Overview:

Apostolos Andreas Monastery is one of the oldest and most important Byzantine churches in the Eastern Mediterranean. Located on the eastern end of the Karpasia Peninsula in northern Cyprus, the church contains an exquisite collection of mosaics and other artifacts from the 8th to the 15th centuries. The monastery also serves as a beacon on the spiritual and cultural path of the Orthodox Christian faith. It is the final resting place of St. Andrew, one of the 12 apostles, and the site of his martyrdom. People from around the world visit the monastery to pay homage to St.Andrew and to take part in its history and culture. The monastery is a potent symbol of peace and cooperation between the Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities and serves as a destination for many pilgrimage-tours. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Cyprus
Prominent Features:

Apostolos Andreas Monastery is located on the east coast of the Karpasia peninsula in Cyprus. This impressive monastery, which dates back 15 centuries, consists of two churches, three chapels and a large spring. It was built by Saint Andrew, the brother of Saint Peter, and has been an important pilgrimage site from the Middle Ages onwards. The main feature of the monastery is its impressive architecture, which blends traditional Byzantine and Frankish styles. Its walls are decorated with impressive frescos of Apostles and Saints, and its floor is covered with intricately carved tiles. The monastery also features two bell towers, as well as a 17th-century fresco depicting the Crucifixion of the Lord. This national monument of Cyprus portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

Apostolos Andreas Monastery (also known as St. Andrew's Monastery) is an Eastern Orthodox monastery located on the Karpasia Peninsula, in northeastern Cyprus. The monastery is dedicated to St. Andrew the Apostle and was built in the 10th century, after his remains were carried to the area by two monks. The monastery suffered from raids by pirates in the 13th century and was eventually abandoned by the 15th century. In 1707, St. Andrew's Monastery was restored and rebuilt by the Russian Orthodox Church, and served as an important spiritual center for the region's Orthodox Christian communities. Over the next several centuries, more refurbishment was done to the monastery, including repairs to the main church, the creation of an outdoor courtyard, and the addition of residential facilities for monks. The monastery is still an important pilgrimage destination, particularly on the feast day of St. Andrew, November 30. On this day, many people travel from all parts of the island to pay homage to St. Andrew and pray for guidance and healing. Additionally, the monastery is home to various annual fairs and festivals attended by religious leaders, scholars, and members of the lay community. The Apostolos Andreas Monastery continues to be a major cornerstone for Orthodox Christian spirituality in Cyprus. While it still serves as an important pilgrimage site, the monastery has also expanded its scope in recent years, and now houses a religious school and a museum devoted to Orthodox Christian history and culture. The museum also holds exhibitions of the St. Andrew’s relics and iconography. You must visit one of these historical places in Cyprus on your Cyprus tour

Interesting facts:

1. The Apostolos Andreas Monastery, located on the Karpasia Peninsula in Cyprus, is one of the oldest monasteries on the island. It is believed to be built over the tomb of Saint Andrew, the Apostle of Christ. 2. The name of the monastery means ‘The Apostle Andrew Monastery’ in Greek. 3. It is one of the most visited Christian pilgrimage sites in Cyprus, with thousands of visitors from all over the world walking up the steep path to the chapel. 4. It is believed that the monastery was founded by the Byzantine Emperor Leo VI during the 9th century. 5. The monastery was originally dedicated to Saint Andrew the Apostle, but over the centuries the monastery grounds have been expanded and it now includes several chapels and other shrines honoring different saints and martyrs. 6. The monastery’s 15th century frescoes and iconography are among the best preserved in the region. 7. The monastery is also home to a unique crucifix carved from olive wood in the shape of two crossed anchors. 8. Over the centuries, the monastery has been repeatedly damaged by attacks and earthquakes, but has always been rebuilt and remains an important pilgrimage site for Orthodox Christians today. Visit one of the famous monuments of Cyprus with your friends and family.