Nature has created stunning canyons and views in Cyprus over millions of years. What we see now is the result of water erosion on layers of sedimentary marine rocks, but let's try to delve deeper into the stones and their history.

Once upon a time, in a faraway land, the island of Cyprus lay hidden beneath the ancient Tethys Ocean. Millions of years ago, during the late Jurassic to early Cretaceous periods, the ocean floor was home to various volcanic activity. Deep beneath the waves, powerful forces were at work, shaping what would eventually become the Troodos Ophiolite Complex. As the Earth's tectonic plates shifted and collided, the oceanic crust and upper mantle were thrust upwards, gradually revealing a new world above the water's surface.

At the same time, to the west of the emerging Troodos Mountains, a magical process was unfolding in the depths of the Tethys Ocean. Here, the subduction of the oceanic crust beneath the continental margin sparked the formation of the enchanted Mamonia volcanic island arc. The fiery eruptions and lava flows of this volcanic land would define the Mamonia Complex, a testament to the power of the Earth's vibrant heart.

As the aeons passed, the island of Cyprus continued to grow and evolve. In the northern reaches of this ancient land, the non-volcanic Kyrenia Range began to take shape. The gentle whispers of wind and water worked together to lay down layers of sediment, creating magnificent limestones and sandstones. Over countless millennia, these sedimentary rocks would form the backbone of the Kyrenia Range, a testament to the beauty and resilience of life in the face of time's relentless march.

In the shadows of the majestic Troodos Mountains, a fourth wonder of Cyprus was taking shape. The Circum-Troodos Sedimentary Succession, a tapestry of diverse environments, was born from the dance of earth, water, and sky. Deep-sea, shallow marine and terrestrial realms came together to weave a rich mosaic of chalk, marl, sandstone, and conglomerate. This breathtaking landscape encircled the Troodos Ophiolite Complex, cradling it like a precious gem within the island's loving embrace.

And so, the story of Cyprus, an island sculpted by the hands of time and the forces of nature, unfolded. The interplay of volcanic and non-volcanic elements created a magical world of diverse landscapes, where the echoes of the past continue to shape the land and inspire the hearts of those who are fortunate enough to witness its timeless beauty.