Ayioi Saranta Cave Church (Protaras): A Rare and Totally Unique Little Church!

Ayioi Saranta Cave Church in Protaras is actually built within the walls of a naturally formed cave, which makes it totally unique and above all, enchanting.

“Saranta” means “Forty”.

“Ayioi” means “Saints or Holy”.

“Ayioi Saranta” = “Holy Forty”

It’s a memorable little church “nestling” in a naturally formed cave, and has remained preserved and unchanged for hundreds of years. The Ayioi Saranta Church is a little church off the beaten track, away from the noisy tourist areas, you’ll have to “keep your eyes skinned” to spot it! :-)

Beware: Vehicles with a low ground clearance might have a bit of a hard time to getting up the bumpy road to the approach!

Read on to find out more about this wonderfully cute little church nestling away in a naturally formed cave…just click on one of the quick links below and we’ll take you right there “in a jiffy…”.

Quick links:

About the Ayioi Saranta Cave Church (Protaras)
Pictures of the Ayioi Saranta Cave Church

About the Ayioi Saranta Cave Church (Protaras)

Hiding amongst the rocky outcrops just outside Protaras, you will happen upon the cave church of Ayioi Saranta. It’s a little “hidden” gem, arduously carved out from within the cave walls itself.

The church is dedicated to the Holy Forty…the Forty Martyrs of Sebaste (Roman soldiers martyred in 320 AD for refusing to renounce their Christian faith).

When you get close enough to the entrance of the church you will see that the walls have been whitewashed, look for an old door with a simple cross above it, inside a simple but beautiful stone cupola, crowning the opening in the ceiling.

The cupola channels natural daylight into the church itself, under the right conditions causing an almost divine ray of sunlight adorning this beautiful little chapel.

Entering the church itself, you will realize that it has been left almost untouched for centuries! What you will find inside is a paved floor and a few icons. There is no iconostasis, just the carved out natural stone! What a treat!

Although very small, this church is a place for meditation and prayer all year round. It invites quiet reflection since it’s away from the hustle and bustle of Protaras’ town centre.

It’s not grandeur that makes the Ayioi Saranta Church (Holy Forty) stand out, but its elegant simplicity!

What will you find if you visit this secluded hidden gem... Stone, a few icons, natural light, quiet solitude, simplicity in all its splendor!! What a wonderful experience! Something to definitely write home about… Why not be a little nostalgic, and send a postcard home to remind everyone where you are and how much you miss them…!! :-)

This little church invites you to stand still and admire the blend of nature and faith.

So, if you are looking for calm moments in a world of constant noise and aggression, away from the bustling town of Protaras, then the Ayioi Saranta Cave Church is waiting for you! It’s worth your time, if you are seeking moments of clarity and reflection.

Note: There are no shops or kiosks nearby this wonderful little cave church. So, you might want to take with you a bottle of water, a pair of sun-glasses, a hat, some sun cream, comfortable shoes, and of course a camera phone, so that you can share your adventure with our community of avid readers.

Pictures of the Ayioi Saranta Cave Church

Walking towards the church of Ayioi Saranta in Protaras, Famagusta district, Cyprus

Outside the church of Ayioi Saranta

Inside the church of Ayioi Saranta in Protaras

Ayioi Saranta church from afar!

...And the night draws in on our lovely “Ayioi Saranta Cave Church (Protaras)”. We wish you the best holiday in the exotic resort of Protaras. Come back soon! :-)