St. John's Cathedral Nicosia
A small but breathtaking cathedral in Nicosia, renowned for its vibrant 17th-century frescoes and significant icon wall.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
St. John's Cathedral Nicosia
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A small but breathtaking cathedral in Nicosia, renowned for its vibrant 17th-century frescoes and significant icon wall.
"Incredibly beautiful once you step in, the frescoes and icons are stunning, full of detail and history."
🤫 No Photos Inside!
Photography is generally not allowed inside. Respect the rules to avoid conflict with the custodian.
💰 Voluntary Contribution
A small voluntary contribution is appreciated to help maintain the cathedral's beauty.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
17th-Century Frescoes
Interior
Vibrant and detailed paintings covering the ceiling and walls, depicting biblical scenes with incredible artistry.
Icon Wall
Interior
A magnificent collection of icons that showcase the rich religious and artistic heritage of Cyprus.
Gothic Architecture
Exterior
A beautiful example of Gothic architecture, offering a striking contrast to the surrounding cityscape.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Respectful Visits & Photography Rules
Timing Your Visit for Serenity
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🤫 No Photos Inside!
Photography is generally not allowed inside. Respect the rules to avoid conflict with the custodian. +1
💰 Voluntary Contribution
A small voluntary contribution is appreciated to help maintain the cathedral's beauty.
🚶♂️ Small but Mighty
The cathedral is compact, so allow ample time to absorb the intricate details.
🧐 Be Aware of Custodian
Some visitors report intense interactions with the custodian. Remain calm and respectful.
Tips
from all over the internet
🤫 No Photos Inside!
Photography is generally not allowed inside. Respect the rules to avoid conflict with the custodian. +1
💰 Voluntary Contribution
A small voluntary contribution is appreciated to help maintain the cathedral's beauty.
🚶♂️ Small but Mighty
The cathedral is compact, so allow ample time to absorb the intricate details.
🧐 Be Aware of Custodian
Some visitors report intense interactions with the custodian. Remain calm and respectful.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise St. John's Cathedral for its breathtaking interior frescoes and icon wall, describing it as a small but incredibly beautiful gem. While the art is universally admired, some guests have reported challenging interactions with the custodian regarding photography rules. +2
"An absolute gem in the heart of Nicosia! St. John’s Church is truly breathtaking — small from the outside but incredibly beautiful once you step in. The frescoes and icons are stunning, full of detail and history, and the atmosphere inside is peaceful and inspiring. The staff were welcoming and happy to share insights about the church’s past, which made the visit even more special. A must-see if you are in Nicosia!"
Piero Babudro
"This church holds such beauty inside. The paintings on the ceiling and the icon wall make the trip worthwhile. As with most Orthodox churches, photography is not allowed inside for most visitors, so the exterior photos will have to do. They really don’t even begin to suggest what you’ll see inside, though."
Heather Johnson
"A few days ago I visited this quaint little church of St. John in Nicosia. A little unassuming from the outside, but beautifully decorated from the inside.
But be aware of the custodian, a chainsmoking man dressed in all black.
He stormed in after we had been inside for a few minutes and started shouting at us for taking pictures. Which we had not.
He would hear none of it. His anger focused on my 11-year-old son. The custodian shouted at him that taking pictures was forbidden, which we knew, we had read the signs. But he had seen him do it and demanded his phone.
My son answered politely, in his best English (not his mother tongue), "I did not take any pictures, sir".
The man became even more angry. All the visitors needed to show their phones and also the voluntary contribution to the church was now demanded of everyone by him at high tone.
I calmly showed him my son's phone, opened the camera and showed him the last picture taken. It was an outdoor picture, nothing to do with his church.
But no apology came however on his own false accusation. We needed to pay!
After this statement, he started a loud conversation on his phone while walking back and forth through the little church, ignoring us.
All in all a very strange experience. Very impolite and even in a church as well of all places.
So please do visit the church, it is beautiful, but beware of the Man in Black!"
Marcel Taal
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
St. John's Cathedral is located in the heart of Nicosia's Old Town, near the Archbishop's Palace. It's easily accessible on foot if you're exploring the walled city. Taxis are also readily available to drop you off nearby.
Parking in the immediate vicinity of the Old Town can be challenging. It's best to use public parking lots on the outskirts of the walled city and walk, or consider using a taxi.
Yes, many guided walking tours of Nicosia's Old Town include a stop at St. John's Cathedral, offering historical context and insights.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to St. John's Cathedral is typically free, though a voluntary contribution is encouraged to support its upkeep. +1
Opening hours can vary, but it's generally open during daylight hours on weekdays and Saturdays. It's advisable to check locally or with your accommodation for the most up-to-date times.
Photography is generally not permitted inside the cathedral for most visitors. Please adhere to the posted signs and the custodian's instructions. +1
As it is a place of worship, modest dress is recommended. Shoulders and knees should be covered.
📸 📸 Photography
The exterior of the cathedral, with its Gothic architecture, offers great photo opportunities. The surrounding streets of the Old Town also provide charming backdrops.
No, photography of the frescoes and interior is strictly prohibited for most visitors. +1
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
Its small exterior belies an incredibly rich interior, adorned with stunning 17th-century frescoes and a significant icon wall, offering a deeply spiritual and artistic experience. +1
Absolutely! Visitors consistently praise its breathtaking beauty and historical significance, making it a must-see in Nicosia. +1
The atmosphere is described as peaceful, inspiring, and deeply spiritual, allowing visitors to connect with the history and art.
The staff are often welcoming and happy to share insights. Guided tours also provide historical context.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
Art & History Enthusiasts
Consider visiting with a local guide or researching the artists and historical context beforehand to enhance your appreciation of the intricate details and stories depicted within the cathedral's walls.
Culture Seekers
Embrace the local customs by dressing modestly and respecting the no-photography rule. Engaging with the staff, if possible, can offer valuable cultural context and personal anecdotes about the cathedral's significance.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Artistry of the Frescoes
These frescoes were created by artists like Elias Koutsis and Ioannis Koutsis, commissioned by Archbishop Nikodemos. They represent a significant example of post-Byzantine art in Cyprus. The vivid colors and narrative detail make it a truly immersive experience, even with the photography restrictions.
Key takeaway: The frescoes are the absolute highlight, offering a visual feast of religious art that is rarely found elsewhere. Plan to spend time absorbing the details, even without a camera.
Navigating the Custodian Experience
It's important to approach the visit with an understanding of these potential interactions. Being respectful, adhering strictly to the no-photography rule, and remaining calm if questioned can help ensure a smoother visit. While the art is breathtaking, be prepared for a potentially stern guardian of the cathedral's sanctity.
Community Advice: If you encounter issues, try to remain polite and show that you are respecting the rules. The beauty of the interior is worth the effort to navigate this aspect of the visit.
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