Overview:

Ayios Ioannis Lambadistis Monastery is an Eastern Orthodox monastery located in Kalopanagiotis village in the Nicosia District of Cyprus. Founded in 1628, the monastery is dedicated to Saint John the Baptist and is the main pilgrimage site in the area. The monastery houses valuable relics and is renowned for its impressive architecture and numerous frescoes. It is a popular destination for pilgrims and tourists alike, offering a unique insight into Cypriot culture and history. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Cyprus
Prominent Features:

The Ayios Ioannis Lambadistis Monastery is a historic monastery located in Kalopanagiotis, Cyprus. It is situated atop a hill with views of the surrounding area, and features a traditional stone façade that houses a 13th century Byzantine church. The church has been restored and now contains a beautiful painted iconostasis with six icons. The courtyard is decorated with a fountain and a variety of colorful plants and flowers. Inside, the monastery offers a range of religious artifacts, including several Byzantine-era icons. Visitors can also explore the well-preserved remains of a stone fortification wall, built in the late 15th century to protect the monastery. Additionally, the monastery features a small cafe and sells traditional Cypriot and Orthodox Christian souvenirs. This national monument of Cyprus portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

Ayios Ioannis Lambadistis Monastery in Kalopanagiotis in Cyprus is a Byzantine Monastery that was established in the 10th century AD. It is one of the oldest monasteries in Cyprus and is located at the foot of the Troodos Mountains. The monastery has a long and interesting history and is mentioned in the “Chronicle of Leontios Machairas”. The original name of the monastery was the Monastery of St. John the Cloistered, but over the years it was changed to Ayios Ioannis Lambadistis. The story of the monastery dates back to some time in the 10th century, when a group of monks from Constantinople were led by a monk called John of Monemvasia (or Lambadistis). The monks settled in the area and with the help of the locals, they built a small monastery. In the 12th century, the region of Kalopanagiotis was part of the Byzantine Empire. It was during this time that the monastery began to grow and became a spiritual center of the area. It was also during this time that many of the monastic buildings were built. The monastery grew in popularity and a few centuries later, in 1665, it was granted its first privileges by Pope Alexander VII. This included permission to elect an abbot, independent of direct interference from the Constantinople Patriarchs. In 1878, a second wave of renovations began at the monastery. This included new buildings and an expansion of the complex. The monastery changed hands several times throughout the years, and it eventually became a stop for pilgrims who were traveling to Jerusalem. The monastery was abandoned for several decades and many of its buildings fell into disrepair. In 1979, however, a group of monks and refugees from Asia Minor were granted permission to inhabit the monastery. They restored many of the old structures, and today the monastery is a living testament to the history and culture of Cyprus. Today Ayios Ioannis Lambadistis Monastery is a functioning monastery that is still devoted to the service of God. It is visited by both Orthodox and Catholic pilgrims each year. The monk’s hostel is still active and visitors can spend the night here. There is also a small library housed in one of the old buildings which contains books on the history and culture of the area. You must visit one of these historical places in Cyprus on your Cyprus tour

Interesting facts:

1. Founded in 1746, the Ayios Ioannis Lambadistis Monastery is one of the oldest of its kind in the occupied territories of Cyprus. 2. Located in the picturesque village of Kalopanagiotis, the monastery is surrounded by towering mountains and is home to a rich history in the fields of art, culture, education and spiritual renewal. 3. The monastery is dedicated to Saint John the Baptist and the Lambadistes monks living there follow a strict code of ethics. 4. As a result, they are renowned for their hospitality and are well known for producing some of the finest wines, specialty desserts and cheeses in the region. 5. It is also a major pilgrimage site for Orthodox Christians and attracts thousands of visitors each year. 6. Ayios Ioannis Lambadistis Monastery is home to an interesting collection of art, manuscripts, rare books and ancient icons and is believed to have been the home of St Gregory Palamas, a famous 14th-century Christian theologian. 7. The monastery’s library contains a number of surviving written works by the Saint himself, as well as other documents of paramount importance. 8. The site is also renowned for its natural mountain spring which flows into the adjacent river. 9. In the past, the Lambadistes monks have undertaken significant restoration works at the monastery. 10. Today, the Ayios Ioannis Lambadistis Monastery is an important place of pilgrimage in Cyprus and its doors remain open to all visitors. Visit one of the famous monuments of Cyprus with your friends and family.