Cave Church of Panagia Chrysospiliotissa in Defter (Panagia Chrisospiliotissa) description and photos - Cyprus: Nicosia (Topic)

Panagia Chrisospiliotissa cave church in Defter (Panagia Chrisospiliotissa) description and photos - Cyprus: Nicosia. Detailed information about the attraction. Description, photographs and a map showing the nearest significant objects. The title in English is Panagia Chrisospiliotissa.

Photo and description

The amazing Panagia Chrysospiliotissa cave church, located in the village of Kato Deftera, which is only 11 kilometers southwest of Nicosia, is considered one of the most ancient temples on the island. Some historians believe that even in the Bronze Age people in this place prayed to one of the pagan goddesses of fertility.

The church itself, which is also called the Church of the Holy Mother of God of the Golden Cave, was founded, as its name implies, honor of the Virgin. According to one of the legends, once upon a time, local residents discovered a cave in the rock, in which some kind of light flickered. When they went inside, they found there an amazing double-sided icon of the Most Holy Theotokos. After that, they built a temple in that place. However, it is not known for certain when exactly and by whom it was created.

Later, the unique icon was moved to the Church of St. Nicholas, which stands in the center of Defter, where it is still kept. But every year in August, on the feast of the Assumption, she is solemnly brought to the cave temple of Panagia Chrysospiliotissa. At the same time, a religious fair is held in the village.

The church itself consists of three small rooms carved into the rock. These rooms are interconnected by narrow corridors. Scientists believe that this place was previously a monastery. Now, to the entrance to the caves, which are located quite high above the ground, for the convenience of visitors, a fortified staircase has been arranged.

Currently, this church is very popular among young girls who come to the cave temple to pray to the Virgin and ask she has a happy marriage and healthy children.

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Topic: Cave Church of Panagia Chrysospiliotissa in Defter (Panagia Chrisospiliotissa) description and photos - Cyprus: Nicosia.