Geroskipou Village and Agia Paraskevi Church

Geroskipou is a village on the south-west coast of Cyprus, about three kilometres east of Paphos, and its name is traditionally derived from the Greek for sacred garden, a reference to an ancient grove of Aphrodite. The village is best known for the Church of Agia Paraskevi, a Byzantine building of the 9th or 10th century. The church has a rare five-domed plan, with a central dome and four smaller ones arranged in a cross shape above a vaulted nave and aisles. The dome arrangement makes it unusual on Cyprus, and it is regarded as an important example of Byzantine religious architecture in the Paphos district. The interior is decorated with frescoes from several different periods, from around the 9th century to the 15th century, so the walls form a layered record of religious painting over time. Scenes include the Last Supper, the Crucifixion and the Resurrection, along with figures of saints. Later additions to the building include a bell tower and a modern entrance. The church sits in the old village centre, next to a small museum of folk art housed in a traditional house. Geroskipou is also known for its lokoumi, a local version of Cypriot delight that is sold in shops near the church. The site is a place of worship under the Church of Cyprus, and the Department of Antiquities has carried out conservation of the frescoes and the structure. The visit is short and informal, with no formal guided circuit, and visitors are free to look around the interior. The village is a convenient stop between Paphos and the nearby coast. Modest dress is expected when entering the church, and donations are welcome.