Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Fastidiously restored during the 1960s, the monastery was unfortunately badly vandal-
ised after 1974, with its many frescos either stolen or defaced. The plastered interior, now
completely covered with graffiti, and the floor, covered with goat droppings, makes a
bizarre and slightly eerie contrast with the still beautiful and soaring architecture.
The monastery is approximately 10 minutes' drive from Buffavento Castle, sitting just
above the village of Taşkent. To make this your next stop, simply exit the car park and fol-
low the tarmac road.
Alevkaya Herbarium
Alevkaya Herbarium
PARK
(
h
8am-4pm)
F
On the back road in the Beşparmak (Pentadaktylos) Range, you'll find the forest station
between Esentepe (Agios Amvrosios) and Değirmenlik (Kythrea). The herbarium here is
home to endemic Cypriot flora, including some 1250 native plant species. It displays a
range of preserved and live specimens, developed from a collection created by English
botanist Deryck Viney, whose book
Illustrated Flora of North Cyprus
documents the
country's diverse botanical treasures.
To get to the herbarium, take the signposted forest road, off the southern side of the
Beşparmak (Pentadaktylos) Pass. Alternatively, from the northern coastal road, take the
road signposted as Karaağaç (Harkia) or Esentepe.
