The Hidden Time Capsule of Cyprus: The Painted Churches of Troodos (Southern Cyprus / Troodos Mountains)

 

From the outside, they have neither majestic towers nor eye catching marble facades; they are modest village churches built from mountain stones, hidden among pine forests. There are 10 of them in total, forming one of the largest groups of churches and monasteries of the Byzantine Empire. Centuries ago, they were built in such isolated and rugged locations specifically to protect them from Arab raids and pirate plunder. To keep them from catching the eye, their roofs were covered with rough, tiled wooden structures.

The scenes carved with natural root dyes by Byzantine artisans defy the centuries. They are considered among the purest expressions of Eastern Christian art. Completely adorned with rich wall paintings, these 10 monumental churches have been on the UNESCO World Heritage list since 1985, bringing Byzantine and post Byzantine painting art in Cyprus to light.

Having managed to survive to the present day, these rare time capsules continue to show us the most graceful secrets of history.