A divided Cyprus: (Republic of Cyprus & Turkish Republic of Cyprus):
Although it is one island, Cyprus is physically and politically divided between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, making for a very uneasy peace. The northern third of the island is controlled by Turkish Cypriots (Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, recognized only by Turkey); while the southern two-thirds of the island is controlled by the internationally recognized Republic of Cyprus.
A UN-patrolled buffer zone (barbed-wire fencing, concrete walls, watchtowers, anti-tank ditches, and minefields on the Turkish sides) separates the two sides, dividing the capital, Nicosia.
Cyprus, officially the Republic of Cyprus, is an independent, sovereign island country in the eastern Mediterranean Sea and a European Union member state, having gained independence from Britain in 1960. Although there is no record of it, there is speculation that Saint Francis may have stopped here. Records do indicate that there were Franciscans on the island in the year 1226, the year that he died. Subsequent to that, several friaries and churches were built, but later destroyed when the Turks conquered the island in 1571.
Cyprus was part of the United Kingdom until august 16,1960, when it officially became an independent republic, following a four-year guerrilla war. Under the 1960 independence treaties, Greece, Turkey, and the U.K. are recognized as guarantor powers with the legal right to intervene.
In 1974, a Greek-backed military coup deposed Cypriot President Archbishop Makarios with the aim of uniting the island with Greece.
Citing its role as a guarantor power, Turkey launched “Operation Attila”, a full-scale military invasion, on July 20, 1974 to protect Turkish Cypriots and prevent the union, leading to a permanent, violent division of the island.
Catholic places of interest in the Republic of Cyprus
Catholic places of interest in the Turkish Republic of North Cypress:
Traveling to The Republic of Cyprus and the Turkish Republic of North Cyprus:
Cypress is located off the coast of the Levant mainland in West Asia. The island is served by a major airport as well as being a port of call for many cruise ships. There are also ferries from mainland Greece.
As of April 2026, travel to Cyprus is generally possible, but carries a Level 3 (Reconsider Travel) advisory from the U.S. State Department due to volatile regional security and potential for sudden escalation. While tourist areas remain open, travelers should be aware of a 2026 drone incident near a British base, potential flight disruptions, and limited emergency assistance in the north.
By air: Cyprus has two airports
The Republic of Cyprus: Larnaca International Airport (LCA) and Paphos International Airport (PFO), serve as the primary legal entry points.
The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus: The Ercan International Airport (IATA: ECN) is the main civilian airport serving the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, located about 13 km (8 miles) east of Nicosia near the
By cruise ship: Cyprus has two main cruise ports: Limassol and Larnaca. Limassol is the largest port, while Larnaca is a secondary port.
By ferry: Seasonal passenger ferries operate between Athens (Piraeus) and Limassol, Republic of Cyprus, from late May to early September, typically operated by Scandro Holding (AF Marina/Daleela) with about a 31-hour journey. ~31 hours. Your choice of cabins or airplane-style seats, with a restaurant and cafe on board. Ferries also offer vehicle transport (cars/motorcycles).
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