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Cyprus Spiritual And CYPRUS TOURISM ORGANISATION 19 Lemesos Avenue, P.O.Box: 24535, 1390 Lefkosia, Cyprus Cultural Tel: +357 22 69 11 00 Fax: +357 22 33 16 44 Email: [email protected] Journeys www.visitcyprus.com ENG COVERS Divided 2/21/08 7:50 PM Page 2

Agios Nikolaos Stegis church Agios Ioannis Lampadistis Museum Panagia tou Araka Monastery Monuments of UNESCO Monuments of UNESCO Monuments of UNESCO Solea region Marathasa region Pitsilia region ● Nikitari: Church of Panagia tis ● Kalopanagiotis: Monastery of Agios ● Lagoudera: Monastery of Panagias Asinou (Virgin of Asinou) ● Galata: Ioannis Lampadistis (St. John tou Araka (the Virgin of Araka) Church of Panagia tis Podithou Lampadistis) ● Moutoulas: Church of ● Platanistasa: Holy Cross of (Virgin of Podithou) ● Kakopetria: the Virgin Mary ● Pedoulas: Church Agiasmati ● Pelendri: Church of the Church of Agios Nikolaos tis Stegis of Archangelos Michael (Archangel Holy Cross ● Palaichori: Church of (Saint Nicholas of the Roof) Michael) the Transfiguration of the Saviour

LEFKOSIA NICOSIA Peristerona Monastery of Panagia tou Kykkou

Kalopanagiotis Panagia LARNAKA Tala yprus, that “ethereal and blessed Emba

land” that stands apart, serene and PAFOS sacred with an irresistible fascination, Geroskipou C LEMESOS ourneys LIMASSOL J is a paradise full of natural beauty, history, memories and culture. A most surprising feature is its Byzantine art in Cyprus West Of density of monuments of religious devotion. It is ● ● an island of distinctive aura and charm, where the Peristerona: Church of Saints Barnabas and Hilarion Kalopanagiotis: ● aith whole spectrum of Christianity’s historical and Monastery of Saint John Lampadistis Monastery of the Virgin Mary of Kykkos F ● Panagia ● Tala ● Emba ● Kato Pafos ● Geroskipou cultural development can be seen, from inception AN INTRODUCTION TO A to the present day. SPIRITUAL WORLD It is no coincidence that Cyprus - the island of LEFKOSIA NICOSIA

Paralimni

Pera Chorio Kellia Sotira

Kykkos Monastery Agia Napa LARNAKA Monachisme and ascetism ● Orounda: Monastery of Saint Nicholas ● Kalopanagiotis: Monastery of Saint John Lampadistis ● Monastery of the Virgin Mary of Byzantine art in Cyprus: East Kykkos ● Prodromos: Virgin Trikoukia ● Lefkosia ● Pera Chorio: Church of the Blessed Apostles ● Kellia: Church of ● Prodromos: Monastery of the Virgin Saint Anthony ● Larnaka: Church of Saint Lazarus ● Sotira ● Paralimni ● Agia Trooditissa) Napa

Produced by: Cyprus Tourism Organisation 11/07 Design: WINGS Text: Loucas A. Panagiotou, Printing: Kailas Press, Photography: Elias Eliades, WINGS, CTO archive ISBN: 978-9963-44-080-1 17 English Inside Pages 2/21/08 7:41 PM Page 1

CHRISTIANITY’S HISTORICAL CROSSROAD

beauty, where according to Greek myth the Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from (Top) Situated on a steep hill, Stavrovouni Monastery offers a goddess Aphrodite was born - was chosen as thence they sailed to Cyprus” (Acts 12, 4). panorama of the surrounding the first place to receive the great message of This divine ‘choice’ – at the same time an countryside. the new faith on the advent of Christianity. ornament and endowment for the country – is Cyprus became the gateway through which expressed through the many monuments dedi- the message of the Gospels spread through- cated to prayer and devotion, but also through out the length and breadth of the Ecumene. the plethora of holy men connected with the The first mission of the apostles Paul and saintly island, thus endowing it with the expres- Barnabas (the latter of Cypriot descent) sion “Cyprus the island of saints”. occurred here in accordance with the will and wish of God: “..being sent forth by the Holy

(From left to right)

Multi coloured glass, Saints Barnabas and Hilarion church, Peristerona.

