Agia Paraskevi church is located in the vilage of Geroskipou in Paphos. The Byzantine church of Agia Paraskevi is worldwide recognised as an extremely significant example of Byzantine architecture, dating back to the 9th century A.D. It has been argued that the church stands on the ruins of an ancient temple dedicate to the goddess Aphrodite, however this implication has not been verified.

According to Geroskipou traditions, during the ancient times when people of Cyprus worshiped the 12 Gods of Olympus, was the "sacred garden" of Aphrodite, hence the area was called "Geroskipou" or "Yeroskipou". The Sacred gardens were located to the south of the village towards the sea, at the point where the ancient pilgrims began their journey to the sanctuary of Palaipaphos.

The significance of Agia Paraskevi lies on its architecture. The church is a five-domed, three-aisled, barrel-vaulted basilica. The largest of the three domes is above the nave and the other two are above the centre of the aisles, to the north and south of the central dome of the nave.

In the interior, the church is decorated with wall-paintings dated to various periods. The earliest is dating to the 8th-9th centuries and the latest in 10th, 12th and up to 15th century. As far as the exterior of the church is concerned, it resembles the church of Agios Varnavas and Helarionas in Peristerona and to a lesser degree the churches of Apostle Varnavas near Salamina and Agios Lazaros in Larnaca.

Location:

Geroskipou

Address:

Plateia Agias Paraskeuis, 1, Yeroskipou 8201

Phone:

26 821000

Operating hours:

Monday - Saturday: 08:30 - 13:00 / 14:00 - 16:30

Entrance Fee:

Free

Website:

www.mcw.gov.cy/da

Agia Paraskevi Church - Geroskipou photos: 
Agia Paraskevi Church - Geroskipou location map: 

Nearby Places and things to do (within 5 km radius)

Agioi Anargyroi - Sea Caves Nature Trail

Location: Agioi Anargyroi Chapel – Sea Caves District: Ammochostos Starting Point: Route 1: Agioi Anargyroi Chapel. Access f...

Kamara tou Koraka - Ayia Napa

 Ayia Napa, a renowned coastal town in Cyprus, entices visitors with its beautiful beaches and lively nightlife. Nestled amidst this Me...

Agioi Anargiroi (Kosmas and Damianos) Chapel, Paralimni

The Agioi Anargiroi (Kosmas and Damianos) Chapel is situated in the Paralimni area of the Ammochostos district. More specifically it is situ...

Ayioi Anargyroi Church - Protaras

Perched gracefully near the coastline of Protaras, Ayioi Anargyroi Church stands as a beacon of faith, attracting both the devoted and those...

Agioi Anargyroi Picnic Site

The Agioi Anargyroi Picnic Site is located 8 kilometers from Agia Napa in the Ammochostos district  towards the SOMERA station, the fir...

Cape Greco Environmental Information and Educational Centre

Set against the backdrop of the azure Mediterranean Sea and the rugged beauty of Cape Greco, the Cape Greco Environmental Information and Ed...

Pages