The
Troodos National Forest Park is at the centre of
the island of
Cyprus and covers
an area of about 9,000 hectares. The highest point is Chionistra or
Mount
Olympus at 1,952 metres (also the highest point on the island) and the
lowest is
Moni forest at 700 metres. The park is suitable for myriad
activities ranging from picnics to hiking, skiing and mountain biking. There
are 10 nature trails which cover over 50 Km. The park contains 12th to
15th century frescoed churches, winemaking villages and pine forests. There are
also monasteries dating from the Byzantine period. The best known and most
beautifully restored of these is
Kykkos, built in the 12th century (Refer to
my post dated ). The main resorts
of the Troodos are
Platres and
Kakopetria, attractive villages
with bakeries, shops and an alpine atmosphere. Over 750 plant species can be
found in the area, making Troodos National Forest Park the richest botanical
garden of Cyprus. 12 of these species can only be found in Troodos National
Forest Park.
As for fauna, within the park live among other
species: ravens, Bonelli's eagles, Treecreepers and Griffon vultures.
The distinctive geology of Troodos Forest area has been studied by scientists
from around the world. The rock types and formations found in the Troodos area
allow scientists a better understanding of how the sea bed of the Sea of
Tethys was formed 90-million years ago. Along many trails in the forest,
examples of plutonic rock, formed far under the bed of the Sea of Tethys,
can be seen. This nice maximum card was given to me by my dear friend Merja.
