Overview:

Panagia Angeloktisti Church, Kiti is a Byzantine-style basilica located in Kiti, in the Larnaca District of Cyprus. The church is renowned for its 12th-century fresco paintings, and is a major attraction for tourists and pilgrims alike. Built in the 12th century, the building and its colorful frescoes tell the story of the Virgin Mary and her concept of perpetual motherhood. The frescoes are believed to have been created by a Cretan artist, whose works are now considered to be some of the finest examples of Byzantine art. Panagia Angeloktisti Church is considered to be one of the most important churches in Cyprus, and a living symbol of the island's rich culture and history. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Cyprus
Prominent Features:

The Panagia Angeloktisti Church in Kiti, Cyprus, is an 11th-century Byzantine church with a rich history of architecture, art, and decoration. Built during the reign of Emperor Alexios I Komnenos, the church has survived through the centuries and is now a cultural landmark on the island. The church has a notable bell tower, and the walls of the church feature beautiful fresco and mosaics from the Middle Byzantine period. Visitors to the church can admire the intricate details of the artwork inside as well as the mosaic decoration of the floor. The dome of the church is also decorated with elaborate mosaics depicting the Virgin Mary holding the baby Jesus. The Icon of Panagia Angeloktisti, one of the most important icons in the Byzantine tradition, is displayed in the church and is said to have been painted by the Evangelist Luke. This national monument of Cyprus portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

The Panagia Angeloktisti Church in Kiti, Cyprus, is a historic Greek Orthodox church located in the village of Kiti, in the administrative district of Larnaca. The church is dedicated to the Archangel Michael, the patron saint of the village, and is believed to have been built between the 11th and 12th centuries AD. According to tradition, it was built by an angel, hence the etymology of its name. The church is unique amongst Cypriot churches for its many distinctive features and its two-storeyed form. It features a cruciform plan and an octagonal dome that is typical of the Byzantine style. The interior of the church is lined with four sets of columns which support the central dome, while the exterior is covered by stone masonry. Notably, the church’s walls are decorated with frescos depicting the Annunciation of the Archangel Michael, and the Triumph of the Cross. The Panagia Angeloktisti Church has been variously linked to the Byzantines, the Franks, and the Venetians of Cyprus. During the Ottoman rule of the island, the church served as a place of refuge for Christians who were escaping persecution. It is now protected by the Cyprus Department of Antiquities as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The church is a popular pilgrimage destination for both tourists and local residents alike. It is an important symbol of the island’s rich cultural heritage and stands as a testament to the determination of its people to preserve their faith and traditions in the face of occupation and persecution. You must visit one of these historical places in Cyprus on your Cyprus tour

Interesting facts:

1. The Panagia Angeloktisti Church in Kiti, Cyprus is a 12th-century church known for its magnificent Byzantine-style mosaics. 2.It was constructed around 1150 AD by Archbishop Kyrillos and was consecrated to the Virgin Mary in 1152 AD by Patriarch Kyprianios. 3.The Panagia Angeloktisti Church is one of the best examples of Byzantine art in the Mediterranean region and is especially renowned for its intricate mosaic-work. 4. Its main strength is the preserved 11th-century frescoes which are unique in the world and represent a rare example of the Byzantine art of the 12th century. 5. The mosaics inside the Panagia Angeloktisti Church are a mixture of styles with influences from both the East and West. 6. The saints depicted in the mosaics include Archangel Michael, Agios Stephanos, Saint John the Evangelist and Agios Georgios. 7. The Panagia Angeloktisti Church is the third most important religious building in Cyprus, after the Cathedral of Anagation on the Greek island of Kypros and the Monastery Soteria at the Greek island of Kythira. 8. The dome of the Panagia Angeloktisti Church is covered with Byzantine-styled mosaics which includes a depiction of the Virgin Mary flanked by two archangels. 9. The Church is a protected heritage site by UNESCO and is part of the 10th century Nicosia Wall fortifications. Visit one of the famous monuments of Cyprus with your friends and family.