Kykkos Monastery, Troodos Mountains Travel Guide

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Discover Cyprus's spiritual heart at Kykkos Monastery, a mountaintop haven of Byzantine art, rich history, and breathtaking views in the Troodos Mountains.

Nestled high in the Troodos Mountains, Kykkos Monastery is Cyprus's wealthiest and most renowned religious site. Founded in the late 11th century, it boasts stunning Byzantine architecture, intricate mosaics, and a rich history rooted in the legend of a miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary. A visit here offers a glimpse into the island's spiritual heritage and artistic traditions.

A brief summary to Kykkos Monastery

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

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Kykkos Monastery.

Dress modestly when visiting; shoulders and knees should be covered. Shawls are often available at the entrance.
Visit early in the day to avoid crowds, especially during peak tourist season.
Explore the monastery museum to see a rich collection of religious artifacts and historical items.
Don't miss Throni, the burial site of Archbishop Makarios III, located a short drive from the monastery, for panoramic views.
Sample traditional Cypriot products, such as Zivania, produced by the monks at the monastery.

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Explore Kykkos Monastery on the Map

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Getting There

Driving

Kykkos Monastery is located in the Troodos Mountains and is best accessed by car. From Nicosia, take the A9 and B9 roads, a drive of approximately 1 hour and 38 minutes. From Paphos, the journey is about 1 hour and 45 minutes via the A6 and E606. Ample free parking is available outside the monastery. Be aware that the roads in the Troodos Mountains are winding.
Public Transport

While there is no direct bus to Kykkos Monastery from major cities, you can take a bus from Nicosia to Mitropoliti Chrysanthou Sarigianni - Atsas 1, then transfer to the 82 bus to Kykkos. The total journey takes approximately 3 hours and 3 minutes and costs around €5-€8. Alternatively, consider joining a guided tour that includes transportation.
Taxi

Taxis are available from major cities like Nicosia to Kykkos Monastery, with an estimated travel time of 1 hour and 31 minutes. The cost ranges from €100 to €120. Several private transfer services also operate in Cyprus, offering pre-booked rides to the monastery.

Discover more about Kykkos Monastery

Kykkos Monastery, officially the Holy, Royal, and Stauropegic Monastery of Kykkos, stands as a beacon of Orthodoxy and Hellenism in Cyprus. Perched at an altitude of 1,318 meters in the Marathasa Valley, the monastery was founded around the end of the 11th century by Byzantine Emperor Alexios I Komnenos. Legend says that a hermit named Esaias, after healing the emperor's daughter, requested the icon of the Virgin Mary, said to be painted by Saint Luke. The emperor obliged, also providing funds for the monastery's construction.Throughout its history, Kykkos Monastery has endured numerous fires, resulting in the loss of many ancient icons, frescoes, and manuscripts. The current structure largely dates back to 1831, showcasing a blend of Byzantine and Gothic architectural styles. The monastery's church features a domed basilica adorned with ornate decorations and detailed frescoes depicting biblical scenes. The interior is equally impressive, with elaborately carved wood and metalwork, gilded icon cases, and other precious artifacts.Kykkos Monastery is not only an architectural marvel but also a repository of religious and cultural treasures. The monastery's museum houses a priceless collection of icons, consecrated vessels, manuscripts, and Cypriot antiquities. The library preserves ancient parchments and manuscripts in Greek, Arabic, and Latin. The monastery also produces Zivania spirit and other alcoholic drinks, maintaining a tradition of craftsmanship.Visitors can explore the monastery's grounds, admire the mosaics and wall paintings, and visit the shop to purchase icons and religious memorabilia. A short distance from the monastery lies Throni, the burial site of Archbishop Makarios III, the first president of Cyprus, which offers panoramic views of the island. Kykkos Monastery is a living monument to Cypriot culture and resilience, offering a serene and inspiring experience for all who visit.Visiting Kykkos Monastery requires a modest dress code; shawls and cover-up clothing are often provided. The monastery is open year-round, with varying hours depending on the season, and entrance is free.