Agia Paraskevi Church (Germasogeia)

One of the most characteristic churches of the wider Limassol area is located in the historical center of Germasogeia, a point of reference for the area for more than a century. Featuring strong Gothic elements in its décor, the church stands out and has been impressing visitors from 1904 to this day.

Construction took 6 years to complete, as financial resources were limited. The inhabitants of the village thus participated in the erection efforts, helping with the building every Sunday after the end of the Holy Liturgy. Men would carry rocks provided by the quarry crews, women would carry water from the river and use it to fill the large clay jars, and children on donkeys would transport sand and gravel from the beach to the building site.

The one-aisled basilica is stone-built, while its Gothic décor reveals design influences from the craftsman of Kaimakli, one of many who had adopted this heritage from the years of Frankish rule (examples of this influence exist today in many churches of Nicosia, as well as the city walls). The exterior walls are crafted with arches and other designs, while the windows all feature decorative elements all across their upper parts.

Photo: Union of Cyprus Municipalities

The belfry is elegant and simple, perfectly tying in with the overall aesthetics of the church. The initial belfry was built in 4 levels, but in 1923 had suffered severe damage due to lightning. Faced with the risk of its complete collapse, the tower was carefully taken apart after each stone was numbered. It was then rebuilt with iron and concrete reinforcements, though it was one level lower than before, as the damage done to the stones was irreparable.

Agia Paraskevi is the patron saint of Germasogeia, and is celebrated on 26 July.