We all love to take small getaways on weekends, whether with friends or solo, to enjoy our island’s beauty. Especially now, after the rains, when nature’s greenery shines brighter than ever.
About three kilometers from the mountain village of Nikitari in the Nicosia District, near a small river, stands the church of Panagia Asinou, also known as Panagia Forviotissa. This hidden gem is nestled in the mountains, surrounded by serene natural beauty.
Byzantine frescoes adorning the church
This church is one of the most important Byzantine monuments in Cyprus. Since 1985, it has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Inside, you’ll find some of the island’s most significant Byzantine frescoes, created between the 12th and 17th century.
The church’s name and its founder
This small stone church has a pitched roof covered with flat tiles. It once served as the katholikon of the Monastery of Forvion, which inspired its name. An inscription above the southern entrance dates back to 1105–1106 and tells us that Magistros Nikephoros Ischyrios founded the monastery. He later became a monk named Nikolaos. The monastery was established in 1099 and operated continuously during the Ottoman period until it was abandoned in the late 18th century.
The two main sections of the church
The church has two main sections: a single-aisled vaulted worship area and a narthex added later in the second half of the 12th century. A unique feature of the narthex is its side walls ending in arches, influenced by Constantinople’s architectural style, believed to be where the artist came from. Since the 12th century, a second wooden roof covered with flat hooked tiles has protected the church. Today, no other structures remain visible.
A visit to Panagia Forviotissa Church in Nikitari is more than just an outing; it’s a journey into history and tranquility offered by the mountains. Every moment there reminds visitors that beauty and peace are still waiting to be discovered!
