MSP- Metamorphosis tou Sotirou (Transfiguration of the Saviour)
Name:
MSP- Metamorphosis tou Sotirou (Transfiguration of the Saviour)
Type:
Church
Date:
16th century
Description:
The church of the Transfiguration of the Saviour is situated in the east part of the Troodos mountain range. It is built on a small hill overlooking the eastern part of the village of Palaichori. In 2000 it was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, which includes nine other painted Byzantine churches of the Troodos range. It was erected at the beginning of the 16th century and it belongs to the single-aisled, timber-roof typechurches of the Troodos region. The narthex, which was added by the beginning of the 17th century, extends to the west and south sides of the church and is covered by the same timber roof.
The interior of the church is entirely covered with wall paintings. These date to the beginning of the 16th century and constitute one of the most complete groups of wall paintings of the Late Byzantine period in Cyprus. It is the most important example of the work of a group of painters of the Venetian occupation period, who remained attached to traditional Byzantine art, whilst having limited western influences.
On the external side of the west wall of the church, there are some later wall paintings, dated to 1612. The wooden painted iconostasis dates to the beginning of the 18th century.
Bibliography:
Stylianou A., Stylianou J. A. 1997. The painted churches of Cyprus: Treasures of Byzantine art. London.
Location
57 graffiti found in MSP- Metamorphosis tou Sotirou (Transfiguration of the Saviour)