The Holy Monastery of the Virgin of Kykkos was founded between 1081 and 1118 and remains to this day one of the wealthiest and best-known monasteries in Cyprus to this day. It is also one of the top destinations during one’s visit to Cyprus, so we, of course, put it on the itinerary list.
Kykkos Monastery Day Trip Guide
Up Into The Troodos Mountains
The monastery is located at an altitude of 1318 meters (4085 feet) on the north-west face of the Troodos Mountains. You can reach the monastery via a tour bus or by car if you have access. Because of our money issues, regarding having all our cards and cash stolen, we had to wait until my parents arrived with my new cards (so I could withdraw some cash for gas) before we went.
The drive to the monastery was very scenic and long, winding through the snake-like roads of the Troodos mountains. It was here that you could see the lush greenery that lacked on the rest of Cyprus during the summer months. We made a stop on our way at the Agios Nikolas church, but that’s another post. We also passed by a few of the ski lifts present on Mount Olympus – yes, there is indeed skiing during the winter months here on Cyprus.
And We Arrive
After nearly two hours of driving, we finally pulled up to the famed Monastery. I was afraid that the Kykkos Monastery might disappoint us, but it was obvious right from the start that it would not. The complex was quite large and would provide us with plenty of opportunities to explore. However, due to the time, we left the house earlier, and the detour on the way up, we were quite hungry and decided to look for the restaurant that we knew the monastery had.
A Quick Bite To Eat
What we did not know though, was that the restaurant was actually just a little down the hill. This was of no issue though, it was easily within walking distance, and it was a great opportunity to stretch our legs. The restaurant had two options: a sit-down, waiter-style; and an a-la-carte garden style. We opted for the a-la-carte. We all had a nice meal.
In the area where the restaurant is, you’ll also find a dozen or so shops and stalls from which you can purchase souvenirs and snacks.
Into The Byzantine Gates
Having finished our meal, we finally made our way back towards the monastery. When entering, you’re expected to be dressed appropriately, which means shoulders and knees covered. If you don’t have the proper attire, then you will be given robes that will cover you (as my dad discovered).
The interior stone courtyard is pretty expansive, and here you’ll find numerous mosaics depicting various stories from the Bible and saints. The art and architecture are really intricate and impressive.
Museum of Kykkos Monastery
Off of this main courtyard, you’ll find a gift shop as well as the entrance to the museum. The museum costs 5 Euro each, and despite its relatively small size, it’s actually a pretty good deal.
The museum takes about an hour to make your way through and primarily contains various religious relics from the monastery’s history. You’ll find a lot of books, chalices, crosses, paintings, and clothing.
Founding of Kykkos Monastery
As well, we were presented with the story of how the monastery came to be: It is said that a hermit named Esaias was living in a cave on a mountain. The Byzantine governor came to Cyprus and on a hunting trip lost his way, eventually come upon the hermit and asked for help who did not respond. Angry, the governor insulted and beat the hermit and left. Years later, the king came down with an incurable sickness called lethargia. While sick, the governor remembered how poorly he treated the hermit and prayed to God to heal him so that he could apologize.
The governor was healed and went to apologize, meanwhile, God appeared before the hermit and told him what had happened and instructed him to tell the king that in order to apologize he must bring the icon of the Virgin to the Troodos Mountains of Cyprus, which resided in the imperial palace in Constantinople. The governor thought that request to be impossible but agreed to try if the hermit would accompany him.
Mainland Arrival
Upon arriving at Constantinople, they pleaded their case to the king, whose daughter was suffering from lethargia as well. He agreed, hoping that it would cure the daughter of her illness. He sought to create a duplicate and give the duplicate to them while keeping the original. In the evening, the Mother of God appeared before the king and instructed him to keep the duplicate but give the original to the hermit.
The following day, the king complied and had a royal boat take the icon to Cyprus. There under the patronage of Emperor Alexios Komnenos, he commissioned the construction of Kykkos Monastery to house the icon.
To this day, the icon remains at Kykkos, though remains covered and unseen most times. It uncovered, but not looked at during times of stress, to which it is then prayed to.
Monastery Compound
Once we finished the museum, we continued through the grounds. You can wander through the dormitories for the monks (not in their actual rooms though). As well, there is a large and extravagant church on the grounds.
Quick Info
The Kykkos Monastery is a beautiful place on Cyprus to see. Despite it’s difficult to reach location is well worth the visit. If you don’t have your own transportation, you may find it is worth it to book a tour rather than hire a taxi. Depending on your location you can select these tours.
- From Paphos – Book your tour
- From Larnaca – Book your tour
- From Limassol – Book your tour
If you do have the ability to reach Kykkos Monastery yourself, then the following information will help you out.
- Hours: The monastery is open year round every day. November – May: 10:00 – 4:00 / June – October: 10:00 – 6:00
- Price: Free
- Address: F966, Cyprus
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