Unique monuments inscribed on the UNESCO list
In the Troodos Mountains, which is the largest and highest mountain range in Cyprus, there are real gems – 10 mountain churches and monasteries built between the 11th and 15th centuries, which have been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1985 for their extraordinary architecture and especially unique multicolored Wall paintings. Christians have been pushed to remote places in the mountains for their faith, and even today it is necessary to drive along somewhat wild mountain roads if we want to see these unique orthodox monuments.
Mountain constructions
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.
Wall paintings
Inside the churches and monasteries, the walls are richly decorated with murals. These are actually galleries that served to explain religious scenes and stories to believers.
Church of Archangelo Michail
The church is tucked away in the narrow streets of the village of Pedoulas and at first glance looks more like a mountain barn.
Stunning interior
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.
New church
In the village there is also a new exhibition church of the Holy Cross (Timios Stavros), which was built between 1933 and 1935.
The church of Panagia tou Moutoula
Above the village of Moutollas, this small church rises alone on a hill above the village.
Agios Ioannis Lambaditis Monastery
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.
Preserved monastery complex
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.
Rich interior decoration
We are absolutely blown away by the rich decoration. The murals represent the true pinnacle of painting.
Religious education
There is also a living and teaching area for monks in the area.
Church of Agios Nikolaos tis Stegis
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.
Massive roof
This church is relatively large by local conditions and its massive roof certainly provides good protection from winter snowstorms.
Churches Panagia tis Podythou and Panagia Theotokou
These two churches are relatively accessible because they lie on one of the main roads, but are abandoned just outside the village of Galata.
Panagia Theotokou
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.
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