Visiting Agia Aikaterini (St Catherine) Fytefkia Chapel in Paphos
- Through My Eyes
- Sep 3
- 2 min read
Tucked away in the hills of Paphos, about 6 km from Kritou Terra, the chapel of Agia Aikaterini Fytefkia (St Catherine) sits quietly in the countryside. Built in the late 15th to early 16th century, it is one of Cyprus’s most important examples of Frankish-Byzantine architecture, a style that blends traditional Orthodox church forms with Western Gothic influences introduced during the Lusignan and Venetian periods.
The term "Fytefkia" was used locally to describe the area, reflecting its agricultural character and fertile lands. Over time, the name Fytefkia became closely associated with the chapel, leading to its common reference as Agia Aikaterini Fytefkia.
The chapel is dedicated to St Catherine of Alexandria, a 4th-century Christian martyr, though she never actually visited Cyprus. Its connection comes through the Monastery of St Catherine on Mount Sinai, which founded this small chapel. As a metochi, it carried the spiritual traditions of the Sinai monastery, including devotion to St Catherine. Inside, murals of the saint remain, a quiet reminder of her symbolic presence and the chapel’s religious roots.
The chapel is a basilica with three aisles. The main aisle, crowned with a dome, is bordered by two side aisles that end in semi-circular apses. Pointed Gothic arches, supported by solid stone pillars, connect the aisles. The western entrance hall showcases the chapel’s blended style, combining domes with Gothic arches. This mix of Byzantine and Gothic elements is typical of Cypriot churches from this period, giving the building a unique architectural character that reflects the island’s layered history.
Agia Aikaterini was founded as a metochi (dependency) of the Monastery of St Catherine on Mount Sinai. According to tradition, it was established by a Sinai monk who lived here in solitude.
For centuries, the chapel was at the heart of the monastery’s estate. Historical records indicate the Sinai monastery controlled around 3,000 donums of land (roughly 4 km²), which were leased to local villagers until the early 20th century. Monks from Sinai would travel to Cyprus to oversee these properties and collect rents, a practice that continued until about 1900. Most of the land was eventually sold to locals in 1911, but the chapel itself remained tied to the monastery.
The chapel was badly damaged during the 1953 earthquake that struck Paphos. Restoration began shortly afterward under the Department of Antiquities, with major work completed in the mid-1950s. In 1994, further restoration was carried out through the efforts of the Kritou Terra Association of Expatriates, ensuring the building’s preservation for future generations.
Although much of the decoration has faded, the remaining wall paintings hint at the chapel’s former richness. A notable mural of St Catherine still remains, along with traces of other iconography. The space is modest and filled with soft, filtered light, highlighted by its traditional wooden iconostasis, creating an intimate and peaceful atmosphere.
Today, Agia Aikaterini is mostly quiet, but it fills with worshippers and visitors on special occasions, especially November 25, St Catherine’s name day.
Nestled in the quiet countryside near Kritou Terra and Choli, the chapel feels like a step back in time. Its peaceful surroundings and rich history make it a special place to explore. Perfect for a quiet visit, reflection, or discovering one of Paphos’ hidden gems.
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