Panagia tou Araka church is one of the ten byzantine churches of the Troodos mountain range that have been granted World Culture Heritage status by UNESCO.

The church is located in the centre of the Troodos mountain range, between the villages of Lagoudera and Saranti in a breathtaking location.

As other churches in the region of Troodos, the church of Panagia tou Arakos used to be the katholikon (monastery church) of a monastery complex which was built in the second half of the 12th century, a time during which monastic life was flourishing in Cyprus. The monastery survived until the 19th century and then has been abandoned.

The church is a single-aisled building with a cross-shaped roof. The steep-pitched roof with flat tiles was added later, during the 14th century. In its interior, all the walls are decorated with paintings. An inscription above the north entrance reveals the name of Leon Afthentis who donated for the decoration of the church in December 1192.

The paintings of the church are significant examples of Comnenian style, dating in the Middle Byzantine period in Cyprus, influenced by the art of Constantinople. Depictions include the Pantocrator, the ultimate symbol of The Day of Judgement, the Angels in medallions, the Prophets, the Annunciation of the Virgin, the Evangelists and others.

Location: Lagoudera, Troodos

Additional Information
- Operating period: All year round
- Operating hours: Daily: 09:00 - 12:00, 14:00 - 17:00
- Tel: +357 99 557 369, +357 96 301 508

Panagia tou Araka Church photos: 
Panagia tou Araka church Lagoudera
Panagia tou Araka church Lagoudera
  • Panagia tou Araka church Lagoudera
  • Panagia tou Arakos
  • Panagia tou Araka church
  • Panagia tou Araka
  • Panagia tou Araka church Troodos
Panagia tou Araka Church video: 
Panagia tou Araka Church location map: 

Nearby Places and things to do (within 5 km radius)

Liopetri River

The Liopetri River is located in the Liopetri village in the Ammochostos district (Kokkinochoria). Once you arrive at the Liopetri village, ...

Ayios Giorgios Chapel, Liopetri

The Ayios Giorgios Chapel is situated in the village of Liopetri in the Ammochostos district. In particular it is located near the well-know...

Liopetri Beach

Liopetri beach is surrounded by iconic hills and forms the end of the Liopetri village coastline. It is the most secluded Ayia Napa coast, a...

Poseidon beach

Poseidon beach is located between Ayia Napa and the Sotira village in Ammochostos, about 1 kilometre to the west of the Ayia Napa Waterpark....

Liopetri Natural Forest Park

The Liopetri National Forest Park is located in the Liopetri village in the Ammochostos district. The park is expected to be utilized as ...

Agiou Andronikou Church, Liopetri

The Agiou Andronikou Church is situated in the village of Liopetri in the Ammochostos district. The church was built during the 16th century...

Pages