Famous Monasteries of Cyprus.

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Kykkos Monastery

It is a Byzantine monastery located in the Troodos Mountains of Cyprus. It is one of the wealthiest and most ornately decorated monasteries in the country and is a major tourist attraction. The monastery is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and is home to a famous icon of the Virgin known as the "Kykkos Icon," which is believed to be painted by the apostle Luke.

The monastery was founded in the 11th century by Byzantine Emperor Alexios I Komnenos, who is said to have been inspired to build the monastery after seeing a vision of the Virgin Mary in a dream. The emperor commissioned the construction of the monastery and donated a large sum of money to fund it.

The Kykkos Monastery was built in a style known as "Cycladic architecture," which is characterized by its use of white marble and geometric shapes. The monastery is surrounded by a high wall and is accessed through a series of gates. The main church of the monastery is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and is adorned with ornate frescoes and mosaics.

Throughout its history, the Kykkos Monastery has been a center of learning and scholarship. It was home to a school where monks were trained in theology, philosophy, and other subjects. The monastery also had a library that contained a large collection of manuscripts and books.

In the 14th century, the Kykkos Monastery was sacked by the Genoese, who looted its treasures and destroyed many of its buildings. However, the monastery was eventually restored and continued to flourish. In the 19th century, the monastery was renovated and many of its buildings were rebuilt in a more modern style.

In modern times, the Kykkos Monastery has become a major tourist attraction in Cyprus. Visitors come from all over the world to see the beautiful frescoes and mosaics, as well as the famous Kykkos Icon. The monastery is also home to a museum that displays a collection of religious artifacts and historical documents.

In conclusion, the Kykkos Monastery is a significant historical and cultural site in Cyprus. It has a rich history that dates back to the 11th century and has played an important role in the country's spiritual and intellectual life. Today, it is a popular tourist destination that attracts visitors from all over the world.

St. Neophytos Monastery

Also known as "Monastery of St. Neophytos the Recluse," is a Greek Orthodox monastery located near Paphos in western Cyprus. It is named after Saint Neophytos, a hermit and monk who founded the monastery in the 12th century.

Saint Neophytos was born in 1155 in the village of Kourion, near Paphos. As a young man, he was ordained as a deacon in the Church of Cyprus. However, he felt a calling to become a monk and eventually left his position to become a hermit. He traveled to the Troodos Mountains, where he lived as a recluse in a small cell for many years.

In 1195, Saint Neophytos received permission from the Archbishop of Cyprus to build a monastery on a piece of land near Paphos. He began building the monastery and eventually attracted a number of followers, who helped him to complete the construction of the monastery.

The St. Neophytos Monastery is known for its beautiful frescoes, which depict scenes from the life of Christ and the saints. It is also home to a collection of icons and manuscripts that are of great historical and cultural significance.

One of the most unique features of the St. Neophytos Monastery is its underground cave system, which was used by Saint Neophytos as a place of retreat and contemplation. The caves, which are located beneath the monastery, are connected by a series of tunnels and chambers and are decorated with frescoes and inscriptions.

Machairas Monastery

It is a Greek Orthodox monastery located in the Machairas Mountains of central Cyprus. It is known for its beautiful frescoes and its rich collection of icons and manuscripts.

The history of the Machairas Monastery dates back to the 12th century, when it was founded by a group of monks from the Byzantine Empire. The monastery was built in a style known as "Byzantine architecture," which is characterized by its use of domes, arches, and frescoes.

The main church of the Machairas Monastery is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and is adorned with ornate frescoes and mosaics. The church is surrounded by a series of chapels, cells, and other buildings that were used by the monks as living quarters and for other purposes.

In the 15th century, the Machairas Monastery was sacked by the Ottoman Turks, who looted its treasures and destroyed many of its buildings. However, the monastery was eventually restored and continued to thrive. In the 19th century, the monastery was renovated and many of its buildings were rebuilt in a more modern style.

St. Barnabas Monastery

Also known as the "Monastery of St. Barnabas the Apostle," is a Greek Orthodox monastery located near the town of Larnaca in eastern Cyprus.

It is dedicated to Saint Barnabas, the patron saint of Cyprus, and is known for its beautiful frescoes and its rich collection of religious artifacts and historical documents.

The history of the St. Barnabas Monastery dates back to the 4th century, when Saint Barnabas, one of the apostles of Jesus, arrived on the island of Cyprus. According to tradition, Saint Barnabas preached the gospel on the island and converted many people to Christianity. He is also said to have performed many miracles, including raising people from the dead and healing the sick.

The St. Barnabas Monastery was founded in the 11th century by a group of monks who wanted to honor Saint Barnabas and preserve his legacy. The monastery was built in a style known as "Byzantine architecture," which is characterized by its use of domes, arches, and frescoes.

St. Lazarus Monastery

It is a Greek Orthodox monastery located in the town of Larnaca in eastern Cyprus. It is dedicated to Saint Lazarus, the patron saint of Larnaca, and is known for its beautiful frescoes and its rich collection of icons and manuscripts.

The history of the St. Lazarus Monastery dates back to the 4th century, when Saint Lazarus, one of the apostles of Jesus, arrived on the island of Cyprus. According to tradition, Saint Lazarus preached the gospel on the island and converted many people to Christianity. He is also said to have performed many miracles, including raising people from the dead and healing the sick.

The St. Lazarus Monastery was founded in the 11th century by a group of monks who wanted to honor Saint Lazarus and preserve his legacy. The monastery was built in a style known as "Byzantine architecture," which is characterized by its use of domes, arches, and frescoes.