This church in the Troodos Mountains of Cyprus is Our Lady of Asinou. It was built by Nikiforos Mayistros and completed in 1105. Do not be deceived by its plain, rustic exterior. Inside is a UNESCO World Heritage gem.
Asinou - Panayia Forviotissa
All surfaces but the floor are painted with saints and sinners, angels and mortals. The vivid frescoes span
400 years, and are very accomplished.
Conveniently, the beautiful frescoes are posted as a video panorama. Click to view the
Narthex and the
Nave.
The images can be tipped back to view the ceilings. Above the Nave entrance, that's Nikiforos giving a
model of the church to Christ. We must point out that these are tiny rooms;
each is no bigger than a one car garage.
It remains an active church. On the day we visited several families were arriving to have their babies baptized.
News & Notes
Many people consider Asinou to be the loveliest of the churches, but there are 11 more of these rustic Byzantine, painted churches in the Troodos Mountains. This is St. Nicholas of the Roof, which is actually slightly older and larger, and equally spectacular. The "of the Roof" part refers to the second roof, added to protect the frescoes. (No panorama is yet available.)
Agios Nikolaos tis Stegis
A big fruit and vegetable market is held in the old town every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. The produce is largely local varieties, such as the potatoes, which are exceptionally tasty. We had remarked on the cauliflower, the most beautiful we had ever seen, and then found out that it is native to Cyprus, having been domesticated here in Roman times. Prices are low and we have been feasting!
From our balcony we can see the mountains of Turkish north Cyprus. On one of them the locals have colored the brown terrain to show their flag. It is a constant reminder to the south of the divided status of the nation. (As if anyone would forget.)
At night it lights up in sequence -- here it is shown mostly illuminated.
The Choirokoitia Neolithic Village near Nicosia prospered from 9000 BC to 3900 BC. The people grew grain and raised goats, sheep and pigs. The photo on the left shows a reconstruction of the houses using original materials and techniques. A "house" was made up of multiple round buildings. Curiously, the dead were buried under the floors of the houses.
Last, but most importantly, Tomoko got her permanent Green Card! Finally, Immigration does something right.
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