The Panagia Katholiki was built in the 12th century on a cruciform plan with a dome over the crossing. The church stands east of the Sanctuary of Aphrodite and incorporates some building materials from the neighboring temple.

During the rule of the Frankish House of Lusignan, the church belonged to the adjacent royal estate of Couvoucle. Under Venetian rule between 1489 and 1571, the church was extended to the west, and the late Gothic arcade around the sanctuary and a grand portal were added.

This site was uninterrupted a religious centre, from the worship of Aphrodite to Christianity. The church was initially named Panagia Aphroditissa.