Panagia Kanakaria Church
Παναγία Κανακαριά
A Byzantine church famous for its 6th-century mosaics, which were stolen and smuggled abroad before being recovered; the original building still stands on site.
The church is located in Lisilyangomi (Bortaşlı), in the south of the peninsula. Its structure dates back to an early Christian basilica of the 5th to 6th centuries, later remodeled several times. The apse once held precious 6th-century mosaics of the Virgin and Child, which were stolen in the late 1970s and entered the international art market. After a long legal battle they were recovered and are now housed in the Nicosia Museum. Today the building's exterior is intact, and its layered Byzantine construction is still visible, though the interior is usually closed to visitors.
Opening hours
Mostly exterior viewing
Nearby sights
- Yialousa & Agios Thyrsos
- Ayia Trias Basilica
- Bafra Beach
- Dipkarpaz (Rizokarpaso)
- Kantara Castle
- Agios Philon Church
- Boğaz Fishing Harbour
- Aphendrika