Overview:

Tenta (Beşparmak) Monastery is located on the Karpasia Peninsula in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. The name Beşparmak originates from the five peaks on the Karpasia Peninsula. The monastery was built around the 15th century and was used by the Cypriot Orthodox Church until the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974. The monastery consists of a church, a monastery house, a cell for hermits, a small cave, and an old water cistern. Today, the monastery is used as a venue for various events, including weddings. It is also an important destination for religious tourists. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Cyprus
Prominent Features:

The Tenta (Beşparmak) Monastery, situated in the Karpasia Peninsula in Cyprus, is an important Orthodox Christian place of worship and spiritual pilgrimage. The Monastery, along with the natural beauty of the surroundings, is the most popular part of the Karpasia Peninsula. The Orthodox monastery is an important site for religious pilgrimage, where visitors come to worship and pay their respects. Its most prominent feature is the large dome that stands at the top, which is a symbol of faith and protection to the locals of the region. Other features of the monastery include two towers, four granite steps, an open-air chapel, and several outbuildings. The Monastery also has a museum where visitors can learn more about the history of the Karpasia Peninsula. This national monument of Cyprus portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

The Tenta (Beşparmak) Monastery, in Karpasia peninsula in Cyprus, is a Greek Orthodox monastery that has been in existence since the first century AD. According to tradition, the monastery was built by Saint Lazarus, and the local population chose the location to protect it from the changes that were occurring in the region. The Greek Orthodox Church took responsibility for the monastery in the 12th century, and commissioned the construction of the existing building. In the late 16th century, after the Ottomans took control of Cyprus, it was repurposed and turned into a military garrison. It remained in this state until 1888, when it was returned to the Greek Orthodox Church. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, the monks of the monastery actively supported the Greek Cypriot cause – and during the 1950s, the monastery became a centre for promoting Greek Cypriot national identity. Today, the monastery serves as a place of religious and cultural significance, and visitors can also explore the history of the building and its artefacts. It is opened to the public, and visitors are welcomed by Greek hospitality. The monastery also offers a range of retreats and courses, allowing visitors to connect more deeply with the traditions and spirituality of the Karpasia Peninsula. You must visit one of these historical places in Cyprus on your Cyprus tour

Interesting facts:

1. The Tenta (or Beşparmak) Monastery is located in the Karpasia Peninsula in Cyprus, and is believed to have been built in the 16th century. 2. The monastery is dedicated to St. George, and is one the oldest Christian monasteries on the island. 3. It is made up of two churches: an ancient Byzantine church and one that was constructed in the 18th century. The churches are decorated with frescoes that date back to the 16th century. 4. The monastery is surrounded by a stone wall and a defensive tower, and is surrounded by beautiful grounds with gardens and groves of olive trees. 5. The Tenta Monastery is thought to have been founded by Greek immigrants who were fleeing persecution in the Ottoman Empire. 6. It is now home to a small community of monks and nuns who live in the monastery and dedicate themselves to spiritual practices such as prayer and meditation. 7. The monastery is a popular tourist attraction, and visitors are able to explore the grounds and marvel at the frescoes and architecture. Visit one of the famous monuments of Cyprus with your friends and family.