Overview:

Kykkos Monastery is a Greek Cypriot monastery located on the Troodos Mountains of Cyprus. It is the wealthiest and most lavish of all the monasteries on the island. The monastery was founded in the late 11th century by the Byzantine emperor, Alexios I Komnenos, and is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It is well known as a pilgrimage site and is the most visited monastery on the island. The Kykkos Monastery houses valuable religious relics, including many icons, the Shroud of the Virgin and a piece of the Holy Cross. It also has a museum, which contains a large collection of royal documents, manuscripts and Orthodox archives. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Cyprus
Prominent Features:

1. Famous Icon of Virgin Mary: The most iconic feature of Kykkos Monastery is its famous icon of Virgin Mary, which is believed to be painted on a very old wood by the Evangelist Luke. 2. National Museum: The Kykkos Monastery houses the national museum which was opened in 1950. It has the largest collection of religious artifacts from all over the Cypriot orthodox churches. There are icons, holy vestments, relics, codices, manuscripts and sacred antique furniture. 3. Wooden Iconostasis: There is a spectacular wooden iconostasis in the Kykkos Monastery. The main backdrop is made of mahogany and is decorated with gilded carvings, and it has four doors on each side. 4. Ornately decorated interior: The Monastery is also famous for its ornately decorated interior. The walls are painted with beautiful frescoes depicting the life of Christ. The frescoes are surrounded by gilded gold trimmings. 5. Wall painting of the Theotokos: One of the most ornate frescoes in the Kykkos Monastery is the Wall painting of the Theotokos (Virgin Mary). It is believed to be a miraculous image and attracts pilgrims who come to the Monastery seeking the blessings of Virgin Mary. 6. Museum of Folk Art: The Kykkos Monastery also has a Museum of Folk Art which houses some of the most unique and rare artifacts from the local area. It includes traditional costumes, jewelry, icons, photographs, tools, and traditional instruments. This national monument of Cyprus portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

The Kykkos Monastery is located in the mountainous region of Cyprus, about 20 kilometers west of the capital city of Nicosia. It is one of the island’s most important monasteries and is home to a wealth of religious relics and artifacts. The monastery has a long and interesting history, with its origins believed to date back to the 12th century. During this time, the monastery was visited by Byzantine emperors and various kings of Cyprus. The exact origin of the Kykkos Monastery is uncertain, however the prevailing theory is that it was founded in 1161 by the Cypriot King Isaac Comnenus, who sought refuge there from the Crusader attacks waged against Cyprus in the mid-12th century. Eventually, the monastery became known for its beautiful Byzantine architecture and as a center of learning. During the 15th century, the monastery attracted many travelers from all over the Mediterranean, including Italian and British traders. In 1924, the Kykkos Monastery was made a state-run religious institution when it was placed under the supervision of the Cypriot Church. Today, it serves as the permanent residence of Archbishop of Cyprus and is a major pilgrimage site for the Greek Orthodox Church. A large population of monks also live at the monastery, and visitors can witness traditional monastic rituals performed daily. You must visit one of these historical places in Cyprus on your Cyprus tour

Interesting facts:

1. Kykkos Monastery in Cyprus is one of the most important monasteries of the Greek Orthodox faith on the island. 2. It is located in the Troodos Mountains and is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. 3. The monastery was founded in the 12th Century by the Byzantine Emperor Alexios I Komnenos, and is famous for its renowned icon of the Virgin Mary, believed to be painted by the Apostle Luke. 4. Every year, thousands of devotees travel to the monastery to pay their respects and take part in religious ceremonies. 5. Inside the monastery there is a museum, displaying religious artifacts and works of art from all over the world. 6. It also holds a collection of over 2000 manuscripts and rare books. 7. The monastery is the largest employer in the local vicinity, and provides employment for over 400 people. Visit one of the famous monuments of Cyprus with your friends and family.