One of the most unique and peculiar churches in Cyprus is the Ayioi Saranta cave church. It is located in a completely unexpected place – hidden away in a cave in the Famagusta/Protaras area. More precisely, it is perfectly concealed in a rugged area near the Profitis Elias Church. While hundreds of locals and tourists visit the proudly standing Profiti Elias Church, just a little further down, tucked away in the wild setting of nature, is the Agioi Saranta Cave Church. The name “Ayioi Saranta” is derived from the Greek words for “Saints” (Agioi) and “Forty” (Saranta), which translates to the meaning of the 40 Martyrs of Sebaste.
Finding the Agioi Saranta Cave Church
Finding the Ayioi Saranta cave church can be quite challenging, as it is hard to locate unless you are aware of its existence. For those who wish to find it, here are the directions: After turning from the Grecian Park Hotel on your right, you will spot a sign on your left that says ‘Moonshine Ranch.’ Turn left here and continue past the ranch. After approximately 500 meters, you will reach a dirt road. Keep going straight and stay to your left, heading towards the hills instead of the sea. Eventually, you will come across the church right in front of you. Once you arrive, prepare to be amazed. The door is always unlocked, allowing visitors to enter and explore or pray. The purpose of the door is to protect the cave’s interior and preserve the church as much as possible. Inside, you won’t find your typical church with an iconostasis, icons, and candle-lit lights. Instead, it’s actually a cave that has been partially whitewashed to incorporate icons and a makeshift iconostasis. The only human-made features in the church are the floor (painted white) and the dome above. Apart from these, everything else is created by Mother Nature herself.
Agioi Saranta Cave Church Photos
Agioi Saranta Cave Church Directions
For directions to Agioi Saranta Cave Church, please follow this Google Maps link.
