Must-see
Kykkos Monastery
The most famous monastery in Cyprus, where Makarios III began as a novice
The story
Kykkos is the most famous and one of the richest monasteries in Cyprus. According to tradition, its founding is linked to the hermit Isaiah and the Byzantine emperor Alexios the First Komnenos, who reigned from 1081 to 1118. The emperor sent here an icon of the Virgin attributed to Saint Luke the Evangelist. The monastery burned down more than once, and the first buildings have not survived, but the icon is still its most sacred treasure. In 1926 a thirteen-year-old boy, Michael Mouskos, came here as a novice. He became Archbishop Makarios III, the first President of the Republic of Cyprus, and he is buried on a hill not far from the monastery. From 1955 to 1959 the monastery gave money to EOKA, the underground organization fighting British rule, and sheltered its fighters.
Kykkos is the richest and most famous monastery in Cyprus; according to tradition, it was founded under Emperor Alexios I Komnenos (late 11th century). Makarios III, the first President of the Republic of Cyprus, was a novice here.
Visiting
From the village of Pedoulas it’s about 17 km by mountain road, around 20–25 min by car. The monastery museum is on the grounds; its hours depend on the season, so check in advance. The tomb of Makarios III is on a nearby hill, at Throni of Panagia.
Photos
Sources
- Ιερά Μονή Κύκκου — Ίδρυση (official monastery website)
- Ιερά Μονή Κύκκου — Αρχιεπίσκοπος Κύπρου Μακάριος Γ΄ (official monastery website)
- Ιερά Μονή Κύκκου — Αγγλοκρατία (official monastery website)
- Visit Cyprus (Deputy Ministry of Tourism) — Kykkos Monastery
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