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Holy Monastery of Panagia Machaira: A Spiritual Sanctuary

Discover a serene mountain retreat at this historic Cypriot monastery, home to a miraculous icon and breathtaking views.

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Nestled in the Machairas Mountains, this historic monastery houses a miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary, believed to be painted by the Apostle Luke. Founded in the 12th century, it offers a serene escape and a glimpse into Cyprus's rich religious heritage.

A brief summary to Holy Monastery of Panagia Machaira

Local tips

  • Dress modestly; cover shoulders and knees as this is a place of worship.
  • Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
  • Photography and videography are not permitted inside the monastery.
  • Check the opening hours in advance, as they may be subject to change.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Nicosia, drive towards Lazanias following road signs. The journey is approximately 40 km and takes about 45 minutes. Once in Lazanias, follow signs to the monastery. Parking is available near the monastery.

  • Public Transport

    From Nicosia, take the bus number 2 towards Tamasos Bus Station. From there, you can take a taxi to Machairas Monastery, which is approximately a 30-minute drive. The taxi fare from Tamasos Bus Station to the monastery is estimated to be €30-€40. Alternatively, you can take bus number 65 from Tamasos Bus Station to Gourri and then take a taxi to the Monastery. Bus fare from Nicosia to Tamasos is approximately €2-€3.

  • Taxi

    A taxi directly from Nicosia to Machairas Monastery takes about 40-50 minutes, depending on traffic. The estimated fare is €50-€65. Taxis are readily available in Nicosia.

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Discover more about Holy Monastery of Panagia Machaira

The Holy Monastery of Panagia Machaira, or simply Machairas Monastery, is a significant religious site located on the slopes of Mount Kionia in the Machairas Mountains. This Stavropegic Monastery, belonging to the Church of Cyprus, stands at an altitude of 870 meters, surrounded by lush pine trees and overlooking the Pedieos River. Legend says that during the Iconoclasm period (8th-9th centuries), an unknown hermit brought an icon of the Virgin Mary from Asia Minor, hiding it in a cave. The icon remained hidden until 1145 when hermits Ignatios and Neophytos, guided by divine grace, discovered the cave. They had to cut through the bushes with a knife, giving the icon the name 'Machairiotissa' (from 'machairi', meaning knife in Greek). The monastery was later built on the same spot. The monastery has a rectangular layout with a red-tiled timber roof. The main church, built between 1892 and 1900, features a Byzantine design with religious icons, chandeliers, and frescoes. The wood-carved iconostasis was created between 1919 and 1921. The monastery also houses a museum dedicated to the EOKA struggle and the hero Gregory Afxentiou. Today, around 20-30 monks reside at the monastery, living a devout life similar to those on Mount Athos. They sustain themselves through agriculture and donations. Visitors can explore the monastery's church, chapels, and museum, and experience the peaceful atmosphere. Remember to dress modestly and respect the no photography/videography policy inside.

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