- Address: Kalograia, Girne, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus
- Denomination: Orthodoxy
- Architectural style: Architecture of Byzantium
- Foundation date: VII century
- Opening hours: 08: 00-15: 30 (April to May until 5 pm)
- Cost of visit: 5 lire
The Church of Antiphonitis is a small structure that remains from the once influential and rich Cypriot monastery. It is a monument of Byzantine culture, which reflects all the striking features of the traditional Cypriot style. Literally the name "Antiphontis" is translated as "Responding".
History of the Church Antiphonitis
In the 7th century, in the mountains among the dense thickets, where the Church of Antiphonitis now stands, a small church of the Virgin Mary was built. A little later, a monastery was added to it. In XII-XIV the reconstruction was carried out, as a result of which a porch, a gallery and a loggia were added to the main church building. Reconstruction was carried out under the control of the Lusignan dynasty, which at that time reigned in Cyprus. It was thanks to the descendants of this dynasty that it was possible to preserve the originality of this structure, and with the arrival of the Turks not to allow its transformation into a Muslim mosque.
Once the church Antifonitis decorated with numerous frescoes, mosaics and icons, which after 1974 were looted by marauders. Only in 1997 with the help of the Dutch art dealer Michelle Van Rein managed to return four icons. After 7 years in 2004, frescos belonging to the church of Antiphonitis were also returned.
Unique features of the church Antiphonitis
The Church of Antiphonitis is the only eight-pillared church on the territory of Cyprus , which reached us in relatively good condition. Naturally, only the stone walls were preserved, nothing remained of the wooden coverings.
The unique feature of the church Antiphonitis is that its dome is set on the basis of 8 pillars, although at that time most of the churches rested on four. Another architectural feature of the Church of Antiphonitis is a covered loggia, installed on columns. Two columns also separate the altar from the main part of the church. The walls, located under the oval dome of the temple, are cut by semicircular windows, which is also unusual for Cypriot architecture.
Frescoes in the Church of Antiphonitis
The frescoes of the church of Antiphonitis, which originally covered all the walls and vaults of the building, deserve special attention and admiration. Now in a more or less decent condition there are the following images:
- fresco Christ Pantocrator;
- bas-relief of the Virgin Mary with the Child;
- the fresco of Archangel Michael;
- a fresco depicting Christ and St. Paul;
- a fresco of Saint Anthony.
The image of the Virgin Mary with the Child is notable for its convexity. If you believe the legends, this peculiar bas-relief was created from a mixture of wax with the ashes of Christian martyrs killed in the VI century. All frescoes combine the features of Byzantine classical traditions and Italian iconography.
Despite its impressive size and monumentality, the Church of Antiphonitis is fragile. Partial collapse of the building is a consequence of the actions of the vandals, who literally hollow out the frescoes from the walls. Like most other churches located in the occupied territories of Cyprus, the Church of Antiphonitis is inactive and empty.
How to get there?
The Church of Antiphonitis is territorially part of Northern Cyprus. It is easily accessible from Kyrenia . In the city you can see the plates with the inscription Antiphonitis Kilisesi, indicating the way to the church.
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