Overview:

Church of Panagia Evangelistria is one of the most important churches in Cyprus. It is situated on the top of a hill in the old quarter of Larnaca and overlooks the town. The church is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and is the patron and protector of the city. It was first erected in 1512 and is renowned for its beautiful neo-Byzantine architecture. The church has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a popular pilgrimage site for both Orthodox and Catholic believers. Inside the church visitors can find many icons, frescos and wall paintings. The bell tower of the church is also well worth a visit. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Cyprus
Prominent Features:

1. Large Blue-Domed Building: The Church of Panagia Evangelistria in Larnaca is a large and impressive blue-domed building, overlooking the city and the sea beyond. It is an iconic symbol of the city and a must-see for any visitor to Larnaca. 2. History: This church dates back to the 12th century, making it one of the oldest churches in Cyprus. The present building was built in the 16th century and has been declared a national monument. 3. Rich Decoration: Both the exterior and interior of the church are decorated in typical Byzantine style, with plenty of colourful motifs and intricate carvings. 4. Important Festivals: The Church of Panagia Evangelistria is known for its lively festivities during major religious festivals such as Easter and Christmas. 5. Range of Services: The church also offers a range of services to visitors, including a bakery, a café, a bookshop, and a small museum. This national monument of Cyprus portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

The Church of Panagia Evangelistria in Larnaca, Cyprus has an extensive history that goes back centuries. The church is believed to have been constructed in its current form in 1802, with the original church dating back to at least the 15th century. The church has been a major pilgrimage site for the Greek Orthodox faith for centuries, making it a popular attraction in the city. The Church of Panagia Evangelistria was first built in the 15th century, in the old port city of Larnaca. For many years, the church was part of the Larnaca Parliament (est. 1489) and the minutes of this Parliament can be observed in the church's archives. The church has also been of cultural importance and is featured in texts from the Orthodox Greek Canon, as well as works by prominent authors such as Constantin Cavafy and philosopher Ioannis Kontopoulos. The original church was destroyed in 1754, during one of the numerous Turkish-Greek wars. However, the church was soon rebuilt in 1802. Since then, the church has been renovated and expanded several times. It currently consists of two main sections; the larger part is dedicated to Panagia Evangelistria, while the smaller section hosts Panagia Chryseleousa. The Church of Panagia Evangelistria has long been a major pilgrimage destination for the Greek Orthodox faith. It is believed to house several miraculous items such as the Larnaca icon of the Virgin Mary, as well as the arm of Saint Helen, given to Archbishop Isaias. It is also believed to be home to the Jewel of Antioch, which is said to be a source of protection for the city of Larnaca. The Church of Panagia Evangelistria plays an integral role in traditional Cypriot culture and has been a witness to many traditions, ceremonies, and processions. To this day, it remains a popular destination for pilgrims and tourists alike, and it provides an atmosphere of peace and tranquility. You must visit one of these historical places in Cyprus on your Cyprus tour

Interesting facts:

1. The Church of Panagia Evangelistria is the oldest surviving church in Larnaca, Cyprus. 2. The church was built in the 9th century and is a significant symbol of the rich cultural heritage of Cyprus. 3. It is believed that the original structure of the church was erected in the 6th century, but was lost in subsequent renovations. 4. It is located on a hill overlooking the city of Larnaca, and has served as a landmark to sailors since ancient times. 5. The church has been dedicated to the Panagia Evangelistria since its construction and features a number of beautiful religious frescoes and other works of art. 6. It is included in UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites and is one of the most popular destinations for tourists visiting Cyprus. 7. The Church of Panagia Evangelistria is also said to house a miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary. It is believed that the icon was painted in 1476 and was found intact after the city was destroyed by an earthquake in 1489. 8. The Church of Panagia Evangelistria is a popular destination for Orthodox Christians during Easter as it traditionally hosts a candlelit procession that takes place during Holy Saturday. Visit one of the famous monuments of Cyprus with your friends and family.