Holy Church of Saint Synesiou

This exceptionally important church is the patron shrine and the central religious landmark of occupied Rizokarpaso, while it is also historically connected with Trikomo through the shared ecclesiastical heritage of Karpasia. The monument consists of two consecutive cross-in-square domed churches, as the original Byzantine structure of the twelfth century was significantly extended to the west in the late nineteenth century. The church is built right next to the rock-hewn cave where Saint Synesios, who served as Bishop of Karpasia in the fifth century, practised asceticism and was buried. Despite the difficulties of the Turkish occupation, the structure was recently maintained by the bicommunal Technical Committee, remaining a living beacon for the remaining enclaved inhabitants of the peninsula.