Afendrika Archaeological Site on the Karpas Peninsula — Byzantine Churches and How to Get There
The Afendrika Archaeological Site on the Karpas Peninsula is one of the places in Northern Cyprus where you can literally touch history. Here, the ruins of three Byzantine churches have been preserved — Panagia Afendrika, Asomatos, and Agios Georgios. The structures were restored with the support of international organizations and are now open to visitors.
Afendrika is an excellent option for a half-day trip, especially if you are already exploring Karpas: along the way, you can combine a visit to the ancient sites with the peninsula’s beaches and natural locations.
History of Afendrika
On the territory known today as Afendrika, there was once the ancient settlement of Urania, which flourished in the classical period. The presence of three churches located close to each other indicates that the area experienced growth roughly from the 6th to the 12th century AD, that is, during the early and middle Byzantine periods.
The ancient Greek geographer Strabo mentioned Urania among the six most important cities of Cyprus. Today, what remains of the settlement is mainly the church buildings and masonry elements, allowing one to imagine the scale of religious life in the region during the Byzantine era.
UN Restoration
In recent years, conservation and restoration work has been carried out to preserve the Afendrika site. The projects were implemented by the Technical Committee on Cultural Heritage (TCCN) with the support of the European Union and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and were aimed at protecting the monuments from further deterioration.
The restoration was completed in December 2020. Thanks to this, visitors today can see restored elements, safer pathways, and reinforced structures.
How to Find Afendrika
Afendrika is located near the village of Dipkarpaz on the Karpas Peninsula — approximately 7 km east of Agios Philon Beach. It can only be reached by car.
Important: you should not take the main road that runs along the southern part of the peninsula to the Monastery of Apostle Andrew, but rather the road along the northern coast.
Travel tip: wild donkeys can be found on Karpas — sometimes they come onto the road, so it’s better to drive slowly and carry water (especially in summer).
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the opening hours of Afendrika?
The site is usually open for free exploration, as there is typically no staff or permanent supervision on site. Some areas may have a fence. Access hours may change without notice, but generally, you can enter during the day without any problems.
Is there a fee to visit the Afendrika archaeological site?
Visiting the attraction is free of charge.
What should I bring when visiting?
Comfortable shoes and sun protection are recommended: a hat and sunscreen. It is also advisable to bring water, especially during hot months.
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