In Treis Elies, sacred architecture and landscape can be considered as two distinct themes. The Church of Panagia Chrysosotira and the Chapel of Agia Paraskevi are located in the village. A hiking trail in the Limassol mountain region lies just a few metres from the last houses; the Chapel of Prophet Elias is about three kilometres north, in the mountainous area of the community. This allows you to distinguish village churches from destinations in the surrounding mountains from the outset.
Churches and Chapels in Treis Elies
The Church of Panagia Chrysosotira was built in 1743 from local stone as a basilica and has a distinctive pitched roof covered with tiles. Inside the church is an icon of Panagia Chrysosotira dated to 1770, a work by the hieromonk Charalambos. The dates refer to different things: 1743 marks the construction of the church, while 1770 dates the icon. This allows you to consider the architecture and a single sacred work of art separately at the same site. The building style, materials and icon offer concrete points of reference for understanding the cultural aspects of the village.
The Chapel of Agia Paraskevi offers a different architectural accent. It is a small, single-aisled church with a wooden roof dating from the 17th century. “Single-aisled” describes a church with one main nave; the term helps distinguish its form from the basilica of Panagia Chrysosotira. Its date also sets it apart: Agia Paraskevi dates to the 17th century, while Panagia Chrysosotira was built in 1743. A small chapel with a wooden roof and a basilica built from local stone with a tiled roof therefore stand side by side as distinct architectural forms. The Church of Archangel Michael is also among the religious monuments of the community.
Nearby is the Chapel of Prophet Elias, also dating from the 17th century. It is located about three kilometres north of Treis Elies in the mountainous area of the community. Its shared period with Agia Paraskevi contrasts with its different location: Agia Paraskevi is in the village, while Prophet Elias is in the northern mountain area. You can therefore consider both construction dates and location when comparing religious buildings.
Hiking Trail and Landscape
The hiking trail in the Limassol mountain region is described as particularly idyllic and old. It lies just a few metres from the last houses in Treis Elies. Along the trail, you will come across two Venetian bridges, as well as lush foliage and scrubland. The trail description thus focuses on different features from the churches: here, the emphasis is on bridges and vegetation, while the churches are distinguished by their architecture, materials and dates. If you plan your trip around your interests, you can consider sacred architecture, the chapel in the northern mountain area and the landscape-focused trail as distinct themes.
Discover more destinations: Pelentri, Troodos, Fasoula, Koilani, Alassa, Vasa, Pyrgos, Ayios Therapon.
For the regional travel overview: Limassol.
