Are there Christian churches in NC?
Despite the fact that the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is considered a Muslim country, there are also Christian churches here.
There are very few functioning churches, but due to its rich history, there are many interesting non-functioning buildings. We have marked those where services are held or where there is something interesting inside. In addition to the listed churches, Northern Cyprus has many empty temples that are nevertheless very beautiful on the outside.
Churches of Northern Cyprus
- St. Andrew's Anglican Church in Girne
- Russian Orthodox Church in the village of Arapkoy
- Church of Archangel Michael in Girne
- St. Mamas Church in Guzelyurt
- Maronite Church of St. George in Kormakitis
- Church of St. Phanourios
- Church of St. Therissos
- Church of Panagia Pergaminiotissa
- Monastery of Apostle Andrew on Karpas
- Monastery of St. Barnabas with an icon museum
- Church of Christ Antiphonitis
Church of St. Therissos
St. Andrew's Anglican Church in Girne
A functioning Anglican church with a parish. They not only hold services but also offer wedding ceremonies and even publish their own magazine.
Russian Orthodox Church in the village of Arapkoy
Officially named the parish of St. Spyridon of Trimythous, it belongs to the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia. It operates only on weekends: Saturday from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Sunday from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
Church of Archangel Michael in Girne
It does not function as a church, but inside there is an icon museum. It is open from 8 AM to 3 PM.
St. Mamas Church in Guzelyurt
This is also a non-functioning church, but inside there are many old icons, chaotically placed like in a warehouse. To get there, you need to buy a ticket to the nearby museum, and after viewing the exhibition, ask the caretaker to take you to the church.
Maronite Church of St. George in Kormakitis
A rather large building for the rarely visited peninsula and a small village. Services are conducted by the local priest on religious holidays, at other times the church is closed.
Church of St. Phanourios
A small church and a nearby cave. Actually, icons and candles are placed in the cave because the church itself is closed.
Church of St. Therissos
The church in honor of the Bishop of Karpasia stands right by the road along the northern coast towards the tip of Cape Karpas. No one is inside, but candles are burning, and there are icons.
Church of Panagia Pergaminiotissa
A small church near the park "Mini-Cyprus"; entrance is by ticket to this park, the caretaker will open the door separately. Inside there is an exhibition on the wildlife of Cyprus.
Monastery of Apostle Andrew on Karpas
The main Christian shrine in Northern Cyprus, it attracts many pilgrims from different countries. According to legend, in the 1st century, Apostle Andrew visited this place, and after his prayer, a spring flowed from the rock, which still attracts believers today.
Monastery of St. Barnabas with an icon museum
One of the key places on the island not only for pilgrims but also for tourists interested in history. The two-domed church, dedicated to St. Barnabas, the patron saint of Cyprus. Today, the church, where the monastic community no longer resides, functions as an icon museum. There is also an archaeological museum with artifacts from the Neolithic era in the former premises.
Church of Christ Antiphonitis
The only eight-pillared church on the island, featuring preserved frescoes interspersed with graffiti from different centuries. After 1974, some frescoes were stolen and sold on the black art market. However, much can still be seen today, such as Christ Pantocrator surrounded by angels in the dome.
Church of Panagia Pergaminiotissa
Frequently Asked Questions about Christian Churches of Northern Cyprus
Is it necessary to follow a dress code?
If the temple is not officially functioning, it is not necessary, and even at the Monastery of St. Andrew, people in shorts and T-shirts are not turned away. However, we recommend remembering the saying about the monastery and the charter and respecting traditions.
How to visit Christian churches in Northern Cyprus?
Some can only be reached by car; locations are indicated in the description. Churches in Girne are easily accessible by bus. And you can even book a tour to the Monastery of St. Andrew.
If you need a tour of the churches of Northern Cyprus, the best option is to book a transfer to the places you are interested in with a Russian-speaking driver. Such offers are often found in the Telegram forum "Taxi in 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…