Walking along Famaguste, it is difficult not to meet any attraction in your path. Those who are interested in architecture and religion should visit the dilapidated church of St. George Greek in the southeastern part of the city.
History of the Church of St. George
Cyprus was one of the first states that adopted Christianity. Most of the inhabitants of the island professed Orthodoxy. However, with the coming to power of the Luzignans, the influence of the Orthodox Church has significantly weakened. In Famagust, the Orthodox Greek population concentrated in the southeastern part of the city, where only the small church of St. Simeon was originally located.
The Catholic population, in turn, actively built its temples, such as the temple of St. George Latinians and the Cathedral of St. Nicholas. In an effort to create an equally magnificent temple, the Orthodox residents built the Church of St. George, which became the second largest in the city.
Over its history, the Church experienced many events and was used not only as a religious building. In 1570-71, during the siege of the Cyprus, the Ottoman Empire, the church suffered from cannon attacks. Some shells released in those days can still be seen in its walls. In the XVIII century, the city of Famagusta was almost empty, and the buildings began to decline. Sailors from the nearby port visited the city and left the drawings of ships on the walls of the church, which have survived to this day.
Currently, the temple is in a badly damaged state, but the surviving fragments allow you to represent its former greatness. Access to the attraction is open free at any time of the day.
Architecture
The Church of St. George is built in the Gothic style. Its architectural appearance includes a wide central oil and two passes supported by massive columns. Initially, the columns were thinner, but could not cope with the support of a massive roof. The cracks that appeared in the walls forced architects to strengthen the columns with additional elements, which were called “collars”. However, these measures were temporary, and the roof still collapsed.
The apse of the temple was previously decorated with frescoes, among which, as expected, Christ was depicted. To date, only fragments have been preserved, including the image of crucifixion and several other details.
Modern studies indicate that the Greek Cathedral of St. George could build the same architects and masters who built the Catholic Svyatonikolaev Cathedral. However, unlike the latter, the dome of the Orthodox Church was not installed on an octagonal drum.
Inside the destroyed church, tourists can see traces of bullets remaining after military conflicts, as well as drawings of sailors on the walls. Along the walls are arched niches, which were once used as burials for the patrons of the church. At the Earth level were sarcophagi, decorated with images of the deceased and the texts accompanying them.
Meaning and preservation
The Church of St. George Greek is not only a monument of architecture, but also a living evidence of the history of Cyprus. It recalls cultural and religious changes that the island experienced for centuries. Today, the temple attracts tourists from all over the world with its unique atmosphere and historical value.
To preserve the monument, attempts to restore and protect against further destruction are made. Nevertheless, a significant part of the church remains in the open air, which creates a risk for its further existence. However, her visit gives an unforgettable impressions and allows you to touch the ancient history of Cyprus.
📍 Greek Church of St. George on the map - here
