Overview:

Agios Neophytos Monastery (or Monastery of Saint Neophytos) is a Greek Orthodox monastery located near the village of Trimiklini in Paphos, Cyprus. Founded by Saint Neophytos of Paphos in 1159, it is one of the oldest and most remarkable religious sites on the island. The monastery features an 18th-century church, a sacred cave, remarkable hagiography and stunning views of the Troodos Mountains. Along with a few other monasteries and churches, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Cyprus
Prominent Features:

1. The Monastery of Agios Neophytos is an Eastern Orthodox Monastery located near Tala in the Paphos District of Cyprus. 2. Built in the 12th century by Saint Neophytos, the religious complex stands in an elevated position above the Troodos mountains and boasts some of the finest surviving Byzantine art found in Cyprus. 3. The monastery is home to an ecclesiastical museum and a colorful array of frescoes and icons that tell the life story of Saint Neophytos. 4. The entrance of the monastery is a monumental gateway flanked by several arches and a large ornate gate. 5. Other prominent features include a stone-pillared courtyard, vaulted ceilings, and an intricately-carved well. 6. The inner court has some of the finest frescoes in the country, with some dating back to the 12th century. 7. The garden of the monastery contains a secret garden, a well-preserved stone tower, and a wishing tree, said to grant wishes of its visitors. 8. A chapel dedicated to Saint Neophytos is one of the oldest parts of the complex, with an intricate marble floor. 9. The museum contains a number of artifacts and artifacts related to the monastery and religion. 10. Agios Neophytos Monastery is a popular attraction for tourists and locals alike, offering a glimpse into the ancient and local religious culture of Cyprus. This national monument of Cyprus portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

The Agios Neophytos Monastery is a 12th-century Byzantine monastery found in the village of Palaichori, in Limassol, Cyprus. This monastery was established in 1152 on the orders of Neophytos Vlatas, a Byzantine monk, who first settled in the area as a hermit. The monastery was dedicated to Virgin Mary and named in his honour as "Agios Neophytos". The monastery, built in the middle of steep rocks, is a renowned religious centre of the Greek Orthodox Church and a major tourist attraction. The monastery houses frescoes dating back to the 12th and 13th centuries. After the fall of Acre, during the Fourth Crusade, the monastery and the church of the Virgin Mary fell into disrepair and were abandoned by 886. Later, in 1245, the ruins were restored and a new monastery was erected containing many interesting frescoes, particularly inside the church of the Virgin Mary. In 1315, it was extensively renovated and reconsecrated by the Cypriot emir and spiritual leader, Peter I of Lusignan. In the 15th and 16th centuries, Agios Neophytos maintained its wealth and popularity. It was here, in 1489, that the Greek monk Neophytos doubled the holdings of the monastery with a donation of some land, which greatly enriched its coffers. It flourished during the Frankish, Venetian, and Ottoman occupations of Cyprus, and many wealthy and powerful members of the community made donations to the monastery throughout this period. In the 18th and 19th centuries, however, the monastery suffered much damage and neglect due to power struggles among local families, and in 1847 it was completely destroyed by fire. The restoration work began in 1871, made possible by generous donations from the local Greek-Cypriot societiesGrivas and Filopappou. These, along with the patronage of the Russian government, contributed to its extensive redecoration, which included the Church of the Virgin Mary, the old Tower of the Blessed Virgin, and the main monumental building of the monastery, as well as its garden where cypress trees, olive trees, and other plants were grown. Today, Agios Neophytos is a major site of pilgrimage for Greek Orthodox believers in Cyprus. It is visited by hundreds of thousands of visitors annually who come to admire its beautiful architecture and frescoes, as well as to learn more about the history and culture of Cyprus. You must visit one of these historical places in Cyprus on your Cyprus tour

Interesting facts:

1. Agios Neophytos Monastery is one of the oldest and most impressive monasteries in the world and is located in the hillsides of Tremithos Valley in the Southern part of Cyprus. 2. It is believed that the founder of this Monastery, Neophytos, was born in 1155 AD and died in 1219 AD. 3. The Monastery underwent a major restoration in 1745 and was designated as a protected monument in 1818. 4. The Monastic Complex comprises a defensive wall, a tower, an impressive church, a narthex, a refectory, chapels and a garden. 5. The main church is dedicated to Agios Neophytos, and it contains beautiful frescoes and an impressive iconostasis. 6. Several saints are buried in the halls of the Monastery, including St Neophytos himself. 7. The Monastery also has a library with ancient manuscripts and documents from Byzantine times. 8. There are more than 80 ancient artefacts in the museum located next to the Monastery, dating between the 11th and 14th centuries. 9. Agios Neophytos Monastery is one of the most important pilgrim destinations for the Greek Orthodox Faithful. 10. The Monastery is mentioned in UNESCO's World Heritage Sites as one of the most important archaeological sites in Cyprus with great value for the European Heritage. Visit one of the famous monuments of Cyprus with your friends and family.