10 Things to Do in St. John's Cathedral (Nicosia, Cyprus)
Located in the heart of Nicosia, the capital of Cyprus, St. John’s Cathedral is one of the oldest churches in the country. Built in the 11th century, the cathedral is a stunning example of Byzantine architecture and a popular tourist attraction. Here are 10 things to do in St. John’s Cathedral in Nicosia.
1. Explore the Church Grounds: St. John’s Cathedral is surrounded by a large courtyard and gardens, perfect for taking a leisurely stroll and admiring the architecture. The gardens are also home to a number of sculptures and monuments, including a statue of Saint John the Baptist.
2. Visit the Crypt: The cathedral is home to a crypt, which is located beneath the main church. The crypt contains the remains of several saints, as well as a number of artifacts and artwork.
3. Attend a Service: St. John’s Cathedral is an active church and services are held every Sunday. Visitors are welcome to attend and experience the traditional music and liturgy of the church.
4. Take a Guided Tour: St. John’s Cathedral offers guided tours of the church and its grounds. The tour includes a visit to the crypt and a look at the various artifacts and artwork inside the church.
5. Admire the Frescoes: The interior of the cathedral is decorated with a number of stunning frescoes. These frescoes depict scenes from the Bible and the lives of the saints.
6. Visit the Iconostasis: The iconostasis is a wall of icons that separates the nave from the altar. The icons are painted with scenes from the Bible and the lives of the saints.
7. View the Relics: St. John’s Cathedral is home to a number of relics, including the remains of Saint John the Baptist, Saint George, and Saint Demetrius.
8. See the Mosaics: The floor of the cathedral is decorated with a number of intricate mosaics. These mosaics depict scenes from the Bible and the lives of the saints.
9. Attend a Concert: St. John’s Cathedral hosts a number of concerts throughout the year. These concerts feature traditional and contemporary music, as well as readings from the Bible.
10. Take in the Views: St. John’s Cathedral is located in the center of Nicosia, offering visitors stunning views of the city. From the courtyard, visitors can take in the sights of the old city walls and the nearby Venetian fortifications.
St. John’s Cathedral is a must-see for any visitor to Nicosia. Whether you’re looking to explore the church grounds, attend a service, or take in the views, St. John’s Cathedral is sure to provide an unforgettable experience.