Wall icon, Panagia (Virgin Mary) Chrysaliniotissa church, Lefkosia.

Church service at Metochi tou Kykkou, Lefkosia.

The bellfry of St Savvas church, Lefkosia.

Byzantine icons.

Panagia (Virgin Mary) Chrysopolitissa church, Pafos.

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Sights and places of worship and their religious significance

od bequeathed to the land of Cyprus exceptional natural beauty G and impressive scenery. Dramatic coastlines, deep blue sea, imposing mountains, Agios Ioannis (St green forests, wildlife sanctuaries of great John’s) Cathedral, beauty and unique ecosystems; and all bathed Lefkosia. in sunlight. At the same time, the faith of the inhabitants of the island embroidered and adorned it with countless monuments and places expressing religious devotion; sights that bear witness to a tremendous historical journey. Church of Achangelos Cyprus has so much to offer the visitor/pilgrim Mihail (Archangel that a single journey does not suffice! Michael), Galata. Lampousa K

Agios Ilarionas

A R E A U N D E R T U R K I S H Morfou LEFKOSIA O (Nicosia)

Peristerona Soloi Tamassos Panagia Forviotissa (Asinou) A Kaliana Agios Iraklidios Oikos Malounta Peristerona Kalopanagiotis Galata Pera Chorio Dal Kakopetria Kykkos Moutoullas Lagoudera Fikardou Panagia Platanistasa Pedoulas Agros Chrysorrogiatissa Askas Machairas Theletra Palaiomylos Palaichori Choulou Pano Lefkara Galataria Pelendri Stav Pegeia Panagia Koili Trooditissa Kato Lefkara Arakapas Letymbou Vavla Praitori Agios Neofytos Tsada Kouka Louvaras Kofinou Tala Kellaki Empa Monagri Choirokoitia PAFOS Geroskipou Anogyra Agios Georgios Acheleia Alamanos Prastio

Kourion LEMESOS (Limassol)

Small parish of Agios Georgios (St George) Alamanos monastery. St Paul’s column at Pafos. Archangel Michael’s monastery Church of Timiou Stavrou (Holy at Monagri. Cross), at Pano Lefkara. 2 English Inside Pages 2/21/08 7:41 PM Page 3

Panagia Afentrika

Agios Filon Apostolos Andreas

Church of Agios Georgios (St George) Church of Agios Georgios (St George), of Chortakion. at Kellaki. Rizokarpaso Aigialousa

Panagia Kanakaria

Leonarisso Lythragkomi

Koma tou Gialou

Livadia KERYNEIA Akanthou Historical landmarks Antifonitis Agios Ioannis Prehistoric era Chrysostomos 8200 b.C. Trikomo K I Koutsoventis S H Geometric & Archaic period A O 1050 b.C. C C Apostolos Varnavas U Salamina P A Classic, Hellenistic & Roman period T I O N S I N C E 1 9 7 4 480 b.C. Lysi AMMOCHOSTOS Acheritou (Famagusta) 330 a.D. Byzantine period Agios Sozomenos Lusignan period Paralimni rio Dali 1192 a.D. Sotira Venetian period Kellia Agia Napa 1489 a.D. 1571 a.D.Ottoman period LARNAKA Stavrovouni 1878 a.D.British period Kiti 1960Independence-Republic a.D. of Cyprus nou

tia TURKEY

SYRIA

CYPRUS Beirut Tire Damascus IRAQ

A short distance from the LEBANON Nazareth Tel Aviv Holy Land Amman

Seize the opportunity during your stay in Jerusalem Cyprus to also visit the Holy Land. The ISRAEL Island is literally almost a stone’s throw, JORDAN offering the visitor fast and comfortable Cairo Aqaba access via a wide choice of short SAUDI cruises or air connections. ARABIA EGYPT 3 English Inside Pages 2/21/08 7:41 PM Page 4

