Rural Destinations
: Pafos
Religion and Culture
A number of religious sites illuminate Cyprus’
rich cultural heritage.
Agios Kirykos and Agia Ioulitti Church- Letymvou Village
A cross-in-square domed church that can be dated to the 12th century,
with many newer additions, especially in the 15th century. It has a few
surviving wall paintings dating to the 12th century, but most date tï
the 15th century. Virgin Pentanassa
Church at Houlou Village
16th century frescoes, the Byzantine chapel of Aghios G eorgios (St.
George) and the 12th Century chapel of Aghios Theodoros (St. Theodore).
Panayia Chryseleousa Church –Polemi Village
A complex of two churches. The oldest is the northern one which is a
domed cross-in-square type building possibly of the 12th century. Later
in the 18th century a barrel-vaulted church was added to the south.
Excellent 16th century icons survive on the iconostasis.
Metochi Ieras Monis Kykkou-Polemi. There is also
a group of traditional buildings known as Metiochi tou Kykkou, which are
used as a cultural centre.
Chryssorogiatissa Monastery
Set in beautiful surroundings, the monastery, originally founded in the
12th century AD, is dedicated to 'Our Lady of the Golden Pomegranate'.
The monastery, whose present building dates back to 1770, has a
collection of important icons and treasures. An impressive religious
ceremony and celebrations are held on 15th August. The old winery of the
monastery produces some of the best vintage wine of Cyprus.
Panagia tou Sinti Monastery
An abandoned monastery on the banks of the Xeros River. The central nave
of the monastery, dating to the 16th century is in good condition and is
considered one of the most important buildings of the Venetian period.
In 1977 it received the Europa Nostra award for the restoration and
conservation work carried out on it. |
