Agia Paraskevi Church Geroskipou

The Church of Agia Paraskevi sits in the centre of Geroskipou village, 3 km east of Paphos. It is a 9th-century Byzantine basilica with the unusual five-domed cruciform plan that gives the church its architectural significance — five domes (one central, four corner) crowning a single building, the oldest example of this form on Cyprus. The form is rare in Byzantine architecture generally and this is the most important survivor in the eastern Mediterranean outside Greece.

The exterior is plain stone with the five characteristic domes — small, regular, distinctive against the local sandstone walls. The interior preserves wall paintings from several periods, with the most important layer being a substantial cycle from the 14th century covering the dome interiors and selected walls — Christ Pantokrator in the central dome, a Last Supper, scenes from the life of Mary, and several full-figure saints. Earlier (12th-13th century) layers and later (15th-17th century) additions have been progressively revealed by recent conservation work.

The church remains an active parish — Sunday morning liturgy is well attended, and major feast days (especially the saint's day, late July) draw substantial congregations. The Geroskipou Folk Art Museum is across the village square (separate small museum, complementary visit).

Insider tips. Open daily roughly 09:00-12:00 and 14:00-17:00 (closed during liturgy). Modest dress essential — covered shoulders and knees; wraps are loaned at the entrance. Photography is generally not permitted inside. Allow 30-45 minutes for a careful look at the wall paintings — bring eyes adjusted from outside light. Free entry; donations welcome.

Combinations. Pair with the Geroskipou Folk Art Museum (across the square — a small but well-curated collection in a restored mansion), with Paphos Old Town (10 minutes by car), with the Paphos Archaeological Park (15 minutes), or with a Coral Bay afternoon. A complete Paphos cultural-and-historical day.

Bring. Modest dress, small change for candle and donation, comfortable shoes. When. Year-round; cool months are best for combining with old-town walking. Sunday mornings during liturgy give a glimpse of an active Cypriot parish in operation. The Church of Agia Paraskevi is one of the architectural high points of Byzantine Cyprus and a quietly remarkable 30 minutes for visitors with an interest in religious art.