HOLY CHURCH OF SAINT SYNESIOU

This exceptionally important church is the patron and the central religious landmark of occupied Rizokarpaso, while it is also historically connected with Trikomo through the common ecclesiastical heritage of Karpasia. The monument consists of two adjoining inscribed cruciform churches with a dome, as its original Byzantine structure of the twelfth century was significantly extended towards the west at the end of the nineteenth century. The church is built right next to the rock-cut cave where Saint Synesios practised asceticism and was buried, who served as Bishop of Karpasia during the fifth century. Despite the difficulties of the Turkish occupation, the building was recently conserved by the bicommunal Technical Committee, remaining a living beacon for the remaining enclaved persons of the peninsula.