Since 1985 it has been included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, along with nine other frescoed Byzantine churches in the Troodos Mountains.
The church of the Holy Cross, in Pelendri, of the 14th century is decorated with fine frescoes from the Paleological period.
The current form of the Church of the Holy Cross is due to additions and interventions of various eras. Its initial phase dates back to the middle of the 12th century and was probably the type of single-aisle dome church. It might even be a cemetery. The first architectural phase was destroyed by causes unknown to us. Only the arch of the Sacred Step survived this catastrophe, which was then incorporated into a new building of the same type erected in the late 13th or early 14th century.
This is followed by a series of interventions, in which parts of the temple that collapsed were either rebuilt or removed and replaced in an expanded form. The northern aisle is a bit later and dates back to the middle of the 14th century, with the southern aisle being added in the 16th century. The end result is a three-aisled, harmonious building that conceals its tumultuous architectural history.
Tel: +357 25 552 369
Accreditation: Unesco World Heritage
Address: Pelendri, Troodos
Operating Period: All year round