Kykkos Monastery, Cyprus: Beware of the Icon!

Cyprus has more to offer than beaches, so why not head to the mountains, towards the middle of the island. The island abounds in cultural sites and religious monuments, both ancient Greek and Orthodox Catholic. One of which is the Kykkos monastery, Cyprus, dedicated to Panagia (Virgin Mary).

The Troodos mountains are not only for tourists who would otherwise start to burn up in the hot sand. Locals are also happy to visit here when they grow bored of the beach. Because, you know, there are such things as too much sunshine, fun, and splashing. It is a difficult habit to comprehend for people like me, for folks living in a cold climate or landlocked countries.

Where is Kykkos Monastery located?

The Holy Monastery of the Virgin of Kykkos stands on a mountain peak at an altitude of 1.318 meters in the Troodos mountains.

Region: Troodos area, Lefkosia (Nicosia) district

Address: Marathasa Valley, 13km from Pedoulas village.

How to get to the Kykkos Monastery, Cyprus

You can reach the Troodos Mountains from Limassol and Nicosia through the freeway, or you can take the scenic route. Do it only if you are an excellent driver. Do it only if you’re ready to navigate a right-hand-drive car in hairpin turns, serpentines, and abandoned villages.

What to do in and around Kykkos Monastery?

Icon of Panagia (Virgin Mary)

A rich iconostasis adorns the walls of the monastery. The image of the Virgin Mary is the most famous one that was painted by Agios Loukas (Apostle Luke), the Evangelist. Locals have attributed miracles to the icon: for instance, success in the effort against locust swarms.

Unfortunately, if the reason for your visit to Kykkos monastery was to see the Madonna, you will be disappointed. The main attraction of the abbey is always covered with a veil.

​However, the nuisance is for your own good. The icon is always hidden because it is believed that whoever sees it will go blind.

The last person to see the icon was the Orthodox Patriarch, Gerasimos, in 1669.

Iconic Cypriot drink

In Kykkos monastery, you can get an insight into the everyday life of Orthodox monks. You can see how they prepare zivania, a typical Cypriot spirit, and you can also buy the grappa-like drink.

Tomb of the icon of Cyprus

The tomb of the first president of Cyprus is located on Throni Hill, 2 km past Kykkos Monastery. 

 Makarios III was an archbishop and is regarded by Greek Cypriots as the Father of the Nation. He was buried here at his request, close to where he served as an apprentice monk in 1926.

Iconic architecture

The monastery of Kykkos looks like an impregnable fortress with three massive buildings. The complex is more spectacular on the outside, as the inside is modest, except for the mosaic artworks.

Facts and legends about Kykkos Monastery

The legend of the Holy Virgin’s icon

The Panagia of Kykkos is said to have been painted by Apostle Luke just seven years after the Crucifixion of Christ. After the Death of the Virgin Mary, the Evangelist transferred the icon to Egypt. The image remained there until the pirates captured the Christians who guarded it. To save the icon from desecration, they threw it into the sea. Two Byzantine boats rescued the image, then they took the picture to Emperor Alexios Komnenos I in Constantinople.

The emperor sent Duke Voutomytis to Cyprus as governor. One day, the duke got lost in the woods. A hermit called Esaias lived on the mountain of Kykkos. They met, and the governor asked the hermit to show him the way. The hermit was unsure of the correct path, which made the governor angry and beat him. Later, the governor fell ill with paralysis. He remembered how badly he had treated the hermit and asked God to cure him so that he could go to ask Esaias for forgiveness.

Meanwhile, the monk Isaiah dreamt that the Virgin Mary appeared and told him that he and Voutomytis must go to Constantinople and bring her image to Cyprus. When they arrived in Constantinople, they found that the Emperor was reluctant to give them the icon. The emperor’s daughter suddenly suffered the same illness that had struck the governor. In return for her immediate treatment, the emperor agreed to send the icon to Cyprus. 

The building of Kykkos monastery

Besides sending the icon to Cyprus, Emperor Alexios I Komnenos (1081-1118 CE) provided the funds to pay for the construction of a monastery. Thus, the Kykkos monastery was initially built in the 11th century.

Tragedies

Unfortunately, the original monastery burnt down and was rebuilt several times. However, it’s still one of the best-known monasteries in Cyprus. During my visit, some parts were under renovation, but others were in good condition.

One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s (?) Nest

According to another tradition, a bird with a human voice sang a song as it flew over the area:
Kykkou, Kykkou, Kykkos’ hill
A monastery the site shall fill
A golden girl shall enter in
And never shall come out again.

The grammar police in me must point out the following:

• The Greek name of Kykkos Monastery is Ιερά Μονή Κύκκου or Κύκκος.

• The name of the mountain that’s home to the monastery Troodos is pronounced Tro-odos, not with a long u.

What to wear at Kykkos Monastery?

There is a strict dress code. Men should not wear shorts or tank tops and must wear shirts or similar; ladies should cover their shoulders and not wear shorts.

Opening hours and prices

Kykkos Monastery is open daily all year round except on public holidays.

• November to May: 10:00 – 16:00
• June to October: 10:00 – 18:00

Entrance Fee: €5,00 / Groups €3,00

  Times and entrance fees are subject to change without notice. Visitors are advised to check before visiting.

Offical website of Cyprus tourism: Visit Cyprus.

Oh, I nearly forgot my “iconic” pose

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