The Church of Stavros tou-Agiasmati is located a few kilometers from the villages of Platanistasa and Agros near Nicosia.

In 1453 on the place of Orthodox Greeks, escaped from Constantinople after it was captured by Turkish troops, he founded a small monastery and they called him in the name of the true cross. A little later, in the late fifteenth century, there was built and the monastery Church. It was a very small building, a rectangular building with a tiled roof and several niches in the form of arches in the side walls. In 1494 the celebrated local artist Philip Buzz adorned the inner walls of the temple beautiful painting, using several styles, including Byzantine and Italian. In addition to the frescoed walls were also covered and wooden beams that support the roof of the building.

The painting depicts scenes from the New Testament, as well as the faces of the Orthodox saints. Though the drawings have been preserved quite well, unfortunately, many individuals scratched eye. The legend of the desecration of the temple was held by one of the Turkish soldiers, who later paid dearly for his trick – he soon lost sight and was tragically killed.

Around the XVIII century, during the reign of the island of the Turks, the monastery was gradually abandoned by its inhabitants. Survived only a Church that already in the times of the independence of Cyprus was restored. Since then, UNESCO has included Stavros-Tu-Agiasmati in the world heritage list.

The Church is far enough in the mountains, so before it hard to get. In addition, to get inside the building, on the visit it is advisable to agree in advance.