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Saint Barnabas Monastery: A Cypriot Sanctuary of History and Faith

Explore Cyprus's spiritual heritage at the Saint Barnabas Monastery, a historic site featuring religious icons, archaeological finds, and the saint's tomb.

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The Saint Barnabas Monastery, near Famagusta, Cyprus, is dedicated to the island's patron saint and showcases a blend of religious history and Cypriot artifacts. Originally founded in the 5th century and rebuilt in 1756, it features an icon museum, an archaeological collection, and the tomb of St. Barnabas, offering a rich cultural experience.

A brief summary to Saint Barnabas Monastery

  • 5VFJ+V4X, Tuzla, CY
  • Monday 8 am-6 pm
  • Tuesday 8 am-6 pm
  • Wednesday 8 am-6 pm
  • Thursday 8 am-6 pm
  • Friday 8 am-6 pm
  • Saturday 8 am-6 pm
  • Sunday 8 am-6 pm

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning to enjoy a quieter atmosphere and cooler temperatures.
  • Explore the archaeological museum for a fascinating insight into local history, showcasing artifacts from the ancient city of Enkomi.
  • Dress modestly when visiting, as this is a religious site; women should cover their shoulders and knees.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby ancient city of Salamis or the Royal Tombs for a comprehensive historical tour of the area.
  • Check the opening hours in advance, as the monastery may close during religious events or holidays.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Famagusta, take a local bus towards Tuzla. Buses depart regularly from Famagusta's main bus station. Inform the driver that you want to get off near Saint Barnabas Monastery in Tuzla. The bus fare is approximately €1.50-€2.00. From the bus stop, there may be a short walk to reach the monastery.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis are readily available in Famagusta. A taxi ride to Saint Barnabas Monastery from Famagusta will take approximately 15-20 minutes. The typical cost is around €15-€20. Confirm the fare with the driver before starting your journey.

  • Driving

    If driving from Famagusta, head east on the Gazimağusa-Lefkoşa road. Follow signs for Tuzla. Once in Tuzla, the monastery is well-signposted. Parking is available near the monastery entrance and is free.

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Discover more about Saint Barnabas Monastery

Located near Famagusta, the Saint Barnabas Monastery is dedicated to the patron saint of Cyprus and offers a unique glimpse into the island's rich cultural and spiritual heritage. The monastery complex includes a church, now an icon museum, monastic buildings housing an archaeological collection, and a chapel over the tomb of Saint Barnabas. The original shrine was established in the late 5th century, around 477 AD, with the financial support of Emperor Zeno, near the site where Archbishop Anthemios discovered the body of Barnabas. Barnabas, who was born in Salamis and martyred in 61 AD, became the first Archbishop of Cyprus, making Cyprus the first country with a Christian leader. The current structure dates back to 1756, replacing an earlier Byzantine building. The church has an unusual square appearance because one of its three domes collapsed due to poor foundations and was never replaced. Inside the church, the icon museum displays a collection of Cypriot artifacts dating back to the 7th century BC. The archaeological museum, housed in the former monks' cells, contains relics from the nearby ancient city of Enkomi, including pottery and terracotta figurines. The tomb of Saint Barnabas is located beneath a small Byzantine chapel outside the main monastery. Today, the Saint Barnabas Monastery stands as a testament to Cyprus's mixed religious history, attracting pilgrims, history enthusiasts, and tourists. The site is easily accessible and provides a serene setting for reflection.

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