Ayios Philon
25 October, 2009
Apostolos Andreas Monastery
25 October, 2009
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Aphendrika

aphendrika
Aphendrika | Karpaz

Clearly signposted, and about four miles from Ayios Philon along the coast road eastwards, is the group of three churches collectively called Aphendrika. This was the site of a major city in the 2nd C BC, rock cut tombs and a silted up ancient harbour are all that remain. The first of the three churches, on the left of the approach road is the 10th C AD Byzantine construction Ayios Georgios. Closest to this is Panayia Chrysiotissa and set back on a slight rise to the right is Panayia Asomotos.  Both of these churches date from the 6thC AD, of the three, it is these two that are in the better state of preservation, and both are now used by the local farmers as sheep pens.

Lavinia Neville Smith
Lavinia Neville Smith
Lavinia Neville Smith first came to North Cyprus in 1995, and fell in love with the country and the Turkish Cypriot people. A self confessed dilettante, with a varied working career, it was not until she returned in 1997 and went into tourism that she was able to put to good use her knowledge of history, ancient and modern, acquired long ago at school. She is a co-author of the Landmark Visitors Guide to North Cyprus, and continues to promote this beautiful country as far afield as possible.