Agios Mamas

By the large roundabout in the town centre of Morfou (Güzelyurt), you'll see the Orthodox church of Cyprus' most beloved saint, the tax-collector-repelling Agios Mamas, which was once the site of a pagan temple. The faithful used to visit this place before 1974 to see the ancient marble tomb of the patron saint, said to have oozed a mysterious liquid when pierced by the Ottomans who were looking for treasure.

The liquid, which was supposed to have curing effects on earaches, flowed freely at irregular intervals; this is why ear-shaped offerings surround the tomb. The church, which is normally closed, vies for attention with a splendid-looking new mosque that has been built across the square.