The Painted church of the Transfiguration of the Saviour, Palaichori

Cyprus has been linked to Orthodox Christianity since the 1st century AD. It has been given the name of “The Island of Saints” as there are numerous churches all over the island, some of which are part of the UNESCO World Heritage List.

One of these stunning churches is the Church of the Transfiguration of the Savior (“Metamorfosis tou Sotiros” or “Ayia Sotira” in Greek). In Christian Orthodox religion the term ‘transfiguration’ refers to Jesus Christ’s appearance in radiant glory to three of His disciples. His appearance changed: “His face shone like the sun and his clothes became as white as the light”.

The Church of the Transfiguration of the Savior is located in the picturesque village of Palaichori, just a little outside urban Nicosia. It is built on a small hill overlooking the eastern part of the village.

The interior is entirely covered with wall-paintings.These date to the beginning of the 16th century, and are one of the most complete groups of wall-paintings of the Late Byzantine period in Cyprus.