⛪️ A SMALL CHAPEL HOUSED IN A CAVE ⛪️
The small chapel of Palaea Enkleistra can be found just north of the village of Kouklia, within the district of Paphos. It is made up of a series of three caves that have been carved into a limestone rock face. It is believed that an unknown hermit lived there during the 14th century. After his death and burial at the site, monks took residence in the caves, turning them into a place of solitude for prayer and reflection.
SEVERAL REMARKABLE FRESCOES
Two of the caves are significantly eroded and only preserve fragments of ancient frescoes. The third cave, however, which makes up the chapel, in contrast, is remarkably well-preserved. Much of its interior is still intact, and its walls depict several remarkable frescoes that are strikingly clean and vivid. This suggests that candles were rarely burned inside.
WELL PRESERVED DEPICTIONS
Visitors are greeted by a depiction of Saint Onuphrius at the entrance. The niches on either side, once inside, feature both the Saints Cosmas and Damian, with Saint Hieromartyr Hermolaus depicted above. The wall to the right of the entrance includes scenes of the Fiery Furnace, Saint George and the Dragon, Saint Mary of Egypt, and Saint Zosimas. The wall to the left depicts Saint Anastasia. Other walls depict the Evangelists Mark and Luke, which are opposite scenes depicting Saint John the Theologian with the Saints Prochorus and Matthew. The ceiling features a depiction of the Holy Trinity surrounded by a triple aureole. This design is obviously inspired by Western traditions, which hints that the site might have been converted to a Latin monastery at some point.
Please note that although photos are allowed, flash photography is strictly prohibited to protect the images.
