinoe, which show the importance that the Polis area had in antiquity. The new stone church of Apostolos Andreas, the patron saint of the town, is an excellent example of a community church built in the traditional Byzantine style. The Cultural Centre behind the museum is a popular venue for local community activities.

 

Alternative routes you could also take are down the orchard road towards the camping site situated in a shady eucalyptus grove by a long sandy beach, or walk along the river bed leading to the village of Chrysochous with its charming mosque, once the Christian church of St Nicholas.