Temple Shield of The Panagias Theotokou Church (Church of Our Lady)
The Temple shield of the church of Panagia Theotokou in Kakopetria was constructed in the first half of the 17th century. It is 76x39 cm in size.
At the highest point of the shield is depicted a star shaped patterned sky and God’s hand appears to bless the donor. The donors are depicted on a semi-shielded armor, which at a later stage was placed over the beautiful gate. The surface of the armor is covered with colourful vegetable jewelry. Among the donors there is a dedicatory inscription, which says: ‘ΔΕΗΣΙΣ ΤΟΥ ΔΟΥΛΟΥ ΤΟΥ ΘΕΟΥ ΜΙΧΑΗΛ ΚΑΙ ΤΗΣ ΣΥΜΒΙΟΥ ΑΥΤΟΥ ΧΡΙΣΤΙΝΑΣ’ (DEUSIS OF THE GOSPEL OF GOD MICHAEL AND HIS PARTNER CHRISTINA).
Theophylactos painted the shield. The church of Panagia Theotokou is located at the entrance of Kakopetria. It was built in 1514 and seems to be a Byzantine chapel. From the frescoes of the church dating back to the first half of the 16th century, some are well-preserved. On the northern wall are the frescoes: The Lord on his way to Calvary, the Resurrection, the Pentecost, the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, St. Mary of Egypt, and St. Cosmas. On the eastern wall are the frescoes: Ascension, the Prophet David, the wise Solomon, the Prophet Isaiah, and others.
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