Kykkos Monastery

About

The Monastery of Kykkos was established in the 11th or 12th, though the present structure was erected in 1745 after the original building was destroyed. Today, it's one of the most well-known monasteries in Cyprus, and one of the five "Stavropegic" monasteries on the island. Part of its renown comes from its wealth of priceless icons and relics, paintings, and stained glass windows. Most famous is an icon of the Virgin Mary, which has numerous miracles ascribed to it, though must be kept partially shrouded, because it's said that whoever gazes upon it will be blinded. Kykkos Monastery's other claim to fame is that the first President of Cyprus, Archbishop Makarios III, who is widely regarded as the Father of the Nation, began his ecclesiastical career here as a monk and is now interred just a few miles from the monastery. Opening hours from November through May are 10:00 AM to 16:00 PM, and from June through October from 10:00 AM to 18:00 PM. Entrance fees are 5 EUR per individual, 3 EUR per person in a group. For more information, please visit http://www.kykkos.org.cy/ (in Greek)