Agios Georgios Chapel (Saint George) - Chloraka
Perched on the rugged coastline of Chloraka, just outside Paphos, Agios Georgios Chapel is one of those places where the island’s soul seems to gather. Whitewashed, simple, and filled with quiet dignity, the chapel stands as both a religious landmark and a reminder of Cyprus’s deep bond with the sea. It is not large or ornate, but it holds a beauty that comes from harmony: between faith and nature, tradition and daily life, land and water.
A Chapel by the Sea
Dedicated to Saint George—the revered warrior-saint who symbolizes courage and protection—the chapel’s presence feels both protective and welcoming. Its clean white walls gleam under the Mediterranean sun, while the curved roof and small bell tower create a silhouette instantly recognizable from a distance.
Standing before it, one cannot help but notice the contrast between the stillness of the building and the restless motion of the sea below. The chapel seems to offer a pause, a sense of calm against the backdrop of waves and wind. At sunrise, its walls blush with soft golden light, while at sunset, the entire landscape glows with fiery colors that fade into twilight.
History and Traditions
The chapel has long been a part of Chloraka’s cultural heartbeat. Locals come here to light candles, offer prayers, and mark life’s milestones. For fishermen and sailors, Saint George is seen as a protector, and so the chapel by the shore becomes a place of gratitude and hope before or after journeys at sea.
On Saint George’s feast days, the chapel transforms from a place of quiet devotion to a vibrant center of celebration. The small courtyard fills with villagers, families, and visitors. Prayers and blessings are followed by music, food, and laughter—a reminder that faith in Cyprus is always tied to community and sharing.
The Setting
The location of Agios Georgios Chapel is part of its magic. The building sits close to the edge of the coastline, where the rocky shore meets the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean. A stone courtyard provides space for gatherings or moments of reflection, while benches offer a chance to simply sit and take in the endless horizon.
The natural setting changes with the seasons: in summer, the air is heavy with heat and salt, the sea a deep blue; in winter, waves crash against the rocks with dramatic energy, giving the chapel a windswept, almost otherworldly atmosphere. At all times of year, seabirds wheel overhead, their calls mixing with the sound of the waves.
A Place of Reflection
Despite its modest size, the chapel has a presence that lingers. It reminds visitors that spirituality does not always live in grandeur but can instead be found in small sanctuaries where silence and simplicity create a space for peace. Many visitors stop not just for prayer but also for reflection—on journeys past, on hopes for the future, or simply on the beauty of the present moment.
For artists and photographers, the chapel is a muse. Its brilliant white walls against the shifting blues of sea and sky create a timeless scene, while its location ensures every visit offers a slightly different perspective.
Visiting Today
Agios Georgios Chapel is easy to reach from Chloraka village and is often included in strolls along the coastal paths. It’s not a place that requires hours to explore, but it invites visitors to slow down, linger, and absorb its atmosphere. Some come for a few quiet minutes, others for the dramatic sunsets, and still others for the festivals that bring it alive.
However one arrives, the feeling upon leaving is the same: a sense of calm, of being reconnected to something simple and enduring. The chapel is a reminder that beauty in Cyprus often lies not in the grand, but in the humble—the places where faith, nature, and community intertwine.
