PAPHOS HISTORICAL ATTRACTIONS

Ayios Neophytos Monastery, Paphos

Panagia Chrysoroyiatissa Monastery, Paphos

Paphos Archaeological Park

ANGELOKTISTI CHURCH, Larnaca, Cyprus

Angeloktisti means "Built by the Angels". This 11th century Byzantine church was erected over the ruins of an Earlier Christian basilica. The original aspe has survived, together with one of the finest pieces of Byzantine art to be seen in this area, a rare 6th century mosaic of the Virgin Mary and Child between the two archangels, which allegedly rivals even the Ravenna Mosaics.


LOCATION:Kiti village, 10 km west of Larnaca airport.

Ayios Nikolaos tis Stegis, Kakopetria, Cyprus

Ayios Nikolaos tis Stegis, The village of Kakopetria.

The church of Ayios Nikolaos tis Stegis, meaning 'Saint Nicholas on the Roof', named after its steep wooden roof, which was built to protect it from climatologically conditions, located 5 kilometers north, of the charming village of Kakopetria.
Ayios Nikolaos tis Stegis is considered as one of the most interesting Byzantine churches on the island, as its completely covered with mural paintings, dating between the 11th and 17th centuries.

Additionally, in the village of Kakopetria, there are another two churches, both from the 16th century. The first is the church of Panayia Theotokos, a small church which has retained half of its murals, and the second is the church of Ayios Georgios Perachoritis, on the east of the village. The old quarter of the village has been officially declared a protected area, and many of the traditional houses are now listed buildings, and have been fully restored to their former glories.

The Church of Ayios Nikolaos dis Steyis,
5 km from Kakopetria village.

Open all year.
Tues-Sat-09:00-16:00
Sunday-11:00-16:00

THE VILLAGE OF AGROS, LIMASSOL, CYPRUS

Agros is the village in the centre of Troodos district. A 19th century church now stands where once was the site of the Panagia Eleousa monastery, which was founded by monks from Constantinople during the 9th century.

HOW TO FIND IT: 45 kilometres North of Limassol, through Ayios Theodoros.

Panagia Podithou, The village of Galata, Troodos, Cyprus

In and around the village and Galata region, there are four churches which date back as early as the beginning of the 16th century.

Firstly, the church of Panagia Podithou once belonged to a monastery. First erected in 1502, its paintings are typical of those from the Ital-Byzantine influence. The church of Ayios Sozomenos dates back to the early 16th century, and thankfully still retains a complete series of frescoes from the post-Byzantine period.

The smaller church of Ayia Paraskevi, on the old Kakopetria-Galata road, has murals dating back to 1514. The old inn, 'Chani Kalianon', which has been faithfully restored, is a very interesting example of rural architecture from the period.

Kamares Aqueduct, Larnaca, Cyprus

The Old Aqueduct, with its 33 arches, known as "The Kamares", stands outside the town on the way to Limassol. It was built in Roman style in 1745 to carry water from a source about 6 miles south of Larnaka (Tremithos River) into the town. The aqueduct is illuminated at night, adding to it's engineered beauty.

Panagia Chrysoirroyiatissa Monastery, Paphos, Cyprus

Chrysoroyiatissa is a monastery dedicated to Our Lady of the Golden Pomegranate located about 40 km north-east of Paphos at an altitude of around 2,700 feet. It was founded by a monk called Ignatius in the 12th century. It lies 1.5 km from the today village of Panayia, birthplace of the late Archbishop Makarios. The present building dates to 1770.

The ancient and idyllic monastery of Chrysoroyiatissa, is famous for its excellent wine. In the mid 1980s the old winery of the monastery was reopened and now runs (successfully) on a commercial basis. It produces wines from the Monastery's own vineyards.

Celebrations are held here yearly on 15 August in honour of the Virgin Mary.

Location: Paphos District - Cyprus

Trooditissa Monastery, Troodos, Cyprus

Trooditissa Monastery is situated on the southern slopes of the Troodos Mountains on the island of Cyprus. It is an orthodox monastery dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It was founded in 990, but the current building dates back to 1731. The icon in the monastery devoted to Virgin Mary is believed that it was painted by Apostle Luce. The monastery played a vital role in the national struggles. It is famous for its woodcarvings and many icons. It is built at an altitude of 1,500m (4566 feet) and the closest village is Platres.

Monk Damaskinos (1939 - 1942) and his success or Abbot Pangkratios, revived the monastery after it came close to being dissolved in the 19th century. A large religious fair is held every year on the grounds of the monastery on August 15th, day of the Dormition of Panagia. Prayers to the holy icon of Panagia give hope to childless couples wishing to have children.

Kykkos Monastery, Troodos Mountains, Cyprus

At the top of a mountain about 1318 m high, in the north west of Troodos, stands the richest and most splendid monastery in Cyprus, Kykkos Monastery. Kykkos was founded in the 11th century but unfortunately it has been burned down several times and there are no reminders of the original building, in contrast to the other Cypriot monasteries.

The monastery's website can be viewed here.