Prophet Elias Chapel in Agridia: a church on the mountaintop

Above the small mountain village of Agridia in the Pitsilia region stands the white chapel of Prophet Elias. It is located on a mountaintop overlooking Troodos and the neighboring villages, and in clear weather the view stretches as far as Akrotiri Bay. It is worth coming here not only for the chapel itself: there is a viewpoint with a telescope nearby, a large picnic area below, and the trip can be combined with a visit to the modern Troodos Observatory.

• History of the chapel
• What to see
• Viewpoint
• Troodos Observatory
• Agridia village
• Frequently asked questions

History of the Prophet Elias Chapel

The chapel is relatively new: it was built in 1996 with donations from the residents of Agridia. Construction was completed on September 22, 1996, and the consecration took place on July 18, 1998.

However, the religious history of the site itself is much older than the building. According to the recollections of Agridia residents, prayers have long been held on the mountaintop on the Monday after Easter. The hill was considered a place of worship long before the modern chapel appeared.

A local legend is also connected with the veneration of Prophet Elias. According to it, an icon of Prophet Elias was once found between Agridia and Agros. The residents of Agros tried to take it to their village, but, according to the legend, the icon turned out to be so heavy that they were unable to do so. Eventually, it was moved toward Agridia. This legend belongs to the local religious tradition and is not a historically documented event.
Location

What to see

The small chapel was built in the Byzantine style. Inside, the walls are covered with frescoes, while outside the white façades are decorated with religious images. A paved courtyard surrounds the building.

The Prophet Elias Chapel is an active Orthodox religious site. However, no regular schedule for visiting the interior has been published, so the door may be closed during an ordinary visit.

Even so, it is worth coming up here for the setting itself. The chapel stands apart from the village’s dense development, on an open mountaintop surrounded by mountains.

Viewpoint

A viewpoint with wooden benches and a shelter containing a telescope has been set up near the chapel.

From here, there are views of the Troodos, Madari and Papoutsa mountain ranges, as well as Agros, Potamitissa, Pelendri, Agridia, Dymes, Kyperounta and Chandria. In good weather, Kouris Reservoir, Akrotiri Salt Lake and Akrotiri Bay can also be seen from here.

Therefore, the chapel can be regarded both as a religious site and as one of the interesting panoramic viewpoints in this part of Troodos.

Troodos Observatory

Another interesting place in the area is Troodos Observatory, a modern astronomical observatory in Agridia. It is easy to recognize by its unusual futuristic building with two domes.

The observatory offers educational programs and astronomical observations. If you would like to combine a mountain walk with a visit to the observatory, it is best to check the program, visitor access and whether a reservation is required in advance.
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Location

What else to see in Agridia

There is another church of Prophet Elias in the village itself — this is the large main church of Agridia, built between 1956 and 1960. Therefore, it should not be confused with the small white chapel on the mountaintop.

A small church museum is located at the main church, housing items from the older church of Prophet Elias and other lost chapels in the area. An old olive press has also been preserved in the village.

For a short trip, several sites can be combined: walk around Agridia, go up to the chapel and viewpoint, relax in the picnic area and, if you have a reservation, visit Troodos Observatory.

If you are planning a route to see the main attractions of the Republic of Cyprus and want to get around without relying on taxis, it is convenient to compare car rental options in advance through Localrent. It is also worth planning some basic practical matters in advance. Travel medical insurance can be arranged before departure, for example through Tripinsurance, while for navigation and communication on the road, it is convenient to activate a travel eSIM in advance, for example through Drimsim.

Frequently asked questions

Where is the Prophet Elias Chapel located?

The chapel is located on a mountaintop above the village of Agridia in the Pitsilia region, in the Troodos Mountains.

Is the chapel historic?

No. The modern chapel was built in 1996 and consecrated in 1998. However, the site itself was used for religious ceremonies long before the building was constructed.

Is the chapel active?

Yes, it is an active Orthodox chapel. No regular schedule for visiting the interior has been published, so it may be closed outside services.

Is there a viewpoint nearby?

Yes. It is located directly beside the chapel. There are benches, a shelter and a telescope, while the summit offers panoramic views of the mountains and villages of Pitsilia.

Is there a picnic area nearby?

Yes. Below the chapel is Agridia’s equipped picnic area with tables, cooking facilities, water, toilets and a small children’s playground.

What else can be visited nearby?

One of the most interesting nearby places is Troodos Observatory in Agridia. You can also walk around the village itself and see the main church of Prophet Elias.