Troodos Churches and Monasteries — UNESCO Sites in Cyprus
The Troodos Mountain Range is not only a place of cool air and pine forests but also a true treasure trove of Byzantine art. The mountains preserve ten churches and monasteries from the 11th–16th centuries, listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Each of them is unique — from frescoes depicting apostles and Gospel scenes to ancient icons and wooden roofs characteristic of Cyprus’s mountain architecture.
- Ayios Ioannis tou Lampadistis Monastery
- Church of Ayios Nikolaos tis Steyis
- Church of Panayia Phorviotissa (Asinou)
- Church of Panayia tou Arakou
- Church of Panayia tou Moutoulla
- Church of Archangelos Michael
- Church of Timios Stavros
- Church of Panayia Podhithou
- Church of Stavros Ayiasmati
- Church of Ayia Sotira tou Soteros
All these temples share not only their Byzantine heritage but also a unique atmosphere. They are hidden among mountain slopes and cypresses, and some can only be reached on foot or via narrow winding roads.
Ayios Ioannis tou Lampadistis Monastery
Ayios Ioannis Lambadhistis Monastery is one of the most famous monasteries in Troodos, founded in the 11th century. It is a UNESCO-listed site. Inside are three interconnected churches with wooden roofs and Byzantine frescoes. The monastery houses the miraculous icon of Saint John.
Church of Ayios Nikolaos tis Steyis
Church of Ayios Nikolaos tis Steyis is an 11th-century church near the village of Kakopetria. It preserves rare Byzantine frescoes depicting scenes from the life of Saint Nicholas. Its unique wooden roof protects the paintings from rain and snow.
Church of Panayia Phorviotissa (Asinou)
Church of Panayia Phorviotissa (Asinou) is one of the most famous churches in Cyprus, dating from the 12th century. It is known for its brightly colored frescoes depicting Christ Pantocrator and scenes from the New Testament. It is considered a jewel of Byzantine art.
Church of Panayia tou Arakou
Church of Panayia tou Arakou is a 12th-century church notable for monumental frescoes by the Byzantine master Theodoros Apseudes. The interior is covered with images of saints, apostles, and scenes from their lives. The site is protected by UNESCO.
Church of Panayia tou Moutoulla
Church of Panayia tou Moutoulla is a small 13th-century church, one of the first with a wooden roof. The interior features ancient frescoes depicting the Virgin Mary and archangels. It is one of the oldest churches in the Troodos Mountains.
Church of Archangelos Michael
Church of Archangelos Michael is a 15th-century church known for frescoes depicting warrior archangels and scenes from the Apocalypse. The church is still used for religious services.
Church of Timios Stavros
Church of Timios Stavros is one of the oldest churches in Pelendri, dating from the 12th century. Visitors can see crucifixion scenes, frescoes of the Virgin Mary, and decorative ornaments preserved almost in their original form.
Church of Panayia Podhithou
Church of Panayia Podhithou is a 15th-century church with unusual architecture and expressive late-Byzantine wall paintings. The church is surrounded by picturesque gardens and vineyards.
Church of Stavros Ayiasmati
Church of Stavros Ayiasmati is one of the most remote churches in Troodos, built at the end of the 15th century. The interior is covered with frescoes depicting more than 30 biblical scenes. It is an ideal place for quiet and spiritual reflection.
Church of Ayia Sotira tou Soteros
Church of Ayia Sotira tou Soteros is a 16th-century church preserving late-Byzantine icons and rare frescoes depicting the Transfiguration of Christ. It is located in the upper part of the village of Palaichori, among historic houses.
Tip: Most of these churches are active, so it is recommended to follow a dress code — shoulders and knees should be covered. It is best to plan a morning visit to see several churches in one day.
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