Overview
According to local legend, the church of Panayia Angeloktisti in Kiti, Larnaca was built by angels. In the fifth century, the ancient residents of Kiti started to build the church and soon discovered that the building’s foundation had mysteriously moved to a different location. These residents also witnessed angels building the church at night, hence the name ‘Angeloktisti,’ meaning ‘built by angels’ in Greek.
The current Byzantine church was built in the eleventh century on the original church foundation and includes the sixth-century apse as well as one of the finest examples of Byzantine mosaics. This rare mosaic, depicting the Virgin Mary holding Christ surrounded by the archangels Michael and Gabriel, rivals the mosaics in Ravenna, Italy. Similar mosaics from this period have also been discovered in Mount Sinai, Egypt. Following the eleventh-century rebuilding, more additions were made by the Franks, including a new façade and a bell tower.
Be sure to also see the unique tenth-century icon depicting the Virgin Mary, Saint Lazaros, and the Apostle Luke. It is believed that these three were close family friends and met in Kiti during the very early stages of Christianity.
The entrance to the church is free of charge and it is wheelchair accessible.
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