Overview:

: Panagia (Mother of God) Chrysospiliotissa Church is an old monastery church located in the capital of Cyprus, Nicosia. According to tradition, this small chapel was founded by the Byzantine queen Maria of Antioch, the mother of the King Isakios Komnenos, during one of her stays in the region in the 11th century. The name Chrysospiliotissa comes from the old Greek term for “golden cave”. The church has been a place of religious worship since medieval times. Inside, the church is a single nave church with impressive Byzantine iconography such as the “Eleousa”, portraits of saints and the big main icon. There is also a marble font and the “Holy Sandal”. Most impressive of all is the wooden image of Virgin Mary dating from the 11th century. The Panagia (Mother of God) Chrysospiliotissa Church is open for visitors and is also used for religious services. It is a popular destination for pilgrims who are looking to worship the Virgin Mary. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Cyprus
Prominent Features:

1. The Panagia Chrysospiliotissa Church is a Byzantine era structure located in the capital city of Nicosia, Cyprus. 2. It is believed to have been built in the 12th century, although its exact date is unknown. 3. The church was originally called the Panagia Gloriseisa, and was dedicated to the Virgin Mary as the Mother of God. 4. It has since been known as the Panagia Chrysospiliotissa due to a miracle event, according to tradition. 5. It is the only church in Cyprus that is dedicated to the Mother of God. 6. The church stands out for its significant frescoes and interior decorations, including several icons of the Virgin Mary, notable for its pink and yellow colour scheme. 7. The bell tower is one of the most prominent features of the Panagia Chrysospiliotissa Church. 8. It stands at a height of approximately 11 meters and was built in the 19th century, possibly inspired by the Italian Baroque architecture. 9. The interior of the church is quite ornate, with its walls covered in elaborate wall paintings and icons. 10. Many of the icons and wall paintings date back to the 12th and 13th centuries, making them some of the oldest examples of Byzantine art and architecture in the world. This national monument of Cyprus portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

The Panagia Chrysospiliotissa Church (Greek: Παναγίας Χρυσοσπηλιωτίσσας – Panagia Chrysospiliotissas) is an Orthodox Church located in Nicosia, the capital of Cyprus. It is one of the most important churches in the city, located in the historical center of the old part of the city. The church was built in the time of the Byzantine Empire and it is believed to have been founded by the Byzantine Emperor Constantine IX Monomachos in 1054. According to historical sources, the name of the church is derived from the golden cave (Chrysospilios) where the miraculous icon of the Mother of God was found. In the following centuries, the church served as a center of religious and administrative activities for the Christian population of Nicosia. The church has undergone several renovations throughout its history, the most important of which being the one during the period of the Venetian control of Cyprus (1473-1570). During this period, many of the churches in Cyprus suffered severe damages and the Panagia Chrysospiliotissa Church was not spared. The Venetians made several renovations and the façade of the church was considerably changed. Throughout its history, Panagia Chrysospiliotissa Church has been the subject of different legends and stories. According to legend, the miracle of “red greenery” happened inside the church. This event, believed to have taken place in 1790, was accompanied by a bright light and a sweet scent and it is thought to be caused by the presence of the Mother of God. Another legend says that once a group of Turks attempted to enter the church but as soon as they tried, they were thrown back. Since then, the Turks have left the church in peace. Today, the church stands as a monument of the Byzantine and Venetian era of Cyprus. It still attracts thousands of visitors both for its religious importance and beautiful architecture. You must visit one of these historical places in Cyprus on your Cyprus tour

Interesting facts:

1. The Panagia Chrysospiliotissa Church is the oldest church in Nicosia and one of the oldest churches in Cyprus. It is thought to have been built during the late Byzantine period (10th-11th centuries) and was originally dedicated to the Virgin Mary. 2. The church is believed to have been built on the site of an ancient pagan temple from the Stone Age. Excavations have revealed a variety of artifacts from that period. 3. The church was completely destroyed in the Great Cypriot Earthquake in 1222 and had to be restored. The church was once again destroyed during the Ottoman invasion of 1570 and has since been rebuilt several times. 4. The church has a unique architectural design with a long and narrow prayer hall and a semi-circular sanctuary. 5. The church is renowned for its elaborate floor mosaics depicting the deeds of Jesus and Mary, which were made by artisans from Constantinople in the first half of the 13th century. 6. The church is home to many valuable icons, frescoes, marble sculptures, and a unique silver chalice crafted in 1318. 7. The church is associated with many miracles and legends. One legend relates that the Virgin Mary miraculously appeared to a monk in the church during the Mamluk period offering him protection from a dragon. 8. The church hosts various annual religious festivals, including the “Liti” (fire) festival, where men and women dress in traditional Cypriot clothing and carry large fire torches around the church in honor of the Virgin Mary. Visit one of the famous monuments of Cyprus with your friends and family.