Polemi Concentration Camp
As you approach Polemi from the B7, you pass the Kamanterena Winery on your right. Just beyond that, if you are paying attention, you will see a lookout tower that wouldn't look out of place on a WW2 movie. A couple of ancient armoured vehicles might also perk your interest, so pull over, and take a look at Polemi Concentration Camp.
Park Here
You can park in front of the camp. There is no need to park on the road.
The Main Entrance
Ok, so let's deal with the elephant in the room. Why is there a concentration camp in Polemi? Well, the truth of the matter is that Concentration Camps weren't invented by the Germans in WW2. The UK had concentration camps during the Boer War, for the internment of prisoners, and they had them in Cyprus from 1946 - 1949, to regulate the flow of Jews into Palestine. More information is available on Wikipedia. However, the Polemi Concentration Camp was built a decade later, to house and interrogate EOKA prisoners during Cyprus' fight for independence from the UK.
Information
The sign has more information, and reads as follows:
The Detention Centre (Concentration Camp) of Polemi was one of eight that the British operated in Cyprus during the Freedom Fight against colonial rule in the years 1955-1959. The Centre was opened towards the end of the conflict, in August 1958, and operated for 102 days. The Camp was very different from the other detention camps in Cyprus. It became notorious for the horrific and inhumane conditions suffered by the detainees, the violence, cruelty and torture to which the prisoners were subjected.
Escape From Colditz
Let's have a look at that tower. It reminds me of countless war films.
Go In
These days, the gates to the camp are unlocked. Last year they were bolted shut though, so presumably they were doing some repair work?
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Polemi Sunrise
A couple of days ago I was up bright and early running some errands, and I couldn't help but notice the beautiful sunrise. Naturally enough, I took some pictures, and this put me in the mood to take some more snaps as I carried out my chores...
Polemi Sunset
Polemi isn't known for it's sunsets, well, to us at least. They are normally the domain of the coastal areas of Paphos, and Max's house. However, this evening, the Gods smiled on us, and granted us a lovely sunset. The photos can provide a brief, fitting epilogue to our last blog, Polemi Sunrise.
Polemi Rain
The winter storms are back with a vengeance. Polemi had 46mm of rain overnight, and it showed this morning. Our webcam presented a sorry picture, but I was curious to see what was happening in other parts of the village...Related Pages
MapPolemi Concentration Camp
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eBookCyprus Road Trip 01: the Kathikas - Panagia Loop
Let me take you on a journey around the region of Paphos, Cyprus. Starting at Paphos itself, we travel to Akoursos, then Kathikas, Kritou Terra and Simou. We continue past Lasa and Kannaviou, before taking in the delights of Panagia. Getting a bit more adventurous, we visit the abandoned villages of Statos and Agios Fotios, before passing through Choulou, Letymbou and Polemi, and rejoining the main Paphos - Polis road.
The route is suitable for all types of vehicle, and requires no off-roading. The guide contains about 130 photographs including shots of all the road signs you need to pay attention to, as well as some of the highlights you may experience along the way.
There are also several maps which will help you keep your bearings.
You can do this journey in a day, or you can break it up into chunks. You can also do it in reverse, to get some completely different views. It is entirely up to you.
