One of the most remarkable buildings of Cyprus's Lusignan (or Frankish) period is the Royal Chapel. It was built at the beginning of the 15th century by order of King John (Janus), who came from the Lusignan dynasty (which gave this period its name). The chapel is located in the village of Pyrga, between Nicosia and Larnaca.
Ancient frescoes, contemporary with the chapel itself, have been preserved inside. They are painted in the Byzantine style, but in some figures one can trace the influence of Italian Renaissance painters on the artist. One of the frescoes also depicts the royal couple, kneeling before the crucified Christ. An inscription made by the artist next to the image indicates that these are indeed King Janus and his wife Charlotte de Bourbon. Historians who know Old French note that the artist made several mistakes in it. He was probably poor and therefore illiterate.
Entrance to Saint Catherine's Chapel is paid - 1.7 euros. If the door is locked, go to the nearest coffee shop; most likely the attraction's "chief caretaker" has stepped in there for a cup of coffee.
