Agios Kassianos (Saint Cassian Church), Nicosia

Nestled near the Green Line and close to the Chrysaliniotissa Church in Nicosia’s old town, the Saint Cassian Church (Agios Kassianos) is a distinctive spiritual and historical landmark. It is the only church in Cyprus dedicated to Saint Cassian the Roman, a 4th-century figure revered in the Orthodox tradition as a founder of Western monasticism. His feast day-29 February-is celebrated once every four years, adding a unique rhythm to the church’s liturgical calendar.

Originally built in the 15th century, the church was destroyed by fire during the Ottoman siege of 1570 and was rebuilt in 1854. Its current architectural form includes two naves under a steeply pitched roof-the north nave dates to the 18th century, while the south was added during the 19th-century reconstruction. Despite its modern rebuild, the structure incorporates numerous fragments of the older building. Notably, the central arcade, with two circular columns and cushion capitals, maybe a surviving feature of the original construction.

Inside, visitors encounter a blend of ancient and newer ecclesiastical art and architecture. The stone baldachin over the altar, the iconostasis from the 18th century, and a remarkable font used during Epiphany ceremonies all contribute to the church’s spiritual and cultural atmosphere. The church once held valuable icons, including a large icon dated to 1529 and another depicting the Virgin Mary from around 1400, some believed to be from Hagia Sophia. Most are now housed in the Byzantine Museum in Lefkosia.

The church also houses significant relics: the skull and bones of Saint Cassian are kept in a golden box, and the saint’s silver helmet-thought to be miraculous and particularly beneficial for relieving headaches-remains one of the church’s most visited treasures. This helmet, along with a Greek gospel from 1781 dedicated to the saint, reinforces the church’s role as a place of healing, faith, and pilgrimage.