Church of Agios Nikolaos tis Stegis (St. Nicholas of the Shelter)
On the right bank of the River Karfotis, in a tree-lined mountainous area, just outside the village of Kakopetria, lies the church dedicated to Agios Nikolaos tis Stegis.
Since 1985, along with nine other frescoed Byzantine churches of Troodos, it has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site List.
It belongs to the architectural type of the engraved cross-dome-shaped dome and the double-faced wooden roof, which was later added, gave it the name of “the shelter”, since the 13th century. Subsequent interventions altered the church’s original appearance and resulted in the destruction of important frescoes.
Agios Nikolaos tis Stegis is rightly described as a museum of Byzantine art. Its most ancient frescoes date back to the 11th century and are the most important of this time that survive on the island. They include scenes of the Dodecanor, Lazarus’ Exaltation, the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, individual figures, etc. The last phase of the frescoes dates back to 1633 and includes the apostles Peter and Paul, who adorn the eastern pillars that support the dome, near the iconostasis dating back to the 17th century.
Location
Churches
Agia (Saint) Paraskevi Church
This small church is located on the road between Galata and Kakopetria Villages. It was founded ca. 1510 A.D. It is a one-aisled church with a rectangular chamber at the sanctum that is covered under the same roof as the church. This chamber was constr
Agia Varvara (St. Barbara) Church
The church of Agia Varvara, which is older (16th century), is outside the village next to the abandoned village of Agroladou and has the same typology as Agios Mamas. The roof is wooden and in two parts and its plan is rectangular with the altar toward
Agios (Saint) Antonios Church (old)
In Spilia village there are two churches of Agios Antonios, the old and the new ones. The old one was built in 1850 and the new one in 1970. The two churches are next to each other, on a hill overlooking Spilia village. The old church of Agios Antonios
Agios Antonios Church (new)
In Spilia village there are two churches of Agios Antonios, the old and the new ones. The old one was built in 1850 and the new one in 1970. The two churches are next to each other, on a hill overlooking Spilia village. The new church was completed in
Agios Georgios Church
The church of Agios Georgios (St. George) was built in 1886 and is a one-aisled basilica. The date of 1886 is in the iron skylight of the southern entrance of the church. Its size is significantly larger than the churchs of the Ottoman period, but also
Agios Mamas Church
The church of Agios Mamas is located in the centre of the village on a hill and is visible from most of the village. The church, based on its typology but also on the basis of testimonies, dates back to the 18th century. Its plan is rectangular and inc
Agios Sozomenos (Saviour) Church
The church of Agios Sozomenos is located in the centre of the old village of Galata. It was built and frescoed in 1513, with the financial support of fourteen inhabitants of the village. Their names, as well as the professions of some of them, refer to
Agios Theodoros Church (Naos Ayiou Theodorou)
To the east of the old centre of the village and on the banks of the tributary that crosses the village, one will find the church of St. Theodoros Stratilatis (Naos Ayiou Theodorou tou Stratilati). The construction of the church dates back to the late
