The Antiphonitis Church in Northern Cyprus
One of the most interesting churches of the Christian heritage in Northern Cyprus, with preserved frescoes inside.
Description of the Church
The Church of Christ Antiphonitis (in Greek Χριστός Ἀντιφωνητής) is a domed church located in the Kyrenia district of Cyprus.
It is a single building with a spacious dome resting on eight columns, and it is the only surviving example of such churches on the entire island of Cyprus.
Another distinctive feature of the church is its frescoes. The oldest paintings date back to the late 12th century and are considered a local interpretation of the Late Comnenian style. Other paintings are from the 1400s. The frescoes in the narthex have faded from sunlight, but many are well-preserved for their time.
History of the Church
The church was originally built on the site of a natural spring in the 7th century, and later a monastery grew around it. In the 12th century, while under the care of Greek Orthodox priests, the monastery was significantly rebuilt.
The church underwent another major reconstruction at the end of the 14th and beginning of the 15th centuries: a narthex was added to the western side and a covered arcade with vaulted arches to the south.
After 1974, some frescoes were stolen and sold on the black market. However, many can still be seen today, such as Christ Pantocrator surrounded by angels in the dome.
The Church Today
Today, the church is no longer active but attracts tourists mainly for its preserved frescoes. Additionally, there is a unique juxtaposition of frescoes with graffiti and inscriptions left by pilgrims, scratched into the lower frescoes in the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries. Most of these are in Greek, but some are also in Ottoman Turkish script.
How to Get There
The Church of Christ Antiphonitis is located in the mountains near the village of Bahçeli (known as Kalogrea by Greeks) — between Kyrenia and the Karpas Peninsula.
It is not accessible by public transport, nor is the village of Bahçeli — a private or rental car is needed, as not every taxi driver will go into the mountains.
You will find the location of Antiphonitis Church on the map below the text, and here are the coordinates for your navigator: 35.32733099089465, 33.61904517638869.
- Also read: Car Rentals in Northern Cyprus
FAQ about the Antiphonitis Church
What is interesting near the church?
Not far away, on the mountain road toward Kyrenia, you can find another old, inactive church — the Apati Church. Nearby is also an abandoned Armenian monastery, read more about it here.
How much is the entrance fee to the Antiphonitis Church?
The church is not active, but it is usually closed, and entry is not always possible. However, some visitors have reported entering, with tickets costing 50 lira.
What are the opening hours of the Antiphonitis Church?
According to the sign at the entrance, during weekdays in summer (April - October), the church is open from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. In winter (November - March), it is open from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM.
How to enter the Antiphonitis Church?
Many people note that the church is not always open during the posted hours. If entering the interior is essential, you can try contacting the Russian Orthodox Church in Cyprus at +905338486195 or the Kyrenia Metropolis of the Church of Cyprus, which oversees the church.
- Also read: Christian Churches in Northern Cyprus
Follow us on Instagram and Telegram to learn more about the attractions of Northern Cyprus!
Author
Born and raised in Yekaterinburg, visited more than 40 countries, lived in the USA for some time, and in 2022, moved to Northern Cyprus. Education: Ural State University (now Ural Federal University), Faculty of Political Science and Sociology. Professional Experience: Since 2008, worked in the…