Saint Barnabas Monastery, Protaras Travel Guide

4.5 (1534)

Explore a spiritual haven in Cyprus, where history and faith converge at the Saint Barnabas Monastery and its captivating museums.

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Saint Barnabas Monastery

The Saint Barnabas Monastery, near Famagusta, is dedicated to the patron saint of Cyprus and houses a stunning collection of Cypriot artifacts dating back to the 7th century BC. Once a functioning monastery, it now operates as a museum showcasing icons and archaeological finds, including relics from the ancient city of Enkomi.

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

From Eve

Know before you go

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

Visit early in the morning to enjoy a quieter atmosphere and better lighting for photography.
Explore the archaeological museum for a deeper understanding of the site's historical significance.
Dress modestly to respect the sacred nature of the monastery and its traditions.
Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby ancient city of Salamis for a comprehensive historical tour of the area.

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Getting There

Car

The Saint Barnabas Monastery is located near Tuzla, approximately 10 kilometers from Famagusta. From Famagusta, take the highway towards Karpaz. The monastery is easily accessible by car. There is parking available on site. Note that there may be a small fee to enter the monastery grounds.
Public Transport

While there is no direct public transport to the monastery, you can take a minibus from Famagusta to Iskele. Get off at the roundabout opposite the ancient city of Salamis and walk about a kilometer to the monastery. Bus fares typically cost around €1.50-€2.00.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available in Famagusta and Iskele. A taxi ride from Famagusta to Saint Barnabas Monastery will take approximately 20-25 minutes, depending on traffic. Expect to pay around €20-€25 for the trip.

Discover more about Saint Barnabas Monastery

Nestled near Tuzla, Cyprus, the Saint Barnabas Monastery is a significant religious and historical site dedicated to Saint Barnabas, the patron saint of Cyprus. Born in Salamis, Barnabas journeyed to Jerusalem, embraced Christianity, and returned to Cyprus to spread the faith, converting the Roman ruler Sergius Paulus and making Cyprus the first country with a Christian leader. He was later martyred in Salamis.The monastery complex comprises a church, now an icon museum, monastic buildings that house an archaeological collection, and a chapel marking St. Barnabas's tomb. The original church was built around 477 AD, funded by Emperor Zeno, near the site where Barnabas's tomb was discovered. The current structure dates back to the 18th century, replacing an earlier Byzantine church.The icon museum features a collection of Cypriot artifacts dating back to the 7th century BC. The archaeological museum contains relics from the nearby ancient city of Enkomi, including pottery and terracotta figurines. Visitors can also explore a small chapel built over the tomb of St. Barnabas. The site is known for its peaceful atmosphere and the intermingling of various religious beliefs throughout Cyprus's history.Today, the monastery serves as a museum, attracting pilgrims, history enthusiasts, and tourists interested in Cyprus's cultural heritage.