Peristeróna can be explored through several themes: the Church of Saints Barnabas and Hilarion, the Turkish mosque standing right beside it, and the village’s location near the western bank of the river of the same name. It is also a stop on a religious western route. If you are looking for a destination where cultural heritage and geographical context come together, Peristeróna offers several points of interest. The church preserves wall paintings and icons; the shared view of the church and mosque has its own historical significance, while the river places the village within a water system.

Riverside location

Peristeróna lies about 32 kilometres west of Lefkosia (Nicosia), the capital of Cyprus. The river of the same name flows near the western bank of the village and is a tributary of the Serrakhis. Some tributaries of the Serrakhis rise in Peristeróna and Akaki. These connections provide another point of reference for finding your bearings: Peristeróna can be understood both in relation to the capital and in terms of its location within the river system. This offers a different perspective on the village from its churches and their furnishings.

Church and mosque

The present five-domed Church of Saints Barnabas and Hilarion was built at the beginning of the 12th century. Remains of 15th-century wall paintings are preserved inside. The icons include depictions of Christ, the Apostle Paul, Saint Barnabas and the Mother of God. A depiction of Saints Barnabas and Hilarion dates from the 16th century. These details refer to different features of the church: when it was built, its preserved wall paintings and the named icons.

The Turkish mosque of Peristeróna stands beside the church. Before the Turkish invasion of 1974, the two buildings appeared together on earlier banknotes and postage stamps. They symbolised the peaceful coexistence of Greek and Turkish Cypriots. When exploring the village, the physical proximity of the two places of worship complements the historical significance attributed to their shared image.

Route and other visitor interests

Peristeróna is a named stop on the religious western route “Cyprus the island of Saints (West)”. If you include this route in your travel plans, you can consider the village as one of its listed stops. The route information and the details about the church answer different questions: the route places Peristeróna within a religious itinerary, while the wall paintings, icons and neighbouring mosque form the focus of its local cultural heritage.

Another point of interest is the outdoor fitness equipment in Peristeróna Park. It is intended for young people aged 14 and over and for adults. As the condition of the equipment may change, check it before use. In addition to its religious and historical interest, the village therefore offers a sporting option for the age groups mentioned. When planning an overnight stay, you can then weigh up which of these interests is the deciding factor in choosing Peristeróna as your destination.

Discover more destinations: Yeşilırmak, Ghaziveran, Lakatamia, Phicardou, Dilekkaya, Strovolos, Nisou, Pachyammos

For the main travel overview: Nicosia.