This Unesco-listed site is a complex of three churches in one, dating from the 11th century and built over 400 years. The original Orthodox church has a double nave, to which a narthex and a Latin chapel were later added. Now under one huge pitched wooden roof, they represent one of the most wonderfully preserved churches in the region. The monastery is reached by following the narrow and winding main street to the opposite side of the valley.
The main domed Orthodox church exhibits colourful and intricate 13th-century frescos dedicated to Agios Irakleidios. These include Jesus’ entry to Jerusalem on a donkey, with children climbing date trees to get a better look. Other featured frescos include the Raising of Lazarus, the Crucifixion and the Ascension, with vivid colour schemes suggesting artistic influence from Constantinople.
The antechamber and Latin chapel have more frescos, dating from the 15th and 16th centuries. Those in the chapel are considered the most comprehensive series of Italo-Byzantine frescos in Cyprus. The scenes representing the Akathistos hymn (praising the Virgin Mary in 24 verses) are shown as 24 pictures, each carrying a letter of the Greek alphabet. The Arrival of the Magi depicts the Magi on horseback, wearing crusader armour and grandstanding red crescents (a Roman symbol for the Byzantines and later the Turks). Photographs of the iconography are not permitted.
Note that the opening hours can fluctuate; if closed you can generally find the priest (plus key) at the nearby coffee shop.
