Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The church is rectangular, with a semi-circular apse at the eastern end and a portico
(built later) that surrounds it on three sides. It also has the characteristic pitched roof you
would expect.
If the church is closed, ask for the caretaker at the Galata village coffee shop.
Panagia Theotokou (Arhangelou)
CHURCH
(Galata;
h
sporadic)
Dating from around 1514, this smaller chapel is just near Panagia tis Podythou. It's quite
dark inside, so you may want to bring a torch. It has vivid didactic-style (teaching) panels
with frescos depicting an interesting panoply of images from Jesus' life. To access the
church you will need to ask for the caretaker at the Galata village coffee shop.
Panagia Forviotissa
CHURCH
(Panagia Asinou;
%
9983 0329;
h
9.30am-1pm & 2-4pm Mon-Sat, 10am-1pm & 2-4pm Sun)
This Unesco-listed church is in a stunning setting, on the perimeter of the Adelfi Forest
4km southwest of Nikitari village. Dedicated to the Virgin of 'Phorbiottissa', it has argu-
ably the finest set of vibrant and colourful Byzantine frescos in the Troödos Mountains.
They date from the 12th to the 17th centuries.
To view the church, you'll need to ask its priest and caretaker, Father Kyriakos, who
can usually be found at Nikitari's coffee shop.
Panagia Forviotissa can be reached by following the signs off the B9 from Nicosia, via
Vyzakia. There's also a 5.6km (roughtly two hour) forest hike to the village of Agios
Theodoros from just before you reach the church, plus the shady, well-equipped Asinou
Picnic Site and a good local taverna across the road.
Pitsylia
This wide-reaching region stretches east from Mt Olympus and Troödos village, encom-
passing around 40 villages across to the Maheras Monastery. Its northern slopes are
covered in tall, aromatic pines and its valleys are full of vines and nut and fruit trees.
There are also a number of Byzantine churches, as well as challenging walks for long-dis-
tance hikers.
Agros is the hub of the region. Other villages with significant sites include Kyperounda,
Platanistasa, Paliaiochori and Pelendri. Public transport to the Pitsylia region is limited.
