Description of the attraction
The small church Angeloktistos, which is located just ten kilometers from Larnaca in the village of Kiti, is known all over the world. The church is a truly unique structure, as it actually consists of three separate buildings, erected in different eras. Initially, a Christian sanctuary appeared on this site in the 5th century, but it was destroyed during one of the Arab raids.
All that remains of that building is an apse with a unique mosaic of the early 7th century depicting the Virgin Mary holding a little Jesus in her arms. On the left side of them is the Archangel Michael, on the right - Gabriel, each of whom is holding a sphere and a rod. Unfortunately, the figure of Mikhail is seriously damaged - only the head, part of the robe and the hand are left of it. The images are made in the traditional manner of the early Byzantine icon painting. In addition, this mosaic gave the name to the entire church - Panagia Angeloktistos, which means "All-merciful Lady of the Angels."
Later, a Byzantine church was built on the site of the destroyed building in the 11th century. And in the XII century, a small chapel was erected nearby in honor of Saints Cosmas and Damian. In the XIV century, another chapel appeared - a Roman Catholic one. Today it is the entrance to Angeloktistos. There are some more interesting mosaics in them.
The church is still active, although it is mainly local residents who come there to pray. Despite the world fame, it is not very popular among tourists, so there is no large gathering of people there, and no one will bother to enjoy the beauty of this place.
