A SIGNIFICANT SPIRITUAL HUB
Standing at an altitude of 1,318 metres, Kykkos Monastery serves as one of the most significant spiritual hubs and tourist landmarks across Cyprus. Officially known as the Holy Basilica and Stavropegian Monastery of Panagia Kykkos, it is the wealthiest, largest, and most lavish Eastern Orthodox religious site on the island.
HOME TO A MIRACULOUS ICON
Nestled high on a peak within the Marathasa Valley in the Troodos Mountains is the most famous in Cyprus. Regarded as the spiritual home of Archbishop Makarios III, it also houses a miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary that is believed to be a true likeness painted by the Apostle Luke.
VISITING THE MONASTERY
The monastery is easily accessible by car, and facilities include parking, restrooms, and a cafeteria. The drive up to the monastery takes in several winding, scenic roads that traverse through the mountains. Strict modesty is required when visiting the monastery, and shoulders and knees must be fully covered. In light of this, complimentary shawls are provided at the entrance for underdressed visitors. Photography is allowed in the external courtyards and cloisters, but is strictly prohibited inside the main church, relic room, and museum. The working brotherhood of monks continues to produce and sell the traditional Cypriot spirit Zivania, a selection of wines, and several Greek Orthodox religious artefacts on site.
Core Historical & Spiritual Highlights
The Sacred Icon: The monastery possesses a highly revered, silver-gilt covered icon of the Virgin Mary. Also known as the Panagia Eleousa, this work is traditionally attributed to the Apostle Luke. By strict religious custom, the icon remains permanently veiled from public view inside a mother-of-pearl and tortoiseshell shrine.
Imperial Foundations: Founded at the end of the 11th century by Byzantine Emperor Alexios I Komnenos, the complex was built to house the sacred icon after it was said to have miraculously cured the emperor’s daughter of a mysterious illness.
Resilient Architecture: Though the original structures burned down multiple times over the centuries, with major recorded fires in 1365, 1542, 1751, and 1813, the monastery was consistently rebuilt. Today’s complex features breathtaking, expansive golden mosaics, well-kept stone cloisters, and elaborate wall frescoes.
Archbishop Makarios III: The first President of the Republic of Cyprus started his ecclesiastical path at Kykkos Monastery. He served as a novice monk in 1926. His highly visited tomb sits at the scenic Throni viewpoint just 3 km west of the monastery.
The Ecclesiastical Museum: The onsite museum that charges a minimal entrance fee is open daily. It does remain closed during public holidays, however.
