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Religious & Cultural Monuments

Religious & Cultural Monuments

Seeking refuge and the peace of the Troodos mountain forest, monasteries reside on the mountains of Troodos. Take a journey of religion, history and culture and uncover the treasures lying within them. Uncover ancient icons depicting biblical stories, unique frescos decorating the monasteries and ancient relics. Learn more about the island’s history by visiting Ecclesiastical Museums filled with Byzantine treasures so priceless that ten of the churches belong to the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Whether seeking inner tranquility, a place of prairie, spiritual widening or in need to witness glorious history a visit at the places of devotion has to offer more than one can pursue.

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.

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  • Opening Hours:
    Open daily from 08:30 – 17:30
    The monastery is open for group visits only on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 09:00 – 12:00 (Call in advance)

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).

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  • Opening Hours:
    November – May: 10:00-16:00
    June – October: 10:00-18:00

    All year round. Closed on Public Holidays

TROODITISSA 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…

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  • Opening Hours:
    Any reasonable hour
    All year round

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 …

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  • Opening Hours:
    Any reasonable hour
    All year round

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.

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  • Opening Hours:
    Any reasonable hour
    All year round

PANAGIA CRYSOKOURDALIOTISSA 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.

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  • Opening Hours:
    Any reasonable hour
    All year round