Overview:

. Panagia Forviotissa Church, Asinou In Cyprus is a Byzantine Greek Orthodox Church located in the small village of Asinou, in the Nicosia district of Cyprus. It is an example of the famous painted Byzantine churches and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The church was built in 1050 AD and dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Its name translates to “Our Lady of the Exile” and is thought to have been named after the Byzantine emperor's exile from the city of Constantinople. The interior of the church is covered with frescoes that date from the 12th to the early 18th centuries. Its main icon is of Mary with the baby Jesus. Other icons include depictions of saints, animals, and other religious symbols. Visitors are allowed to take photos of the interior, but are not allowed inside. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Cyprus
Prominent Features:

The Church of Panagia Forviotissa is one of the most famous churches in Cyprus and is located in the village of Asinou. The church is believed to have been built in the 11th century and is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The church is built in the traditional Byzantine style and is known for its elaborate frescoes and icons. The interior of the church is decorated with mosaics, frescoes, and wall paintings. There is also an iconostasis, or wall separating the altar from the nave. This national monument of Cyprus portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

The Panagia Forviotissa Church is located in Asinou village in the Nicosia district of Cyprus. It is an Orthodox Church and is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The church is a registered UNESCO World Heritage Site and is among the most well-known examples of Byzantine-era architecture in the area. The church dates back to the 11th century, and has been subject to reconstruction over hundreds of years. The earliest evidence of the church dates back to the 11th century, as it is referenced in several documents from that time. It was likely constructed at this time as part of the larger Byzantine Empire’s goal of expanding its influence and religion in the region. The current church building was constructed in the 12th century by Byzantine Emperor Manuel I Comnenus after a major earthquake that occurred in 1156. The church was later renovated in 1250 by his successor, the Emperor Theodore I Palaiologos. From the 13th century onwards, the church underwent several reconstructions and renovations. The walls were reinforced and a new bell tower was added. In 1800 it was completely rebuilt and the interior was painted. The most significant renovation occurred in 1841, when the entire church was restored and decorated with murals and frescoes. Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, the church underwent several more renovations and repairs in order to keep it in good condition. Today, the Panagia Forviotissa Church is a popular tourist destination, and a major part of Asinou's history. The church is open to the public and is a popular spot for religious ceremonies such as baptisms and weddings. The unique architecture and years of renovations have preserved the church as a prime example of Byzantine-era architecture. You must visit one of these historical places in Cyprus on your Cyprus tour

Interesting facts:

1. The Panagia Forviotissa Church is located in the village of Asinou, in the foothills of the Troodos Mountains in Cyprus. 2. The church was built in the 11th century and is the only Byzantine Church in Cyprus to have both stone and wooden construction, making it an architectural uniqueness. 3. The building is a domed cross-in-square church with a barrel vaulted sanctuary roof and decorated with byzantine frescoes painted between the 12th and 13th centuries. 4. The frescoes were discovered in 1958 when a restoration started after the building had been damaged during a strong earthquake in 1953. 5. Among the frescoes, the church houses a portrait of the Virgin Mary which is the first of its type in the world. 6. The central dome is crowned with an impressive hagiography of the Virgin Mary in a mandorla, or a decorative aureole. 7. The Panagia Forviotissa Church is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1985. Visit one of the famous monuments of Cyprus with your friends and family.