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Panagia tou Moutoulla: A Byzantine Gem

Discover a UNESCO World Heritage Site: A perfectly preserved 13th-century Byzantine church with rare frescoes in the Troodos Mountains of Cyprus.

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Nestled in the Troodos Mountains, Panagia tou Moutoulla is a tiny, UNESCO-listed 13th-century chapel adorned with rare, unrestored frescoes dating back to 1280 AD. Built by Ioannis of Moutoullas and his wife Irene, it's a significant example of Byzantine art in Cyprus.

A brief summary to Panagia tou Moutoulla

  • Monday 8 am-3 pm
  • Tuesday 8 am-3 pm
  • Wednesday 8 am-3 pm
  • Friday 8 am-3 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-3 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-3 pm

Local tips

  • Check the opening hours in advance, as they can vary seasonally.
  • Dress modestly when visiting the church to respect local customs.
  • Visit in the morning for the best light to view the frescoes.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the center of Moutoullas village, the church is a short walk uphill. Follow the main road through the village, and then take the clearly marked path leading to the church. The walk is approximately 300 meters and should take no more than 5-10 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    From Troodos, take the bus towards Moutoullas. The bus ride takes approximately 30 minutes. From the bus stop in Moutoullas, the church is a 15-minute walk. Ask the bus driver or local residents for directions to Panagia tou Moutoulla. A single bus fare from Troodos to Moutoullas is approximately €2-€3.

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Discover more about Panagia tou Moutoulla

Panagia tou Moutoulla, or the Church of the Virgin Mary of Moutoullas, is a captivating window into Cyprus's Byzantine past. Located in the serene Marathasa Valley, this small, single-aisled church is perched on a hill overlooking the village of Moutoullas. Its location in the Troodos Mountains places it among other significant religious monuments, ten of which have been granted World Cultural Heritage status by UNESCO. Built in 1280 AD, as evidenced by an inscription on the north wall, the church was commissioned by Ioannis of Moutoullas and his wife, Irene. The couple is depicted within the church, holding a model of their creation, leading to the belief that it may have initially served as a private chapel. The church's architecture is characteristic of the Troodos region, featuring a steep-pitched timber roof. A narthex, or enclosed portico, was added later, extending along the west and north sides. The interior of Panagia tou Moutoulla is a treasure trove of Byzantine art. The frescoes, dating back to the church's construction, are the only precisely dated series of 13th-century wall paintings surviving in Cyprus. These murals showcase a blend of Byzantine artistic traditions with influences from Western art and the Crusader states. Though the church is small, the frescoes depict traditional scenes, with the Virgin Mary, archangels, and saints. The exterior north wall features a depiction of the Last Judgement, added in the late 15th or early 16th century.

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