Church and cave of St. Fanourios in Northern Cyprus

The Church and Cave of St. Fanourios are located near Kyrenia, in the Karaoglanolu area, next to the Kaya Palazzo hotel-casino. There is a large but unorganized parking area nearby. The cave is small — about 4 m², and inside there are usually icons and burning votive lamps. The feast day of Saint Fanourios is celebrated on August 27.

• Church of Saint Fanourios
• Cave of Saint Fanourios
• Who is Saint Fanourios
• Fanouropita Pie Recipe
• How to get to the cave and church
• Frequently Asked Questions

Church of Saint Fanourios

The church, built on the seashore, is named after Saint Fanourios, who is venerated for helping find lost items and for “revealing” hidden things. The modern building is relatively new and its design differs from many other Christian churches in Northern Cyprus.

Cave of Saint Fanourios

The cave is located below the church, closer to the water. People visit to honor the saint and pray for help in finding lost items. According to legend, the monk Fanourios (namesake of the saint) lived and prayed in this cave; he arrived here by boat and died in the cave after slipping on a rock.

Inside, there are many icons with inscriptions in various languages (mostly Greek), and votive lamps are placed on stone ledges. The cave is small — about 4 m².

Who is Saint Fanourios

Saint Fanourios (Fanouris) is venerated in the Greek Orthodox tradition, though few detailed historical records remain. According to legend, his icon was discovered in the ruins of an old church in Rhodes (Greece) in the 14th century. The icon depicts the saint holding a candle in one hand and a cross in the other.

The name “Fanourios” is associated with the Greek word meaning “I reveal.” On his feast day, celebrated on August 27, church services are held and Fanouropita — a traditional pie shared with family and friends — is baked.

Fanouropita Pie Recipe

Fanouropita is a traditional pie baked for Saint Fanourios’ feast day (August 27) and shared with family and friends.

Ingredients

• 4 cups of flour
• 4 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 cup of butter
• 1 cup + 2 tbsp sugar
• 1/2 cup of water
• 1/2 cup golden raisins
• 1/2 cup dark raisins
• 1/2 cup coarsely chopped walnuts
• 3/4 cup orange juice
• Grated zest of one lemon
• A pinch of salt
• Powdered sugar for sprinkling

Instructions

1. Mix flour and cinnamon in a large bowl.
2. In another bowl, combine butter, sugar, orange juice, water, and lemon zest, then beat well.
3. Add baking powder, salt, raisins, and walnuts to the dry ingredients and mix.
4. Combine the dry mixture with the wet ingredients and mix until smooth.
5. Grease and flour a baking pan, then pour in the batter.
6. Bake for 45 minutes at 350 degrees.
7. Cool completely and sprinkle with powdered sugar.
8. Let the pie sit for a day before serving to allow the flavors to develop.

How to get to the cave and church

The church and cave are located near Kyrenia, in Karaoglanolu, next to the Kaya Palazzo hotel-casino. There is a large but unorganized parking area nearby.

Directions

1. Park in the nearest open area (parking is unorganized).
2. Plan to descend to the cave in comfortable shoes: the path goes down stone steps along the cliff.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the Church and Cave of St. Fanourios?

Near Kyrenia, in the Karaoglanolu area, next to the Kaya Palazzo hotel-casino.

Is there parking nearby?

There is a large but unorganized parking area nearby.

Which is more interesting: the church or the cave?

The cave usually attracts more attention: icons and votive lamps are placed inside, and the location itself is by the water in the cliff.

How big is the cave?

The cave is small — about 4 m².

When is Saint Fanourios’ feast day?

The feast day is celebrated on August 27.

What is Fanouropita?

Fanouropita is a traditional pie baked for Saint Fanourios’ feast day and shared with loved ones.