Central Cyprus

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In central Cyprus, in the area of Lefkosia (Nicosia) are several nice Byzantine churches, as well as older sites like Tamassos and Idalion. I spent a full day driving around the central parts of Cyprus.

All pictures are © Dr. Günther Eichhorn, unless otherwise noted.

Peristerona

Peristerona is a large village about 32 km (20 miles) west of the capital Nicosia, on the foothills of the Troodos Mountain range in the Morphou basin.

The Church of Agios Varnavas and Ilarionas (Saints Barnabas and Hilarion) has five domes on the roof arranged in the shape of a cross, a feature only seen in one other church on the island. It was built in the Byzantine period in the 10^th century.

The Peristerona Mosque was constructed in the 19^th century, during the Ottoman era. It was built on a square floor plan, with tinted windows and sculptured parts. It now stands empty.

Church of Saints Barnabas and Hilarion. (816k)

Belfry of the church of Saints Barnabas and Hilarion. (894k)

Interior of the church of Saints Barnabas and Hilarion. (743k)

Interior of the church of Saints Barnabas and Hilarion. (947k)

Interior of the church of Saints Barnabas and Hilarion. (1054k)

Close-up of the altar. (954k)

Interior of the church of Saints Barnabas and Hilarion. (931k)

Paintings in the church of Saints Barnabas and Hilarion. (966k)

Paintings in the church of Saints Barnabas and Hilarion. (760k)

Paintings in the church of Saints Barnabas and Hilarion. (750k)

Paintings in the church of Saints Barnabas and Hilarion. (673k)

Remnants of 16^th century wall paintings. (645k)

Mosque in Peristerona. (762k)

Panagia Chrysospiliotissa Church (Our Lady of the Golden Cave)

Panagia Chrysospiliotissa Church is a church in a natural cave high up a wall. It is located near Kato Deftera village, 11 km (7 miles) southwest of Lefkosia (Nicosia).

The complex is made up of three smaller caves and two corridors. One of the caves is the church. It is dedicated to the Lady of the Golden Cave. The church possibly dates back to the early Christian period. This type of church is rare in Cyprus but common in the Near East. Sadly the decorated walls of the cave have suffered great damage and the frescoes are no longer visible.

Panagia Chrysospiliotissa Church. (888k)

Painting on the stair case that goes up to the caves. (592k)

Interior Panagia Chrysospiliotissa Church

Interior of the Panagia Chrysospiliotissa Church. (1023k)

Interior of the Panagia Chrysospiliotissa Church. (793k)

Painting Panagia Chrysospiliotissa Church

Painting in the Panagia Chrysospiliotissa Church. (953k)

Painting in the Panagia Chrysospiliotissa Church. (937k)

Lefkosia (Nicosia)

The Archaggelou Michael (Archangel Michael) Church dates back to the Byzantine period and was founded by Archbishop Nikiforos, whose tomb can be seen in the narthex of the church. It was rebuilt in 1636 and was ceded to Kykkos Monastery in 1713.