The Painted Churches of the Troodos

In its stock of simple but exquisitely painted rural churches the Troodos Mountains is truly blessed. You can come across these little gems across the region, but especially on the north slopes of the range, sometimes in villages, sometimes in remote wooded areas. They are modest in construction, with steeply sloping wooden roofs (to shed snow during the winter) above stout rough stone walls. Inside, they are decorated with wonderful frescoes (and in some cases mosaics) which offer a glimpse of life and beliefs during the almost thousand years of the Byzantine Empire. Ten of these churches are collectively included on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.

Photography is not allowed inside the churches, but most sell guidebooks and/or postcards of the most notable paintings. For in-depth background get hold of The Painted Churches of Cyprus by Andreas and Judith A. Stylianou which gives detailed descriptions and illustrations of the wall and ceiling paintings of all the Troodos churches (and many others across the island).

The following churches are those that are most easily visited.

Agios Nikolaos tis Stegis, Kakopetria

Monastery of Agios Ioannis Lampadistis, Kalopanayiotis

Panagia Forviotissa (Asinou), Nikitart

Panagia, Moutoullas

Archangelos Michaelis, Pedoulas

Timios Stavros, Pelendri