Journey to the Past
History of Ayios Philon Church
The ancient city of Karpasia, with which the church is associated, has a history dating from 1050 BC to the Middle Ages. The city, which first appeared in history as a Phoenician colony, gained strength as an important port and market place trading between Salamis and Anatolia. According to legends, the founder of the city is Pygmalion, known as the king of Cyprus and the first sculptor.
According to Greek mythology, Pygmalion made an ivory statue to create the perfect woman and fell in love with it. Aphrodite, the goddess of love, was impressed by this crazy love of Pygmalion and gave life to the statue. Later, Pygmalion and the woman who took the name Galatia got married.
Ayios Philon Church bears the name of St. Philon, who was appointed as the first bishop of the city in the 4th century AD. It is known that the foundations of the church first belonged to a structure built during this period. Today’s church structure was raised on these foundations in the 14th century. While walking among the ruins of the church, architectural traces of the early Christian period can be seen. The building has a basilical plan and was designed as a church with three naves. In addition, there are ancient harbor ruins and tombs carved into the rock around the church. These tombs date back to the Classical, Hellenistic and early Christian periods.
Location
Where is Ayios Philon Church?
Ayios Philon Church is located in the Dipkarpaz region of Northern Cyprus, at one of the most extreme points of the Karpaz Peninsula. The church is located about 5 kilometers north of the village of Dipkarpaz, on a quiet and scenic coastline. At this location there is also a restaurant where you can enjoy the beach and a beach with the same name as the church.
Transportation
How to get to Ayios Philon Church?
Transportation to Kilis is provided by road via Karpaz Highway. However, if you have not yet entered Cyprus, you should first land at Nicosia Ercan Airport. Flights from Turkey to TRNC take approximately 1 hour. In addition, if you prefer the sea route instead of the airline, there are reciprocal ferry services from Kyrenia port to Anamur and Mersin.
Travel time to Dipkarpaz village is approximately 2 hours from Nicosia and Kyrenia and approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes from Famagusta.
Visit Information
Visiting Hours and Entrance Fee for Ayios Philon Church
There is no set time to visit the church. Entrance is free of charge. However, the restaurant and accommodation facility right next to the church is open from 09:00 to 23:00.
Ayios Philon Church Photos
Plan Your Iskele Sightseeing Route
Places to visit in İskele
Trikomo offers a different adventure to its visitors with its historical ruins and natural beauties. As you approach Dipkarpaz, where the island ends, it draws attention with its changing atmosphere and magnificent structures that have survived from centuries ago to the present day.
