Lighting interventions in Byzantine and medieval churches, Cyprus
The natural lighting of the Byzantine and medieval churches of Cyprus that remain in liturgical use throughout the centuries has often changed dramatically, as a consequence of interventions to the buildings that aim to meet the growing needs of church-goers and visitors – including structural interventions that affect both the quantity and quality of sunlight entering churches and disrupt the once harmonious relationship between the exterior and the interior. Moreover, the artificial lighting systems installed to meet liturgical needs or to accommodate visitors are often installed without previous planning or study, altogether lacking in direction and principles. In response to this need and in collaboration with the Department of Antiquities in Cyprus, the A. G. Leventis Foundation has supported the installation of artificial lighting systems in ten churches in the Mt Troodos region which are on the UNESCO List of World Heritage Sites, in a way that highlights their unique historical importance and spiritual character.