...ONE OF THE FIRST LANDS TO EMBRACE THE HOLY GOSPEL...

hristianity spread and took root throughout the lands of the C Mediterranean sea very rapidly. According to the texts of the New Testament, the Cypriots were one of the first to embrace Christianity and preach it beyond the bound- aries of Palestine. Equally, they were the first to accept the truth of the Gospels outside the Holy Land, when the first apostolic mission English Inside Pages 2/21/08 7:41 PM Page 5

APriceless Heritage COUNTLESS IMPORTANT ARCHAEOLOGICAL MONUMENTS, MARKING THE DAWN OF THE CHRISTIAN ERA

was undertaken in 45 A.D., during which the Naturally, of great significance to the Church (Top) Morning sun rays Apostles Paul, Barnabas and Mark – the latter of Cyprus is the ratification of its autocephaly entering the Church of Panagia (St Mary) two of Cypriot descent – arrived in Salamis through the 7th canon of the 3rd Ecumenical Hortakiotissa. and preached the message of the Nazarene, Council in Ephesus in 431 A.D. (Above left) Internal view of “crossing the island to the edge of Pafos” This unique heritage is not only unequivo- the dome of Agia Paraskevi, Geroskipou. (Acts, 13.6). cally demonstrated by the numerous early (Middle left) St Lazarus church In Pafos they baptised the Roman Pro- Christian monuments, but also by the pres- interior, Larnaka. Consul Sergius Paulus, the first ranking official ence of many Bishops of Cyprus in the first as (Bottom left) Frescoes in the Panagia (St Mary) tou Araka of the Roman Empire to embrace Christianity. well as the subsequent Ecumenical Councils. church at Lagoudera.

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Creation Through Faith BYZANTINE ART AND CYPRIOT MONUMENTS OF UNESCO

WITNESSING THE TRAILS OF A GLORIOUS HERITAGE

(Main picture) Church of Timios Stavros (Holy Cross) at Pelendri. (Top) Church of Panagia yprus, burdened with memories of with superb wall paintings dating from the (Virgin Mary) of Asinou. its turbulent past and with its 11th to the 17th centuries are concentrated in (Middle) Church of Saints Barnabas and Hilarion at monuments standing as witness- the Troodos mountain range. This concentra- C Peristerona. es to a great historical journey, forms a signifi- tion in such a small geographical area is per- (Bottom) Church of Panagia cant centre for the study of Byzantine painting haps a unique case worldwide. In recognition (Virgin Mary) of Arakas at Lagoudera. and art. This is mainly attributed to the impor- of their value, UNESCO has declared ten of (Far left) Church of tant number of monuments preserved, to their these churches as monuments belonging to Metamorfosis tou Sotiros quality as well as to the degree of preservation the World Cultural Heritage, such as the (Tranformation of Christ) at of this wealth. churches of Agios Nikolaos tis Stegis in Palaichori. (Middle left) St Lazarus An important group of churches of great Kakopetria, Panagia of Asinou and Panagia of Church, Larnaka. archaeological, architectural and artistic value, Arakas in Lagoudera. (Near left) Historical medieval chapel at Pyrga. 7 English Inside Pages 2/21/08 7:42 PM Page 8

( K ( M r T M

The Quest For Tranquility GUARDIANS OF FAITH, HISTORY AND TRADITION

...SPIRITUAL SOLACE, UNDER THE VEIL OF NATURAL SURROUNDINGS...

he Byzantine Empire and hand of Theodoros Apsevdis, are the most Orthodoxy were the two pivots that important monuments of the island, captivating T indelibly marked the development and moving the visitor. of Cyprus. A plethora of monasteries was In most monasteries, the visitor/worshipper founded with the contribution and sponsorship will enjoy the colours and scents of nature and of the devout Emperors of Constantinople: the discover new and unique spiritual pleasures. Monastery of Kykkos, the largest on the island, The visitor can share the passions and faith of with its icon of the Virgin Mary whose painting the Cypriot people and experience intense was traditionally attributed to Luke the spiritual emotions; and appreciate contempo- Evangelist, Machairas Monastery and the rary reality through an acquaintance with Hermitage of Saint Neofytos, painted by the tradition.

