In a central square of the Choirokitia village in the Limassol district, there is a Holy Church in the name of Agios Iakovos o Persis. It is a very interesting construction since it is built in a single aisled Basilica style, that has intense gothic influences.
It is a construction dated in 1803 as it is written on a carving. The belfry is found on the eastern corner of the wall on the south side, on the top of pillars out of carved stone. It has elaborated carvings on the capitals and bells on two levels. Many of the carvings have probably been executed at different periods, since there are names of the donators as well as dates next to them.
The narthex forms a five sided semi-circle. On the southern wall, just as on the northern, there are five arches forming two external ones. On the western entrance and on the window above it, there are pointed gothic arches, just like in the extensions of the southern and northern walls, as well as the window of the narthex. The northern wall has a width larger than one metre.
The Church of Agios Iakovos o Persis in Choirokitia, apart from its religious importance that it has and it appears from the hundreds of believers that go there daily to worship, it has architectural importance, too, since it was built during a period when in Cyprus the style of Church construction was not clear, which is why it has gothic influences.
It is always open for believers and the Saint is celebrated on the 27th of November each year.
