26. BASIL, SAINT

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The church stands at the northwestern edge of Xylotymbou (Larnaca district) near the coast.

Description: The small single-aisled vaulted structure is built in large rough ashlar blocks on an elongated plan with a semi-circular apse and a pointed vault carried on four ribs.

Dating: A likely 12th century date is suggested by traces of fresco decoration [MKE 3, 179] previously dated to the 15th century [Gunnis (1936) 466].

Modern repairs: Unspecified repairs were reported in the early 20th century [Gunnis (1936) 466]; the frescoes were treated in 1973 [ARDA 1973, 17].

Early literature: The church is not mentioned before the early 20th century [Jeffery (1918) 197].