Overview:

Chrysorrogiatissa Monastery is a Byzantine monastery located in the mountains of Paphos, Cyprus. Established in the 11th century, the monastery is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and is home to a small community of monks. The monastery is known for its Byzantine architecture and features a beautiful 12th-century fresco depicting the Virgin Mary. Inside the monastery, visitors can explore the intricately-decorated chapel, visit a small museum with ancient artifacts, and enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding area. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Cyprus
Prominent Features:

1. 11th-Century Byzantine Church: The Chrysorrogiatissa Monastery is one of the oldest Christian churches in the Mediterranean region and was built in the 11th century. The church reflects a traditional Byzantine style with a typical cross-in-square form and is adorned with two semi-circular apses. 2. Cradle of Marian Devotion and Pilgrims’ Retreat: The monastery stands in a rugged area of the Troodos Mountains and it is an important pilgrimage site due to its veneration of Our Lady of the Golden Pomegranate. It is thought to be the birthplace of the Marian tradition in Cyprus and is a major destination for pilgrims year-round. 3. Ancient Frescoes and Vibrant Icons: Inside the Chrysorrogiatissa Monastery are some of the oldest and most important religious frescoes in the Mediterranean. These milky-white and golden-colored works are said to have been painted between the 13th and 14th centuries and depict the life of the Virgin Mary and the Saints. Alongside these frescoes are some of the monastery’s most vibrant icons. 4. Natural Beauty and Surroundings: The monastery is situated in a remote and unspoiled area of the Troodos Mountains, making it a peaceful retreat for pilgrims. Visitors to the site can take in the beautiful surroundings and soak up its unique atmosphere. This national monument of Cyprus portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

The Chrysorrogiatissa Monastery is a Greek Orthodox religious institution located in the Cypriot village of Pedhoulas. This monastery is one of the oldest and most important monasteries on the island of Cyprus and is believed to have been constructed during the 12th century. The Monastery was founded by a monk named Ignatios, who was a disciple of Saint Mark of Chrysorrogiatissa. According to tradition, Ignatios became a hermit and constructed the first chapel at the site. As the years passed, Ignatios and then his disciple built the main monastery. The Monastery was initially named after Saint Mark, the founder’s teacher, though it was later dedicated to the Virgin Mary under the name Chrysorrogiatissa. This name is derived from an old Cypriot word meaning 'golden source of grace'. The Monastery was an important pilgrimage site and home to a large number of monks. It was an important centre of Christian learning and an important spiritual place in Cypriot history. With the passing of time, the Monastery fell into disrepair and was destroyed by invading forces. In the 19th century, the Monastery was restored and renovated. Over the years, the Monastery has seen a resurgence in pilgrimages and remains the site of an important religious icon. You must visit one of these historical places in Cyprus on your Cyprus tour

Interesting facts:

1. Located in the Paphos district of Cyprus, the Chrysorrogiatissa Monastery is considered one of the oldest monasteries in the country, and the largest in the area. 2. Founded in the 12th century, it is an Eastern Orthodox Monastery and stands atop a mountain near the villages of -Galata, Karvounas and Marathovounos. 3. The building of the monastery is completely built from chiseled stone, while the early restored parts of the church are built from stone blocks. 4. The Monastery is surrounded by picturesque vineyards, olive groves, fruit trees, gardens and a thousand-year-old pine tree. 5. It houses a museum with many ancient artifacts such as icons, books and manuscripts. 6. The walls of the church are adorned with numerous paintings and frescoes from various iconic Greek and Cypriot artists like Theodoros Poulakis, whose artwork is featured in the main nave and iconeostasis area, as well as on the walls and pedestals. 7. Over the centuries, many valuable artworks and artifacts from the Byzantine period were stored in the Monastery, including a collection of ancient manuscripts, over 1,500 Icon books and other ecclesiastical artifacts. 8. Inside the Monastery is a miraculously efficient olive-oil press with a press and a mill attached to the main building, located in the backyard of the monastery. 9. The Monastery is a site of pilgrimage during Orthodox church holidays. Pilgrims from all around the world come to drink the miracle waters of the Monastery's small fountain. 10. One of the main attractions of the Monastery is the amazing view from the top, including the magnificent land and sea views of the surrounding villages. Visit one of the famous monuments of Cyprus with your friends and family.