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(Right) Monasteries of St Irakleidios and (Far right) Agia Napa.

(Left) The historic Kykkos Monastery. (Below) Panagia tou Machaira and (below right) Panagia Trooditissa Monasteries.

(Right) Panagia Chrysorrogiatissa and (far right) Agios Neofytos Monasteries

Multi-cultural Cyprus In other parts of Cyprus the visitor may come across buildings and religious monuments of different faiths and creeds. Muslim mosques, orthodox temples and churches of other creeds co-exist peacefully, thus demonstrating the unique and rich history and traditions of this country, one that is expressed vividly through the monuments on the island.

The mosque of Um Haram or Tekkesi Hala Sultan, an especially noteworthy and important Muslim place of worship connected with the prophet Mohammed himself, by Larnaka’s Salt Lake. Catholic church of Terra Santa, Larnaka. English Inside Pages 2/21/08 7:46 PM Page 10

...EXTENSIVE COLLECTIONS OF BYZANTINE ART...

(Top) A fine specimen of Byzantine art, dating from the 6th century: The famous mosaic in the church of Panagia Angeloktisti at Kiti.

(Right) Byzantine St Irakleidios skull, kept Religious artefact displayed Silver artefact hagiography is an at his monastery. at a museum. incorporating actual occupation for wood from the Holy many monks all Cross. over the island. 10 English Inside Pages 2/21/08 7:46 PM Page 11

Priceless Heirlooms And Treasures THE ISLAND IS FULL OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES OF PARTICULAR PRESTIGE AND CHARM Hand painted arch at Panagia Iamatiki.

yprus is full of archaeological sites of treasures of Cyprus through the priceless particular prestige and charm. The cul- collections of works of Byzantine art on C ture and faith of its people is indelibly display in various marked on each monument and work of art. Byzantine museums and The archaeologist’s spade has revealed the sacristies, such as the foundations of over ninety early Christian basilicas Byzantine Museum of the – with three, five and seven aisles, adorned with Archbishop Makarios III vivid mosaic floors, marble inlays, reliefs dressed Foundation in Lefkosia, the with marble and marble sculptures. Museum of Kykkos Monastery, Equally important examples of this civilisation the Byzantine Museum of Pafos and of the Byzantine art of the 6th century A.D. are and the icon Museum in the the mural mosaics, such as those found in the monastery of Saint John church of the Virgin Angeloktistis (‘built by angels’) Lampadistis. in Kiti village. The visitor may see the ecclesiastical

Old icon from Saints Barnabas and Hilarion church, Peristerona.

(Left) Virgin Mary and Christ fresco at Saints Barnabas and Hilarion church, Peristerona.

(Right) Priceless ecclesiastical collecions at the Kykko Monastery Museum. English Inside Pages 2/21/08 7:46 PM Page 12

Long Standing Traditions A NEVER ENDING CELEBRATION

...LISTENING TO BYZANTINE PSALMS AND MELODIES...

(Top) “Kalos Logos,” a nocturnal late service on Good Saturday, during the Holy Week

n Cyprus the visitor has the opportunity to attend a plethora of tradi- I tional events, celebrations and fairs that take place in villages and towns the length and breadth of the island, throughout the year. Celebrations and fairs that co-exist with the sounds of Byzantine religious melodies and the rhythms of traditional music. Baptism at an Holy Week and Easter, the ‘Good Word’ as it orthodox church is called here, are all celebrated on the island 12 English Inside Pages 2/21/08 7:46 PM Page 13

(Top right) Sacred utensils.

