Geroskipou Village and Agia Paraskevi Church

Geroskipou is a village on the eastern edge of Paphos on the southwest coast of Cyprus, whose name derives from the Greek for Sacred Garden, a reference to an ancient grove associated with Aphrodite. Its centre is dominated by the Church of Agia Paraskevi, a Byzantine church from the ninth century that is one of the most distinctive on the island. The church is also the focal point for a short walking visit that combines architecture, folk art and sweet-making.

The church is unusual for its five domes, with one central dome and four smaller ones arranged in a cross-shaped plan, a form that is rare in Cyprus. Inside, frescoes cover the walls and domes in layers from different periods, including some dating from the ninth century and others from the 15th century. The interior is dim and cool, with icons and wooden furnishings. Visitors can see the painted saints and scenes from the Gospel, and a guardian often keeps the church open during the day, with hours reported at about 09:00 to 17:00. Entry is free, though a donation is welcome.

Outside the church, a small folk art museum occupies a traditional house and displays tools, textiles and household objects. Geroskipou is also famous for loukoumi, known as Cyprus delight, a soft gelatinous sweet flavoured with rose water, mastic or other flavours, and several workshops along the main street sell and allow tasting. A visit takes around an hour, and many people combine it with a sample of the sweets. Morning is the best time for quiet and good light for photographs of the domes.

The village lies a short distance along Poseidonos Avenue and can be reached by urban bus eastbound or a ten-minute taxi from Kato Paphos. Modest dress is expected inside the church, with shoulders and knees covered, and visitors should be quiet during services.