Kykkos Monastery
Ιερά Μονή Κύκκου
Cyprus's wealthiest and most famous monastery, at over 1,300 metres on the western side of the Troodos, with gold-mosaic cloisters and a revered icon of the Virgin Mary.
Kykkos Monastery was founded in the late 11th century with the support of a Byzantine emperor. It houses an icon of the Virgin Mary said to have been painted by St Luke, and it is the richest and most important Orthodox monastery in Cyprus. Most of the present buildings were rebuilt in the 19th century, and the cloisters and church are covered in gold mosaics and murals. The monastery museum (about €5) holds precious icons and liturgical objects. On a nearby hilltop is the tomb of Makarios III, Cyprus's first president. From Paphos, the drive takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, and the mountain roads are winding. Visitors must wear clothing that covers the knees.
Opening hours
Approx. 10:00-18:00 (until 16:00 in winter)
Nearby sights
- Church of St Nicholas of the Roof
- Kakopetria
- Vouni Palace
- Panagia Phorbiotissa (Asinou)
- Fikardou
- Machairas Monastery
- Tamassos
- Cyprus Museum