A HOLY SHRINE INSIDE A CAVE
A DEDICATION TO THE VIRGIN MARY
The Panayia Chrysospiliotissa Church, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, sits near the village of Kato Deftera in the Nicosia district. Experts believe that the church dates back to the early Christian period on the island. A cave houses the church, a rare feature for a Cypriot church. The name derives from ‘Chryso’, meaning gold and ‘Spilia’, meaning cave, so the direct translation is ‘golden cave’. Originally, the church was decorated with ornate paintings and icons. The name is a direct reference to this. Significantly damaged with time, little of these works remain intact. Each year the church celebrates a large religious festival on August 15th, the day of the Domitian of the Virgin Mary.
KEY FACTS BEFORE VISITING THE PANAYIA CHRYSOSPILIOTISSA CHURCH
- A lift is available to take people up to the main chapel and the church is accessible to people with disabilities.
- Visitors are required to dress appropriately before entering and cloaks are available at the entrance of the church for those without ample coverage.
- Photos taken without flash are permitted but flash photography is strictly prohibited.
- The sale of drinks and snacks is available outside the church.
- Souvenirs can be obtained from the small shop outside the church.
- The church does not accept visitors on Mondays or when it experiences heavy rainfall.
