Makarios statue
Makarios Statue: A Cypriot Landmark
Kykkos Monastery: A Spiritual Haven in the Troodos Mountains
Discover Cyprus's spiritual heart at Kykkos Monastery, a mountaintop haven of Byzantine art, rich history, and breathtaking views.
Nestled high in the Troodos Mountains, Kykkos Monastery is Cyprus's wealthiest and most renowned monastery, founded in the late 11th century. Dedicated to the Virgin Mary, it houses a revered icon believed to be painted by Saint Luke. The monastery boasts stunning Byzantine architecture, intricate mosaics, and a rich history, drawing visitors seeking spiritual enlightenment and cultural immersion.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to Kykkos Monastery
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
Monday
5:30 am-6 pm
Tuesday
5:30 am-6 pm
Wednesday
5:30 am-6 pm
Thursday
5:30 am-6 pm
Friday
5:30 am-6 pm
Saturday
5:30 am-6 pm
Sunday
5:30 am-6 pm
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Getting There
Car
Kykkos Monastery is located approximately 75 km from Nicosia. From Nicosia, take the A9 highway, then B9 and E912. The drive is about 1 hour and 38 minutes. From Paphos, the drive is approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes via A6 and E606. There is ample free parking available for both cars and buses. Be aware that the road to Kykkos Monastery has many curves and narrow sections. Roads in the Troodos Mountains are very windy.
Bus
There is no direct bus to Kykkos Monastery from major cities. From Nicosia, take the bus from Chilonos - Michail Paridi to Mitropoliti Chrysanthou Sarigianni - Atsas 1, then transfer to the line 82 bus to Kykkos. The journey takes approximately 3 hours and 3 minutes. Consider joining a guided tour if you do not have access to a car. Several tour operators offer day trips to Kykkos Monastery from major cities like Paphos, Limassol and Larnaca.
Local tips
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Dress modestly when visiting the monastery; cover shoulders and knees.
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Visit early in the day to avoid crowds, especially during peak season.
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Explore the museum to see religious artifacts, ancient manuscripts and vestments.
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Try local products like Zivania, a traditional Cypriot spirit produced at the monastery.
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Combine your visit with a trip to the tomb of Archbishop Makarios III, located 3km west of the monastery.
Discover more about Kykkos Monastery
Kykkos Monastery, officially the Holy, Royal, and Stauropegic Monastery of Kykkos, stands as a testament to faith, art, and Cypriot history. Founded around the end of the 11th century by Byzantine Emperor Alexios I Komnenos, the monastery is perched at an altitude of 1,318 meters on the north-western face of the Troodos Mountains. The monastery's long and rich history has played a vital role in preserving Orthodoxy and Hellenism in Cyprus.
Legend says that a hermit named Esaias lived in a cave on Kykkos Mountain. One day, the Byzantine governor, Manuel Boutoumites, lost his way while hunting and encountered Esaias. Boutoumites's daughter and the Emperor's daughter both suffered from the same lethargy. Esaias requested the icon of the Virgin Mary as a divine intervention for the Emperor's ailing daughter. The Emperor sent the icon to Cyprus and provided funds for the monastery's construction.
Over the centuries, Kykkos Monastery has been destroyed by fire several times, resulting in the loss of ancient icons, frescoes, and manuscripts. The present structure dates back to 1831 and showcases an imposing and well-maintained edifice. The monastery's architecture features a Byzantine style, with domes, columns, and frescoes depicting the life of Christ and the Virgin Mary. The interior is adorned with elaborate wood and metal carvings, royal doors, and gilded icon cases.
The monastery is dedicated to Panagia, the Virgin Mary, and celebrates on September 8, the Birthday of the Virgin Mary. The celebration held on August 15th for the Dormition of the Virgin Mary is the biggest in Cyprus. Kykkos Monastery houses one of three icons attributed to Agios Loukas (Apostle Luke) the Evangelist. The icon, covered in silver gilt, is in a shrine made of tortoiseshell and mother-of-pearl that stands in front of the iconostasis. The icon remains hidden under a protective covering, as it is said that whoever looks at it will be blinded.
Kykkos Monastery is not only a religious site but also a cultural center. The monastery's museum displays a collection of religious artifacts, manuscripts, and other treasures. The library contains some 15,000 printed books and a hundred manuscripts in Greek. The monastery produces Zivania spirit and other alcoholic drinks. The first President of Cyprus, Archbishop Makarios III, started his ecclesiastical career there as a monk in 1926. His tomb lies 3 km west of the monastery and remains a popular visitor destination.
A brief summary to Kykkos Monastery
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