Hasan KARLITAŞ
Unarguably, Vouni Palace tops the list of places that can respond to the call for peace in you. Situated at a privileged location in Cyprus, Vouni Palace has an impressive and inexplicable beauty both due to its mysterious history of 2500 years and its unique location between mountains and the sea view. Vouni is one of the leading places in Cyprus where history and nature meet.
Persian supporter king of the city Marion (close to the town of Poli that is close to Paphos), Doxandros, who wanted to establish a city to keep Soli , one of the kingdoms of Antique City, under control established the Vouni Palace on a hill that was 267 meters higher than the sea level. Being one of the examples of the architecture built during the Antique era, Vouni Palace is the only historical building constructed during the Persian time in the Island.
The Palace that at places has two floors and is established on three terraces has 137 rooms. It is named after the Greek work “Vouno” that means high hill and in time it started to be pronounced as Vouni-Vuni; however, its original name is unknown. Actually, this is not an actual palace. The reason that it is known as a palace is the rich finds that were found during the archaeological excavations Silver accessories, a great number of coins, a bull that was made of bronze and sculptures that show signs of expert labour are among the first ones that come to mind.
Swedish who were present in our island between 1927-1931 shed light to the history of Cyprus with 25 archaeological kazılar they did. The group that continued their work from beginning to the end in a very systematic manner took the work they did at Vouni Palace very seriosuly. Petra Tou Limnidi Islet, one of the first places that the traces of civilisation in Cyprus was found, was also worked on by the Swedish group. The view of the Islet from Vouni Palace is exquisite. Head of the Swedish group Einer Gjerstad described these impressive works done on Vouni Palace and Petra Tou Limnidi as the waking up of the Island.
Only Persian work in Eastern Mediterranean
Vouni Palace is the only Persian work in the Eastern Mediterranean. The palace is the only work done with eastern architecture both in Cyprus and in Eastern Mediterranean. Steps that have seven rows and that are 16 meters wide also have eastern influences; they are the widest steps in Cyprus.
Garden section of the Vouni Palace was made up of columns that were interconnected. In the middle of the garden, there was the main reservoir that was providing for the water needs of Vouni Palace. In the Palace, rain water was collected and used during hot summer months. One of the other characteristics of the garden was that it had connections with all the rooms of the Palace. Also, the column heading that is made up of strong limestone and is situated in the garden of the Palace attracts the attention. On this column heading, there was the face of an Egyptian goddess Hator.. Unfortunately, due to natural causes, facial features of Hator could not reach our day in a noticeable manner.
Another important work at the Vouni Palace is the Vouni bath that has survived until today. Reflecting the hygiene understanding of the people of its era, it is the oldest bath in Cyprus.
Temple of Athena
Demolished by the community in Soli
Vouni Palace that gave very rich finds also known as Vouni Treasures could only survive for 100 years. The Palace was burnt and demolished by the people of Soli as it was seen as a threat and it could not be used after this damage.
Palace of Orchids
Between the months of January and May, the Vouni Palace is embellished with the plethora of orchid varieties and other rare flora species around it. Meeting of history and nature in between sea and mountains is a unique presentation by nature.
Unarguably, Vouni Palace tops the list of places that can respond to the call for peace in you. No need for more words. Vouni Palace equals peace. Come, see and discover!
