Mountain monasteries and churches

The local mountains are relatively high (the highest mountain is 1,952 m above sea level) and there is often a lot of snow in winter. The architecture of the churches is adapted to this, they have a massive roof that protects the building from snowstorms, and the bell tower often hides under it.

The church is tucked away in the narrow streets of the village of Pedoulas and at first glance looks more like a mountain barn.

As soon as we enter the darkened interior, we are amazed. We have long admired frescoes depicting scenes from the Old and New Testaments, which paint the entire interior.

In the village there is also a new exhibition church of the Holy Cross (Timios Stavros), which was built between 1933 and 1935.

Above the village of Moutollas, this small church rises alone on a hill above the village.

To the monastery of St. Jan Lampadista's path leads through the winding streets of the village of Kalopanayiotis, culminating in the crossing of a narrow Venetian bridge and a steep climb. It is a relatively large complex containing three complex churches, gradually built since the 11th century, a museum of Byzantine monuments and facilities for monks.

It is a medieval monastery that has retained its appearance in architecture and artistic heritage. There is only one such monastery on the island. And there are only a few such places in the world. The first mention of the monastery comes from the 11th century.

There is also a living and teaching area for monks in the area.

The church is quite accessible because it is located near the main village of Kakopetria. It is probably the most common destination for tourists, who also have a large parking lot. The interior decoration is again stunning, the Virgin Mary nursing Santa Claus, the Crucifixion, the Nativity and the Myrrh Carrier are especially noteworthy.

This church is relatively large by local conditions and its massive roof certainly provides good protection from winter snowstorms.

These two churches are relatively accessible because they lie on one of the main roads, but are abandoned just outside the village of Galata.

This church is the smallest of the UNESCO churches. The inside is quite dark and without a lamp it is not possible to appreciate the beautiful decoration.