The opening of the Love Bridge took place in Ayia Napa, on 14th February, St. Valentine’s Day. The Mayor of Ayia Napa, Yiannis Karusos, and his wife, solemnly attached a padlock to the lattice bridge as a symbol of eternal love and fidelity. Mr. Karusos expressed his hope that this place would become a landmark for young couples, both locals and visitors, and that the tradition would become popular worldwide.
The bridge of lovers and kisses
It’s really strange why this hasn’t appeared before in Cyprus, the island of love. There are many romantic places, myths and legends that have been handed down through the ages; the story of the Cypriot King, Pygmalion and Galatea, and the beautiful legend of Aphrodite and Adonis.
There are many love bridges in various countries around the world. The most famous are in Paris which has two, both located on the River Seine. One is Pont des Arts and the other is Pont de l’Archeveche. Ponte Milvio is the famous bridge over the River Tiber in Rome. Kiev has its own love bridge too! All of them bear witness to countless love stories and are festooned with padlocks.
The bridge at Ayia Napa is significantly different from its counterparts, with its simple architectural design and brightly coloured panels that make it stand out against the natural landscape. The bridge does not connect river banks, but passes over the land as part of a hiking trail beginning at the Atlantica Sungarden Hotel, and leading to a picturesque bay with a limestone cave.
It’s worth noting that near here there is the well-known Bridge of Kisses – a natural bridge formed by the limestone rocks. Both symbols of love coexisting – one a man-made creation and the other made by nature.
According to the Mayor the idea to create such a bridge came from the young people. The original bridge was in poor condition, requiring renovation. Funds have been allocated from the municipality’s budget and it now has the chance to become one of the ‘must visit’ places in Ayia Napa. The Mayor has said that all young couples marrying in the Ayia Napa municipality will be presented with a lock and key as a wedding gift. Others wishing to acquire the locks can do so at souvenir shops and at some hotels.
On a visit to Ayia Thekla
It’s also worth mentioning another equally romantic place in Ayia Napa – the church of Ayia Thekla to the west of the city. A small, white, airy building (thanks to its arches), it stands on the beach with its blue domes and is a popular place for Cypriot weddings. Couples have to book a year ahead, sometimes longer, so that they can have their ceremony here.
The modern church was built near the ancient chapel carved into the rock, which can be reached by descending some stone steps. To the right stretches the fabulous beach of the same name. There is a café close to the church, many shops and convenient parking, which all combine to make this a pleasant place to spend your time. It’s very popular in the summer months.
No need to wait until the next Valentine’s Day to take a trip to one of these romantic places with a loved one. Let romance be in your life everyday and not just on special occasions.
