Quick answer
The Painted Churches in the Troodos Region are ten Byzantine and post-Byzantine churches and monasteries with wall paintings from the 11th to the 16th century, listed together by UNESCO since 1985 (extended 2001). They are spread across the Solea, Marathasa and Pitsilia valleys and are easiest to see by car over two days. Under a schedule set by the Deputy Ministry of Culture in 2025, most open Tuesday to Sunday and close on Mondays.
- Ten churches form one UNESCO World Heritage property; nine are in Nicosia district and one (Pelendri) in Limassol district.
- The wall paintings date from the 11th to the 16th century and show Byzantine, Western and local styles.
- Since 2025 most of the listed churches open Tuesday to Sunday, with seasonal hours, and close on Mondays.
- They close on major religious feasts: Christmas, Holy Week and 15 August.
- A car is essential; the route covers winding mountain roads across three valleys.
Hidden in the valleys of the Troodos mountains are ten small churches whose walls are covered from floor to roof in paintings. Together they are one of Cyprus's three UNESCO World Heritage sites. This guide sets out a practical two-day route and what to know before you go.
What are the painted churches of Troodos?
They are Byzantine and post-Byzantine churches and monasteries with wall paintings from the 11th to the 16th century. From the outside, most look like barns: plain stone walls under steep timber roofs built to shed snow. Inside, the walls show the full range of Byzantine painting, from Komnenian work of the 11th and 12th centuries to Italian Renaissance influence under Venetian rule. UNESCO inscribed them in 1985 and extended the listing in 2001.
Which churches are on the UNESCO list?
| Church | Village | Valley/area | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agios Nikolaos tis Stegis | Kakopetria | Solea | 11th-century and Komnenian paintings |
| Panagia Podithou | Galata | Solea | Italo-Byzantine paintings from the Venetian period |
| Panagia Forviotissa (Asinou) | Nikitari | Foothills | 12th- and 14th-century paintings |
| Agios Ioannis Lampadistis Monastery | Kalopanagiotis | Marathasa | Paintings from the 13th to 15th century |
| Panagia tou Moutoulla | Moutoullas | Marathasa | 13th-century paintings |
| Archangel Michael | Pedoulas | Marathasa | Late 15th-century paintings |
| Panagia tou Araka | Lagoudera | Pitsilia | Komnenian paintings |
| Stavros tou Agiasmati | Platanistasa | Pitsilia | Late 15th-century paintings |
| Transfiguration of the Saviour | Palaichori | Pitsilia | 16th-century paintings |
| Timios Stavros | Pelendri | Pitsilia (Limassol district) | 14th-century paintings |
Panagia Chrysokourdaliotissa in Kourdali is on UNESCO's tentative list as a possible extension. It keeps the same visiting hours, so it is easy to add to the route.
When are the churches open?
In August 2025, the Deputy Ministry of Culture set year-round visiting hours for the listed churches (and Kourdali):
- 16 April to 15 September: Tuesday to Saturday, morning and afternoon sessions with a lunch break. Sunday, late morning to late afternoon.
- 16 September to 15 April: Tuesday to Saturday, continuous hours from mid-morning to late afternoon. Sunday, late morning to late afternoon.
- Closed: Mondays, and the major religious feasts of Christmas, Holy Week and 15 August.
Agios Nikolaos tis Stegis is managed by the Department of Antiquities and has its own hours and entry arrangements. Confirm opening times before a long drive, because they can change.
Suggested two-day route
Day 1: Solea and Marathasa valleys
- Start at Asinou (Panagia Forviotissa) near Nikitari, on the northern foothills and the closest of the churches to Nicosia.
- Drive up to Galata for Panagia Podithou, then on to Kakopetria for Agios Nikolaos tis Stegis. Kakopetria's old quarter is a good lunch stop.
- Cross over into the Marathasa valley for Kalopanagiotis (Agios Ioannis Lampadistis), Moutoullas and Pedoulas (Archangel Michael).
- Stay overnight in Pedoulas, Kakopetria or nearby. Kykkos Monastery is a short drive beyond Pedoulas if you have time.
Day 2: Pitsilia
- Head east to Lagoudera for Panagia tou Araka, then Platanistasa for Stavros tou Agiasmati.
- Continue to Palaichori for the Transfiguration of the Saviour, and add Kourdali if you have time.
- Finish at Pelendri (Timios Stavros), then drive down towards Limassol.
You can reverse the order. From Limassol, start in Pitsilia. From Nicosia, Asinou and the Solea valley are closest.
When is the best time to go?
Spring and autumn are ideal. The valleys are green, the roads are clear and it is comfortable to walk between village car parks and churches. In summer the mountains are cooler than the coast, and that is the main season for mountain festivals. In winter the roads can be icy and snowy, so check the weather and road conditions before setting off.
Practical tips
- Drive: You need a car. The roads are narrow and winding, and the drive between churches often takes longer than the map suggests.
- Dress: These are working churches. Cover your shoulders and knees, and keep your voice down.
- Photos: Flash damages the paintings and is not allowed in many churches. Some do not allow photography at all. Ask the caretaker.
- Cash: Some churches ask for a donation and a few charge a fee. Carry small change.
- Timing: Hours are shorter on Sundays and churches close at lunchtime in summer. Plan three to five churches per day.
- Fuel and food: Fill up before you climb. The larger villages have tavernas and cafés, but smaller ones may have little open on winter weekdays.
What else is nearby?
- Walk one of the forest nature trails around Troodos square. See our hiking routes guide.
- The Pitsilia villages lead down into the Krasochoria wine villages. See our Cyprus wine routes guide.
- In winter, combine the trip with a Christmas visit to Kyperounta.
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Contains affiliate linksFrequently asked questions
How many painted churches in Troodos are UNESCO listed?
Ten. They include Asinou, Agios Nikolaos tis Stegis, Panagia tou Araka, Archangel Michael in Pedoulas and the Agios Ioannis Lampadistis monastery.
Are the Troodos painted churches open every day?
No. Under the 2025 schedule most open Tuesday to Sunday and are closed on Mondays and on major religious feasts. Hours are shorter on Sundays, so check before you set out.
Can you see all the painted churches in one day?
It is possible to see four or five in a day. To see all ten without rushing, plan two days and stay overnight in a mountain village.
Do you need to pay to enter the painted churches?
Practice varies by church. Some ask for a donation and a few managed sites charge a fee. Carry small change.
Can you take photos inside the Troodos churches?
Photography of the wall paintings is often restricted, and flash is not allowed in many churches. Ask the caretaker and follow the signs.
