This is something that has remained relatively intact and it is worth mentioning. The region is of immense archaeological value, as it is made obvious by various excavations of a rather educational nature. The findings are of importance, remains from settlements of the latter bronze era. According to the Great Encyclopaedia of Cyprus (Fylokipros), excavations were first done in the region during 1897 and xxxx by H. B. Walters and P. Christian, working on behalf of the British Museum. In the "Tsaroukkas", "Vournes", and "Gialos" regions, the findings were mainly pottery items that date back to the latter Bronze era (1650 - 1400 and 1400 - 1230 BC).

It is also reported that in the region, from the village and toward the sea, there were remains from the Neolithic, Chalcolithic, Early and Middle Bronze eras, the Archaic era, and the Roman and Mediaeval times (RDAC 1983 p 155).

According to Porfyrios Dikaios, the existence of a Neolithic settlement is designated in the "Karagiannis" venue, across today's cemetery and half a kilometre south of the Maroni village (RDAC 1935 p 13 and 1936 p 78). Also, Max Ohnefalsch Richter dug up tombs between Maroni and Psematismenos -during the 19 th century -in a necropolis of the Early Bronze era. Amphorae, "craters", and other pottery items were found inside a tomb after excavations in Maroni, as well as some iron tools. The tomb dates back to the Archaic era of Cyprus ((725 - 600 BC) RDAC 1972, p.p. 156.160). Among other findings in the "Vournes" region, a small olive-press was also discovered. The structures that have been investigated prove the existence of buildings that date back to the latter Bronze era, 1600 - 1400 BC until 1400 - 1230 BC.

The pottery coming from the region of Maroni presents special interest, including many vessels -among them some ceremonial ones -of various types.

Unfortunately, despite all these there hasn't been any particular evaluation or promotion of these areas as far as tourism in the region is concerned; as a result they have remained unknown and without offering anything particularly interesting for tourists or for the local inhabitants of Cyprus in general.

Maroni / Petrera

In the Valley of Maroni there is a region named Maroni / Petrera. Excavation were conducted in this region in July of 1991 and the remains of a Roman era Church and other related findings were discovered there. The excavations continued until 1997, when some architectural findings, ceramics, human skeletons, and coins were discovered.

Because of the ground's morphology, it has not been possible to proceed with the completion of the church's excavation, only small pieces of it having been dug up.

The church in the Maroni / Petrera region had a simple decor without any mosaics, frescoes, and marble. Only painted plaster was minimally used. Various findings, such as items used in daily life (large stones from mills, cups, and other related items) have been discovered around the Petrera region.

Architectural evidence from the excavations in the Petrera region bring us before the -then -aesthetically pleasant construction of the rooms and yards outside the religious buildings, which may relate agricultural production and storing.