Agia Paraskevi Church

Geroskipou square

Daily Open:

Winter: 8.00 - 13.00 and 14.00 - 16.00

Summer: 8.00 - 13.00 and 14.00 - 17.00

Entrance: Free

The church of Agia Paraskevi, built in the form of a basilica with five cupolas placed in the shape of a cross, is one of the most important churches in Cyprus. Of a similar type is the basilica of the Saints Barnabas and Hilarion in the village of Peristerona in Lefkosia (Nicosia), but this is of a later period. The church of Agia Paraskevi was built in the 9th century A.D. and is preserved almost intact in its initial form apart from the western wall which was demolished in the 19th century in order to build an extension. Its uniqueness lies in the frescoes, some of which date back to the 9th century A.D. and are of the oldest in the whole of Cyprus. The 15th-16th century frescoes are also in relatively good condition.

These frescoes have a western influence like other modern frescoes in the churches of Cyprus. The fresco which represents the Assumption of the Virgin Mary in the sprandel of the North Arch is a fine example of a genuine Byzantine fresco.

The frescoes are not the only ornaments found in the Church of Agia Paraskevi. On the icon stand are some fine 15th century icons. The most important is a famous two sided icon. On the one side is the Virgin Mary, the “Gerokipiotissa”, while the other depicts the Crucifixion.

This icon has often been included among exhibits of remarkable Byzantine icons which were sent to exhibitions abroad.