Cyprus is a fairly small island, but despite this, it has about 30 monasteries and 500 temples. Some of them still work, and the rest are monuments of the culture and spirituality of the island.
In Cyprus, there are Orthodox male and female monasteries, as on its territory Christianity appeared before other religions. Many tourists come here just to visit the sources of Orthodoxy.
Famous monasteries and temples of Cyprus
- The monastery of Trooditissa is located above all others. It was founded in the 12th century. The main shrines are the icon of the work of Evangelist Luke with a unique salary with silver angels and "Belt of the Virgin", which help, as many believe, to become pregnant.
- The monastery of Stavrovouni is the oldest on the island. Was founded by Empress Elena in 327 year. She also left in it a fragment of the cross on which Jesus was crucified. This relic is still stored there. When you visit, you should note that only men can enter it and you can not take pictures of its surroundings.
- The monastery of John Lampadystis is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The relic of its main church is the icons and frescoes of the 13th century, as well as the relics of its founder.
- The monastery of St. Neophyte the Recluse is carved into a rock not far from Pafos . It contains very beautiful frescoes of the 12th century and the relics of the Neophyte itself. Near it you can visit the caves where the saint lived, and a museum in which ancient icons and manuscripts are kept. It is worth noting that the monastery is famous for its healing mountain honey.
- The monastery of Kykkos is the richest in Cyprus. Was founded by the hermit Isaiah after receiving the miraculous icon of the Mother of God, which was written from Mary herself. The monastery impresses pilgrims with its luxurious decoration and display of relics of its museum.
- Monastery of Maheras - founded in 1148 in the Torah mountains after finding the icon of the Holy Virgin with a knife. True, at the moment the buildings of only the 19th century have survived.
- The church of St. Lazarus is a temple built on the site of the grave of Lazarus, who, being resurrected, went to this city.