Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean that, due to its proximity to the Holy Land, was one of the first countries in which Christianity was introduced. With their well-preserved churches, the Troodos Mountains are located in the heart of the country. This remote and inaccessible area was soon a refuge for persecuted Christians and a safe place for threatened treasures such as revered religious icons.

In Pedoulas, a small village in the Marathasa region, is the Archangel Michael Church that dates back to the fifteenth century. From the outside it looks like a barn but inside are a number of colourful Byzantine wall paintings including Saint Georg Diasoritis on his white horse with flowing cape, decorated shield and spear.

Troodos is a low-lying mountain range with many hills and forests and within its centre is the largest and wealthiest monastery on the island, Kykkos, which is located some distance from the nearest village and is situated at an altitude of one thousand one hundred and forty metres above sea level on the mountain of the same name. The entire monastery complex looks like a fortress but beyond its somewhat severe exterior are two inner courtyards with colonnades on each level. Its wealth and fame stems from an icon of Mother Mary that is stored within the monastery’s church.

The large village of PalaichorI contains the Metamorfosis Tou Sotirou Church which is situated amid a vineyard and towers over the village, with stunning views.

Byzantine art, archaeological monuments and World Heritage churches, all of this is to be found in Troodos, a concentration of priceless treasures of world culture contained within a relatively small area that is probably unique in the world. In Troodos, a tumultuous past and a glorious history accompanied the guardians of both faith and tradition in their quest for peace.