Εξωκκλήσι Αγίων Σαράντα

Ayioi Saranta Cave Church - Agioi Saranta


Useful Information

photography
Ayioi Saranta Cave Church. Public Domain.
Location: Protaras
Open: no restrictions.
[2020]
Fee: free.
[2020]
Classification: SubterraneaCave Church
Light: LightIncandescent Electric Light System
Dimension:
Guided tours:
Photography: allowed
Accessibility: no
Bibliography:
Address:
As far as we know this information was accurate when it was published (see years in brackets), but may have changed since then.
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History


Description

photography
Ayioi Saranta Cave Church. Public Domain.
photography
Ayioi Saranta Cave Church. Public Domain.

Ayioi Saranta Cave Church is a small cave church built into a natural cave in a hill overlooking Protaras. The cave was closed at the portal by a white wall with a blue door. A white stone cross makes clear that this is a church. The cave inside has been left almost untouched. Only the floor was paved and icons have been installed in crevices in the stone.

Saranta means 40 in Greek and is linked to the legend of the 40 Martyrs of Sebaste. Forty stalactites on the ceiling of the cave are linked to this legend, hence the name.

Its a bit tricky to find the cave. Only 3.6 km from the road it is necessary to navigate narrow unpaved roads. Follow the road from Ayia Napa to Protaras. At the turnoff to the Grecian Park Hotel on the right turn left at the sign "Moonshine Ranch". Keep on the left at the next forks towards the hills rather than the sea.


Ayioi Saranta Cave Church Gallery