Panagia Forviotissa (Asinou)

Panagia Forviotissa (Asinou) review Rate it

A well-preserved and resplendently painted church, this is another gem from UNESCO's list of heritage sights. The wall paintings date from 1105 to the early 1500s and feature hunting hounds, a personified Earth and Sea and a Christ in the narthex dome, designed to lock eyes with you wherever you stand. As with many other Cypriot churches, you will notice that the eyes of most of the saints have been scratched out - reputedly by Muslims, who settled in the region under Ottoman conquest. Saint George, however, was respected as a military personality, and, in this church at least evaded the fate of the other icons. The church overlooks a quiet valley, and could make for a quick detour before heading to the Adelfoi Forest for a picnic.