St. John's Cathedral: A Glimpse into Cypriot History
Discover the historical and spiritual heart of Nicosia at St. John's Cathedral, a gem of Cypriot art and religious tradition.
St. John's Cathedral, or Agios Ioannis, is a small but historically significant cathedral in Nicosia, Cyprus, dating back to the 17th century. Built on the site of a former Benedictine abbey, its unassuming exterior belies a lavish interior adorned with vibrant 18th-century frescoes, gilded woodwork, and crystal chandeliers. It serves as the main church of the Church of Cyprus and the location for the enthronement of Archbishops.
A brief summary to St. John's Cathedral
- 59F9+84J, Πλ. Αρχιεπισκόπου Κυπριανού, Nicosia, CY
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- Monday 9 am-3 pm
- Tuesday 9 am-3 pm
- Wednesday 9 am-3 pm
- Thursday 9 am-3 pm
- Friday 9 am-3 pm
- Saturday 9 am-12 pm
Local tips
- Check the opening hours before visiting, as the cathedral may close for services.
- Photography is generally not allowed inside the cathedral.
- Dress respectfully when visiting, as it is an active place of worship.
- Combine your visit with a tour of the adjacent Archbishop's Palace to learn more about the ecclesiastical history of Cyprus.
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Getting There
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Walking
St. John's Cathedral is located in the heart of old Nicosia, adjacent to the Archbishop's Palace. If you are already within the old city walls, the cathedral is easily accessible on foot. Head towards Archbishop Kyprianos Square; the cathedral is located there. Look for the building with a modest stone facade next to the more imposing Archbishop's Palace. Be aware of limited hours.
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Public Transport
Nicosia has a public bus system that serves the city. Check local bus routes and schedules to find the nearest bus stop to the Archbishopric. From the bus stop, follow the walking directions to the cathedral. A single bus fare in Nicosia is approximately €1.
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Taxi
Taxis are readily available in Nicosia. You can hail a taxi from the street or book one through a local taxi service. Ask the driver to take you to St. John's Cathedral in Archbishop Kyprianos Square. Taxi fares in Nicosia start with an initial charge of €3.80, plus €0.95 per kilometer. A short taxi ride within the city center should cost around €10-€15.
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Driving
If driving, navigate to Archbishop Kyprianos Square in central Nicosia. Be aware that parking in the old city can be limited. Look for public parking lots near Ledra Street, which is about a 10-minute walk to the cathedral. Parking costs vary, but expect to pay around €2-€3 per hour. Podokataro Parking is another option, located approximately 350 meters from the Cathedral. Street parking may also be available, but it can be difficult to find.
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