Saint Nicholas Chapel, Protaras, Cyprus

The Church of Agios Nikolaos, or Church of Saint Nicholas, is a small chapel in the Protaras area of Cyprus. It is located right on Kalamies Beach, next to a fishing pier.

There is a legend about Agio Nikolaos resurrecting a drowned sailor who was traveling to Jerusalem. Likewise, many of his miracles are related to the sea, the reason for which he is the patron saint of sailors. This is also why his tiny church was built next to the fishing wharf in Protaras, where locals still believe he was protecting their boats and crew.

Unlike Western churches, which are designed with tall spiers gathering worshipers towards heaven and god, this Orthodox church represents the bringing of god to earth. It has blue domes and whitewashed walls, similar to traditional Greek colors.

This church is also a popular destination for weddings and baptisms. In fact, it is a very romantic place as it is actually located on the water. Sunsets and sunrises here are beautiful, although any time of day makes for a picture-perfect setting.