(Middle right) Good Friday with overwhelming solemnity. The celebration of procession. the Holy Spirit, or ‘Kataclysmos’ as it is called, (Below right) held only in Cyprus; that of Epiphany, with the Candles and olive oil lights in the blessing of the waters in the coastal areas in sanctuary of January, or even the various local festivals and Panagia Hortakiotissa fairs organised in the villages in the autumn and church. summer months - all bear witness to steadfast traditions and the strong link between art and religious worship. English Inside Pages 2/21/08 7:46 PM Page 14

A Paradise To Be Experienced SAVOUR AND SEE!

his island, with its clean, warm Above all, however, the visitor will be mes- sea, endless beaches and star-lit merised by the Island’s people and will forever T nights, not only has a historic past treasure fond memories of Cypriot hospitality. and maintains an unspoiled nature but also offers luxurious hotel complexes with full facili- ties, within easy reach to most destinations, so that visitors can enjoy a most confortable stay; it is also a gastronomic and wine connoisseur heaven, able to satisfy all demands with countless tavernas, restaurants, bars and cafes.

Mediterranean specialities

Traditional breadmaking

Dining room at Machairas Monastery 14 English Inside Pages 2/21/08 7:46 PM Page 15

..GRAIN, WINE AND OLIVE OIL... t s y English Inside Pages 2/21/08 7:46 PM Page 16

Route planner

LEFKOSIA NICOSIA Salamina Egkomi

Pegeia LARNAKA

Kiti Agios Kassianos church Amathous PAFOS Lefkosia. The old town Kourion LEMESOS LIMASSOL ● St John’s Cathedral ● Arch. Makarios III Byzantine Museum ● Church of ● In the footsteps of Apostles Paul and Barnabas Panagia Chrysaliniotissa Church of Agios Kassianos ● Church of Panagia Follow the path of Apostles Paul and Barnabas and it will lead you through a Faneromeni ● Church of Holy Cross of gripping maze of history and culture. A history linked with the preaching of Missirikou ● Church of Agios Antonios Christianity on the island, which from there opened out to the entire world. ● Church of Archangel Michael Tripiotis

LEFKOSIA NICOSIA

LARNAKA Pelendri Omodos Lefkara Stavrovouni Kouka Monastery Tsada Tochni

Anogyra PAFOS LEMESOS LIMASSOL

Worship of the Holy Cross The arrival of St Helen in Cyprus is an important moment demonstrating the respect and devotion shown to the Holy Cross. She anchored off Cyprus on her return from the Holy Land, built Stavrovouni Monastery Panagia Angeloktisti, Kiti and endowed it with part of the Multi-cultural Cyprus Holy Cross, the rivets and nails ● Larnaka: Church of Saint Lazarus with which Christ was nailed to the ● Dromolaxia: Mosque of Um Haram cross and a fragment from the or Tekke Hala Sultan cross of the honourable thief. A ● Kiti: Church of the Virgin Mary piece of the Holy Rope, with which Angeloktistis they bound the hands of Jesus as ● Kivisili: Church of the Virgin Mary they led Him to the Cross, was ● Klavdia: Church/mosque of Saint also left there. Catherine ● Stavrovouni Monastery ● Tochni ● Pyrga: Gothic Church of the Virgin ● Lefkara ● Pelendri ● Kouka ● Stazousa Omodos ● Anogyra ● Tsada ● Pyrga: Royal Chapel ● Stavrovouni Monastery Stavrovouni Monastery 16 ENG COVERS Divided 2/21/08 7:50 PM Page 2

LEFKOSIA NICOSIA Peristerona Monastery of Panagia tou Kykkou

Kalopanagiotis Panagia LARNAKA Tala yprus, that “ethereal and blessed Emba

Paralimni

Pera Chorio Kellia Sotira