DK Travel : Cyprus : Troodos Painted Churches

Troodos Painted Churches

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At first sight, it is hard to believe that these unassuming little stone buildings conceal such glories behind their mossy walls. Yet the isolated Troodos churches are the guardians of a unique treasury of Byzantine religious art and some of the most superb early Christian frescoes in the world. Since being given UNESCO World Heritage status in the 1980s many have been restored – although those that remain beneath a centuries-old patina are in some ways more moving and interesting.

Top 10 Churches

1. Agios Ioannis Lampadistis

1. Agios Ioannis Lampadistis

Three churches stand within the walls of this ancient monastery . Inside is a superb Pantokrator (Christ) painting in the dome.
2. Panagia tou Moutoulla

2. Panagia tou Moutoulla

One of the oldest of the Troodos churches (1279), this chapel of the Virgin has rare frescoes of St George and St Christopher – both arrayed for battle in Byzantine armour – and of the Virgin and the infant Christ. As yet unrestored, they are redolent of history.
3. Archangelos Michael

The frescoes of this village church, dating from 1474, are more lively than some of their rivals. Their colours were brightened by restoration in 1980 and include a range of Gospel and Old Testament scenes.
4. Agios Nikolaos tis Stegis

One of the oldest of the island’s churches to be dedicated to St Nicholas, this former monastery chapel features some beautiful frescoes from the 11th to the 15th centuries.
5. Panagia Podithou

Dramatic depictions of the Crucifixion and the Virgin are the most striking feature of this small 16th-century church, surrounded by fields and woodland.
6. Panagia Forviotissa

The Church of Our Lady of the Meadows stands on its own on a wooded hillside. The interior boasts a 12th-century nave and frescoes painted between then and the early 16th century, restored in the 1960s.
7. Stavros tou Agiasmati

Cleaned and restored to their pristine colours, the frescoes of this 15th-century church are by the religious painter Philippos Goul. The most striking, decorating the full round of the ceiling, are scenes from the Gospels, including The Last Supper, the Crucifixion and the Assumption of the Virgin Mary.
8. Panagia tou Araka

The serene, rather melancholy portrait of Christ Pantokrator , dating from 1192, that adorns the dome of this church is superbly preserved. It is surrounded by brightly coloured fresco portraits of the twelve Old Testament prophets and, in the apse, the twelve Church Fathers.
9. Agios Sotiros tou Sotirou

The main highlight of this tiny and isolated chapel is a series of wall paintings showing scenes from the life of Christ, painted in the early 16th century.
10. Timiou Stavrou (Holy Cross)

10. Timiou Stavrou (Holy Cross)

This small 14th-century church was restored in 1995 and has a unique icon of Christ flanked by the Virgin Mary and John the Baptist. Fine wall paintings blend Byzantine Orthodox and Venetian Catholic influences.

Practical Information

Plan your tour of the Troodos churches in advance. Local tourist offices may be able to help you by phoning to arrange for the caretaker to be on hand when you arrive. Unless you have a four-wheel drive vehicle, don’t be tempted to take short cuts on forest tracks through the Troodos area – stick to the main roads. Agios Ioannis Lampadistis: Open May–Sep: 8am–noon, 1:30–5pm daily Free Other churches are open on request. Keys are held by local caretakers, whose address and telephone number are posted at each church.