Description of the attraction
The amazing cave church of Panagia Chrysospiliotissa, located in the village of Kato Deftera, which is only 11 kilometers southwest of Nicosia, is considered one of the most ancient temples on the island. Some historians believe that even in the Bronze Age, people in this place prayed to one of the pagan goddesses of fertility.
The church itself, which is also called the Church of the Holy Mother of God of the Golden Cave, was founded, as its name implies, in honor of the Mother of God. According to one of the legends, once upon a time, local residents discovered a cave in the rock, in which some kind of light flickered. When they went inside, they found there an amazing double-sided icon of the Most Holy Theotokos. After that, they built a temple in that place. However, it is not known for certain when exactly and by whom it was created.
Later, the unique icon was transferred to the Church of St. Nicholas, which stands in the center of Defter, where it is still kept. But every year in August, on the feast of the Assumption, she is solemnly brought to the cave temple of Panagia Chrysospiliotissa. At the same time, a religious fair is held in the village.
The church itself consists of three small rooms carved into the rock. These rooms are interconnected by narrow corridors. Scientists believe that this place was previously a monastery. Now, to the entrance to the caves, which are located quite high above the ground, a fortified staircase has been arranged for the convenience of visitors.
Currently, this church is very popular among young girls who come to the cave temple to pray to the Mother of God and ask her for happiness in marriage and healthy children.
