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Holy Church of Panagia of Asinou: A Byzantine Masterpiece

Discover stunning Byzantine frescoes in a UNESCO World Heritage Site nestled in the tranquil Troodos Mountains near Nikitari, Cyprus.

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Nestled in the Troodos Mountains near Nikitari village, the Holy Church of Panagia of Asinou is a UNESCO World Heritage site famed for its remarkably preserved Byzantine frescoes dating from the 12th to 17th centuries. Originally a monastery church built in 1099, it offers a serene glimpse into Cyprus's rich religious and artistic past.

A brief summary to Holy Church of Panagia of Asinou

  • Monday 10 am-4 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-1 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-1 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-1 pm
  • Friday 10 am-1 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-1 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-4 pm

Local tips

  • Check the opening hours in advance, as they may vary depending on the season. The church is closed on Christmas Day and Greek Orthodox New Year's Day.
  • Dress respectfully when visiting the church; shoulders and knees should be covered.
  • Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and experience the church in a quiet atmosphere.
  • Bring your camera to capture the stunning frescoes, but remember to be respectful and avoid flash photography.
  • Combine your visit with a walk around Nikitari village to experience traditional Cypriot life.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Nicosia, take the A9 highway towards the Troodos Mountains. Follow the signs to Nikitari. Once in Nikitari, follow local road signs for approximately 3km to the Holy Church of Panagia of Asinou. Parking is available near the church. Driving time from Nicosia is approximately 50 minutes. Limited parking is available near the site, so arrive early during peak season. There are no tolls on this route.

  • Public Transport

    From Nicosia, take the bus from Nikitari Park station to Troodous - Georgiou Griva Digeni station using the Line 77 bus. Then, transfer to the Line 405 bus to Museum - THOK. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and 3 minutes. A one-way ticket costs approximately €3 - €7.

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Discover more about Holy Church of Panagia of Asinou

The Holy Church of Panagia of Asinou, also known as the Church of Panagia Phorbiotissa, is a captivating testament to Cyprus's rich Byzantine heritage. Located approximately 3 kilometers southwest of Nikitari village in the Troodos Mountains, this UNESCO World Heritage site offers visitors a unique glimpse into the island's religious and artistic past. Originally the Katholikon (main church) of the Monastery of Forbion, the church dates back to 1099, with a dedicatory inscription above the south entrance indicating it was built around 1105/1106. The founder was Magistros Nikephoros Ischyrios, a Byzantine dignitary who later became a monk named Nikolaos. The monastery functioned until the end of the 18th century before being abandoned. Today, only the church remains, a treasure trove of Byzantine art and history. The church itself is relatively small, comprising a single-aisled vaulted nave and a narthex, which was added in the second half of the 12th century. The narthex, featuring two semi-circular apses, reflects the architectural influence of Constantinople. A steep-pitched timber roof, covered with flat tiles, protects the structure. The true highlight of the Holy Church of Panagia of Asinou lies in its stunning frescoes. These wall paintings, which cover the entire interior, date from the 12th to the 17th centuries and showcase the evolution of Byzantine art over several centuries. The earliest frescoes, dating back to 1105/1106, exemplify the Comnenian style, reflecting the artistic trends of Constantinople. These paintings are considered among the most important examples of Byzantine art from this period. Visitors to the Holy Church of Panagia of Asinou are often struck by the serene atmosphere and the sense of history that permeates the space. The frescoes, with their vivid colors and expressive figures, create a powerful visual experience that transports visitors back to the Byzantine era.

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