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Holy Monastery of Panagia Machaira: A Cypriot Spiritual Sanctuary

Discover the Holy Monastery of Panagia Machaira, a historic Cypriot monastery nestled in the Troodos Mountains, offering spiritual solace and cultural insights.

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Nestled in the Troodos Mountains, the Holy Monastery of Panagia Machaira is a beacon of faith and history in Cyprus. Founded in the 12th century, this Orthodox Christian monastery is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and houses a revered icon believed to have been painted by the Apostle Luke. Visitors can explore the monastery's architecture, religious artifacts, and tranquil surroundings.

A brief summary to Holy Monastery of Panagia Machaira

Local tips

  • Dress modestly when visiting the monastery, as it is a place of worship.
  • Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for a quieter experience and better natural lighting.
  • Explore the nearby hiking trails in the Troodos Mountains for breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
  • Check the operating hours before visiting, as they may be subject to change.
  • Consider purchasing commemorative books or local honey from the monastery shop.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    The most convenient way to reach Machairas Monastery is by car. From Nicosia, follow the highway towards Limassol, then take the exit towards Machairas Monastery. The drive is approximately 40 km and takes about 45 minutes. The road leading to the monastery can be narrow and winding, so drive cautiously. Parking is available near the monastery. Expect to pay around €7-€9 for fuel.

  • Public Transport

    To reach the monastery by public transport from Nicosia, take the Line 2 bus from Dionysios Solomos Square to Tamasos Bus Station. From there, you can take a taxi to Machairas Monastery, which costs approximately €30-€40 and takes about 45 minutes. Alternatively, you can take the Line 65 bus from Tamasos Bus Station to Gourri, which adds about an hour to the journey. Bus fares are around €2-€3 per ride.

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Discover more about Holy Monastery of Panagia Machaira

The Holy Monastery of Panagia Machaira, perched in the serene heart of the Troodos Mountains, stands as a testament to faith and history in Cyprus. Located approximately 40 km from Nicosia, near the village of Lazanias, this Orthodox Christian monastery offers visitors a glimpse into a devout monastic community. Founded in the 12th century, the monastery owes its name to a miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary, believed to have been painted by the Apostle Luke. Legend says that an unknown hermit smuggled the icon from Asia Minor during the iconoclasm period (8th-9th centuries) and hid it in a cave. In 1145, hermits Neophytos and Ignatius, guided by divine grace, discovered the icon. To reach it, they had to machete through thick bushes, hence the icon's name 'Machairotissa,' derived from the Greek word for knife. The monastery's architecture reflects Byzantine influence, with expansions over various periods. The main church houses the venerated icon of the Virgin Mary, attracting pilgrims worldwide. The monastery has been a center of education and culture, serving as a covert school during Ottoman rule to preserve the Greek language and Christian teachings. The library holds religious manuscripts, rare books, and documents, offering insights into Cyprus' spiritual and cultural heritage. Life at Machairas Monastery follows a strict routine of prayer, work, and communal living. Monks engage in farming, beekeeping, and producing wine and olive oil. The monastery has faced destruction by fire multiple times, most notably in 1530 and 1892, but the icon of the Virgin Mary was always saved. The monastery was rebuilt in 1905. Visitors can explore the monastery's interior, including the church, chapels, and rooms adorned with Byzantine-style frescoes and religious icons. A museum on-site is dedicated to Grigoris Afxentiou, a hero of the EOKA, who was killed near the monastery. The monastery celebrates the Presentation of the Virgin Mary on November 21st.

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