Panagia tou Araka, Byzantine church in Lagoudera, Cyprus.

Panagia tou Araka is a Byzantine church standing on the slopes of Madari peak in the Troodos Mountains with a single aisle, a dome, and a cross-shaped roof. The building sits in a mountainous setting and is part of a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The interior frescoes were completed by Theodore Apsevdis in December 1192 and represent one of the most complete Middle Byzantine painting collections in Cyprus. This artistic achievement shows the site's importance for religious art at that time.

The name Araka likely comes from the vetch plant or from hierax, the hawk. The church is one of ten Painted Churches of the Troödos region listed by UNESCO in 1985. The Virgin of the Passion on the southeastern wall shows Mary standing full-length before her throne, holding the Christ child, with angels bearing the spear and cross.

Visitors need to contact the local priest beforehand to arrange access, as the church is not always open to walk in. Arranging this detail in advance ensures a smooth visit.

The frescoes were restored in the 14th century after water damage, and the restoration inscription was signed by a deacon named Leontios. Conservators David and June Winfield worked on the paintings from 1968 to 1973 under Dumbarton Oaks, noting pigments such as ultramarine, vermilion, gold leaf and silver available in the valley.