Religious & Cultural Monuments

Machairas Monastery

Below the Machaira Mountain, on the slopes of Mount Kionia at an altitude of 870 meters, stands the Machairas Monatery. One of the Royal and Stavropegic monasteries of the island it houses the miraculous icon of Panagia of Machiras, attributed to Agios Loukas the Evangelist. Legend has it the icon was brought to the island by a recluse in the 8th-9th century, but the icon was only uncovered later and the monastery was built in that location.

Endeavouring to reach the sky the 19 meters high bell tower dates back to the 1900, while the wood carved iconostasi was crafted in 1919-1921 by Georgios Kyriakou. Trek below the monastery and unearth the vestry which was recently renovated thanks to a grant by the Anastasios G.Leventis Foundation. Discover the monk’s original cells, stable and storage areas. Uncover a collection of old books, manuscripts, icons and precious religious artefacts; and journey in time. The Monastery’s important role during the EOKA struggle as a refuge for the heroes of the revolution make it an important monument for Cypriot history.

No photos or video – cameras are allowed within the monastery area.

Tel: +357 22 359 334, Fax: +357 22 359 333

Kykkos Monastery

Sitting at an altitude of 4,320 feet in the Marathasa region, the most lavish and rich monastery in Cyprus exhibits national treasures available for all visitors to admire. The Monastery of Kykkos was founded at the end of the 11th century during the reign of Emperor Alexios Komnenos I and was dedicated to Panagia ( the Virgin Mary).

An integral part of the monastery, holding treasures of immense value is the museum. Within the museum one can find relics divided into four rooms : Antiques; Early Christian, Byzantine, Post-Byzantine, Vestments, Jewelry; Pictures, Frescoes, Wood carvings; Manuscripts, documents, books. The museum also hosts the Workshop where the manuscripts, icons and monastery is preserved. Visit the monastery to find one of three icons attributed to Agios Loukas, an icon covered in silver gilt in a shrine made of mother-of-pearl and tortoise shell.

Troodotissa Monastery

Nestled within green foliage and pine trees on the southern slopes of Troodos Mountains, lies the Trooditissa Monastery. Contained within is a silver leaf covered icon of the Virgin Mary along with an admirable collection of art. Built higher than any other monastery at 1370 meters high, it is one of the few monasteries which the date it was founded remains unknown. The oldest reference of the monastery is of a 14th century deed. However, legend has it during the 8th-9th century a shepherd came across the cave and uncovered the icon of the Virgin Mary, which the monastery is dedicated to. The current church was built in the 1731 after the original temple was torched by the Ottomans.

Timios Prodromos Monastery

In the Troodos forest area of Mesa Potamos lies the Monastery of Timos Prodromos (St. John the Baptist). A male monastery counting 900 years of existence, faced a decline in the 18th century and was deserted in the 1950s. In the early 2000s the monastery was inhabited with a small number of monks. The beauty of the natural environment of dense flora, river water and waterfalls surrounding the monastery along with a preserved 16th century temple creates a tranquil haven for those seeking to visit the monastery.

Panagia Trikoukkia Monastery

Travel two kilometers down from the village of Prodromos on the way towards the Platres resort and discover the Panagia Trikoukkia Monastery. Set in a mesmerizing environment with mountain views and pine forests a stone built church with a wooden roof with tiles tale stories of glory. As with other historic monasteries of the range the exact date it was founded remains undetermined, although some place it during the Byzantine time. Some consider it the oldest monastery in Cyprus.

Legend says that the Virgin of Mary Monastery, Panagia Trikoukkiotiss, is miraculous as is her icon attributed to Apostole Luke. However, the icon’s location is currently unknown. Many stores also surround the origin of the monastery’s name. Some claim it comes from a local wild tree named trikoukkies or mosfilies; others attribute it to the tree kokkonia; while others believe it was name so during Ottoman rule as the monastery took one tenth of income shares called ‘trikoutsin’.

Restores in 1761, it operates until the late 18th century and was converted to a women’s monastery during British Rule. Visit the monastery to find a serene monastery with no phones allowed and where worshipers can find jams, books and trinkets made by the nuns to purchase and have remembering the visit.

If you visit during the Easter Tuesday or on August 15th experience the procession of the sacred ivon of the Virgin Mary in celebration of the Virgin of Trikoukkia.

Panagia Chrysokourdaliotissa Monastery

A Medieval monastery declared as an ancient monument is located at Kourdali village. Set in a tranquil natural environment with a river running along the grounds and a Venetian Bridge decorated by walnut trees, olive trees and dense pine trees. Established in the 16th century, the church is only build what is still standing. Dedicated to the Assumption of the Holy Mary, the church contains rich artwork and astounding architecture. It is the most ancient monument of the region.

The exquisite architecture includes wooden carved and painted posts which along with beams support the wooden roof. Within the temple one finds admirable art painted on walls which have survived and depict some of the best frescos. A gilded carved iconostasi frames the remarkable icons within which one can find the miraculous Virgin Mary icon painted in the 16th century.

The committee has been working on re-establishing the monastery with plans of expanding to be able to accept more nuns and host more visitors. A nun, Sister Isidora has recently settled at Kourdali and runs the church.

Contact details:+357 22922212, 99770592