Ayios Ioannis Cathedral, Nicosia : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide

Welcome to Ayios Ioannis Cathedral in Nicosia, the oldest cathedral in the world that is still in use! This ancient edifice is a testament to the resilience of Nicosia’s ancient architecture and religious history. The great stone walls and sweeping buttresses have endured for centuries, making it a focal point of the city’s cultural and religious life. In this guide, we’ll take a look at some of the interesting facts and figures related to Ayios Ioannis Cathedral, plus where to go when you visit this sacred site. We’ll also include a travel guide with helpful tips and suggestions on navigating the surrounding area of this beautiful cathedral. So come join us as we explore the legacy of the oldest cathedral in the world, Ayios Ioannis Cathedral in Nicosia!

Interesting Facts About Ayios Ioannis Cathedral, Nicosia

1. The basement of the cathedral was once used as an ossuary and holds human skeletal remains.

2. The church was devastated in the great fire of 1724, but was restored during Ottoman rule due to its proximity to an Ottoman Mosque.

3. The earliest icon found in the church dates back to the 16th century.

4. The cathedral was once home to a Latin Catholic congregation, leading to the introduction of gothic-style buttresses and frescoes during reconstruction.

5. The cathedral was heavily damaged during the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974, but was restored to its 19th-century form in the 1980s.

6. The church boasts one of Cyprus’s most valuable collections of Byzantine, baroque, and post-Byzantine icons, many of which have been crowned as honorific gifts.

7. The cathedral has an early 18th-century wood-carved iconostasis, while the iconic marble floor and central dome were added during restoration in the 19th century.

8. The chapel of the Virgin Mary, located to the left of the entrance, is said to house a piece of the true cross.

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History & Information About Ayios Ioannis Cathedral, Nicosia

Ayios Ioannis Cathedral is located in the Old City of Nicosia, the capital of the Republic of Cyprus. It is one of the oldest churches in the country, dating back to the 15th century. According to the legend, it was built by Saint Ioannis (John the Baptist) himself, and its grandeur is evident with its architecture and richly decorated interior walls.

The building was constructed in the Cruciform plan, which ischaracteristic of Byzantine churches of the period. The structure is composed of three parts: the nave, the narthex, and the apse. It is made of stone masonry and brickwork dating to the 15th century and it has a dome with arched windows. The apse, which is the oldest part of the building, has been renewed many times over the centuries, and is now decorated with modern artwork.

The interior of the church is heavily decorated, mostly with frescoes from the 15th-16th centuries. The main subject of the frescoes is the ‘Tree of Life’ depicting the Virgin Mary with Christ on the Cross and angels surrounding them. There are also depictions of Saints and Martyrs, as well as stories fromthe Bible.

Ayios Ioannis Cathedral is an important part of Nicosia’s cultural heritage and one of its greatest landmarks. It has been listed as a historic buildingand is protected by the Cyprus Department of Antiquities. The interior of the church is open to the public and guided tours are offered.

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Travel Guide For Visiting Ayios Ioannis Cathedral, Nicosia

1. Location: Ayios Ioannis Cathedral is located in Varosha, Nicosia, Cyprus.

2. Overview: Ayios Ioannis Cathedral is an ancient Orthodox Church located in the capital city of Nicosia. The cathedral was founded in the early 14th century and is a popular tourist attraction.

3. Visiting Hours: Ayios Ioannis Cathedral is open daily from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm.

4. Admission Fee: To enter the cathedral, there is a nominal fee of €2 per person.

5. Nearby Attractions: Located next to the cathedral is the Old City of Nicosia, an ancient walled city full of narrow cobblestone streets, museums, churches, mosques and a plethora of local shops and restaurants. A few more attractions that can be visited nearby are Famagusta Gate, the Cyprus National Folklore Museum and the Venetian Walls.

6. Tips:

-While visiting the cathedral, make sure to dress appropriately.

-Be sure to bring a small camera or smartphone to capture some amazing pictures.

-Be aware of your belongings and keep your wallet or purse safely tucked away.

-Don’t forget to take some time to visit the nearby attractions as well.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Ayios Ioannis Cathedral, Nicosia

Q: When was Ayios Ioannis Cathedral built?

A: Ayios Ioannis Cathedral was built in 1358.

Q: What is the architecture of Ayios Ioannis Cathedral like?

A: Ayios Ioannis Cathedral is a hybrid Gothic-Byzantine structure, with the original building built in the 14th century and the rest of the building built in the 19th century.

Q: Where is Ayios Ioannis Cathedral?

A: Ayios Ioannis Cathedral is located in the heart of Nicosia, the capital of Cyprus.

Q: Are there any special features of Ayios Ioannis Cathedral?

A: Yes, Ayios Ioannis Cathedral is well known for its beautiful frescoes and its ornate interior.

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