8889

The remains of the medieval church on Zik-Zak Street

28/11/2020
* NOTE: All the tributes of All About Limassol (as the Official Guide of Limassol) aim to ONLY highlight the special advantages of this wonderful city, so that everyone can be aware of the unique Experiences it offers. Under no circumstances do they have any promotional or nominal value, nor do they serve the interests of Companies, Municipalities, Organizations or Individuals.

Religion
Social Life

Zik-Zak Street, the colorful, picturesque alley that crosses the city center, is known as a fun place to hang out. However, there is more to this street than meets the eye, as it marks a crossroads of various cultures and is home to important historic monuments from the city's past. 

Besides the Jamii Kebir (Great Mosque), which is easily detectable, there are also the remains of a medieval (Lusignan) church there. This ancient basilica on Zik-Zak street is located in the middle of the pedestrian path, where part of a two-aisled church dating back to the Middle Ages is visible. 

The foundation of the church appears to have been built atop the remains of an even older religious monument. As is estimated, the temple's glory days were during the Byzantine and Medieval eras, between the 8th and 13th centuries. 

The church seems to have been revived in the 14th century, when its ground level was raised and it is said to have become the headquarters of the Latin Church of Limassol. According to tradition, in the 16th century, during the Latin temple's final phase, it was dedicated to Saint Catherine. 

Upon the arrival of the Ottomans on the island, the temple was turned into a mosque named the Great Mosque.

Source of information: "Limassol, Journey to the Times of a City", (2006)

* NOTE: The tributes of the Project "History of Limassol" present information that has emerged from historical research thus far. Any new data is embedded into the tributes, once it has been confirmed.