After the ending of the Arab raids, the Cypriot Churches met days of freedom and recreation. The worship of God was unhindered and ecclesiastical art met days of creativity and euphoria. Below are some unique monasteries of Cyprus to visit and discover the history behind the awe.
Kykkos Monastery
Kykkos monastery is one of the most popular monasteries in Cyprus and counts 900 years of existence. It is located in the western part of the Troodos mountain range, just 18 kilometers from the top of Mount Olympus. The monastery is built at an altitude of 1200 meters.
Kykkos monastery is well known for the famous icon of Virgin Mary that has been made by Apostle Luke. When you visit Kykkos monastery, don’t hesitate to visit the great museum of the Monastery (free entrance) and admire the wonderful scenery.
Opening Hours from November until May from 10:00 to 16:00, June until October from 10:00 to 18:00. Closed on Public Holidays
Tel: 22942435|Find Kykkos Monastery
Machairas Monastery
The Holy, Royal Monastery of Panagia Machaira is located at the eastern end of the Troodos mountain range near the Kionia peak (1423 m), at an altitude of 870 meters. It is built on a beautiful, pine-covered hillside, which ends up in the stream Pediou. Machairas Monastery is famous for the icon of Virgin Mary that has been found in a miraculous way.
It will be great to visit also the Monastery Museum and buy excellent herbs for tea. If you want, you can also visit the hideout of Grigoris Avxentiou, which is very close to the monastery.
Opening Hours from November until May, from 10:00 to 16:00, June until October from 10:00 to 18:00. Closed on Public Holidays
Tel: 22942435|Find Machairas Monastery
Agios Iraklidios Monastery
The monastery is located a few kilometers from Nicosia and is built between the olive groves of Politiko village, where once was the ancient city of Tamassos. It is a women’s monastery and is one of the first women’s monasteries in Cyprus) since 1963 with many nuns.
You can buy there sweet almond, biscuits, and other kinds of treats produced by the monastery. Moreover, Saint Iraklidios is known for its golden embroidery made by the nuns.
Open Monday to Friday from 8:00 to 12:30 and 15:30 to 18:00, Weekends from 06:00 to 18:00 – Closed on Public Holidays.
Tel: 22623950|Find Agios Iraklidios Monastery
Stavrovouni Monastery
Stavrovouni is among the most famous monasteries in Cyprus. The Monastery is located at the top of the Mount Stavrovouni, at an altitude of 750 meters near the villages of Kornos, Pyrga and Klavdiain and only men allowed to visit it.
Stavrovouni Monastery is famous for the piece of the Holy Cross brought in by St. Helen during her travels to the Holy land. The monastery has a number of old documents, utensils, icons, hagiographies and other items that testify its long history.
Open September until March from 7:00 to 11:00 and 14:00 to 17:00|April until August from 7:00 to 12:00 and 15:00 to 19:00
Tel: 22533630|Find Stavrovouni Monastery
Trooditissa Monastery
The Monastery of Panagia Troodotissa is a male monastery built on a pine-covered area of Troodos between the villages of Platres and Prodromos.
The monastery is higher than any other in Cyprus, since it is 1380 meters above sea level.
The Virgin Mary of Troodos has been named Panagia Olympia as it is near to Mount Olympus.
Church Opening Hours: 9:00 to 12:00 and 14:00 to 16:00.
Tel: 25991014|Find Troodotissa Monastery
Agios Neophytos Monastery
The monastery of Agios Neophytos is located 10 km outside Paphos, near the village of Tala. It was founded by Agios Neofytos in 1159.
St. Neophytos lived there and died in 1219, at the age of 85. The church of the monastery was built approximately 200 years after the death of St. Neophytos and it has been dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Agios Neophytos monastery is well known for the cave where St. Neophytos lived.
The cave is an enclosed area carved into the mountain by the hermit himself, containing some of the most remarkable Byzantine frescoes dating back to the 12th to the 15th century. The rock he used as a table and the stone platform he used to sleep on is still kept in his cell (which is also his tomb).
Opening Hours for Museum and Hermitage (Enkleistra):
April until October open daily from 9:00 to 13:00 and 14:00 to 18:00, November until March open daily from 9:00 to 16:00.
Tel: 26652481|Find Agios Neophytos Monastery
Chrysorogiatissa Monastery
The monastery is beautifully located near the village of Panagia, west of the Paphos forest. It was founded in 1152 AD by the monk Ignatius, who found the miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary in the area of Moulia in Paphos .It is believed that the icon was painted by the Evangelist Luke.
Monk Ignatios transferred the icon to the mountain and built the monastery dedicated to the Virgin Mary Chrysorogiatissa.
The monastery is well known for the icon of Christ and the Virgin Mary and is considered to be hagiographed by Apostle Luke, the Evangelist. The monastery was the center of protection of Byzantine and post-Byzantine icons, as well as other treasures. A Byzantine museum was also created at the monastery. The old winery of the monastery produces some of the best vintage wines of Cyprus, from its own vineyards .
Opening Hours from May until August from 9:30 to 12:30 and 13:30 to 18:30 | September until April from 10:00 to 12:30 and 13:30 to 16:00
Tel: 26722457|Find Chrysorogiatissa Monastery
Timios Prodromos Monastery
This 900 years old monastery is only for men and is located in a wonderful location on the southern slope of the Troodos mountain range, in the forest of Pefki in Mesa Potamos, in Moniatis.
Beside the great historical background of the monastery, you will find yourself in a beautiful forest, with the waterfalls of Mesa Potamos, located 200 meters from the monastery, where there is also a resting area for you to relax and eat.
We suggest you try the traditional paximadi, loukoumia and the aromatic herbs made by the monks.
Tel: 25820520|Find Timios Prodromos Monastery
Agios Minas Monastery
The Agios Minas women’s monastery was built during the 15th century at a high plantation, mountainous area in the Larnaca district, near the village of Vavla. The monastery is famous for the miraculous icon of Saint Minas and for the fresco of 1757, which is an art piece made by hagiographer Filaretos.
You can buy genuine honey from the monastery, traditional sweets, herbs and various souvenirs.
Open daily from October until April, from 9:30 to 11:30 and 14:00 to 16:00 | May until September 9:30 to 11:30 and 15:00 to 16:30 (Group visits by appointment)
Tel: 24342952|Find Agios Minas Monastery