- Address: Paphos, Cyprus
- Website: stneophytos.org.cy
- Denomination: Cyprus Orthodox Church
- Diocese: stauropegic monastery
- Type: for men
- Founder: Monk Neophyte the Recluse
- Foundation date: XII century
- Status: operating monastery of the Cyprus Orthodox Church
The island of Cyprus is famous and proud of its monasteries . These are historical and cultural monuments, places of pilgrimage for many Christians. One of the most interesting monasteries - the monastery of St. Neophyte the Recluse - was not built like most structures: it was originally hollowed out in a rock.
The history of the monastery
Recluse Neophyte is considered the most famous and respected figure of the medieval monasticism of Cyprus. He was a disciple at the monastery of St. John Chrysostom at the age of 18, and later became a pilgrim and founded the monastery in 1159. Initially, he settled in the Paphos area as a hermit and cut down his cave and altar. After 11 years, the disciples began to come to him, they became more and more, so in 1187 the first monastery appeared. Neophyte himself wrote the charter of the monastery, and later decided to return to a solitary lifestyle and created a new cell - the New Seon, even higher above the community.
More significant construction of the monastery unfolded only in the XV century, there were arched galleries and a large courtyard. During this period, the main church was built, which was named after the Virgin Mary. In the monastery preserved a small garden, according to legend the first trees were planted by the Saint Neophyte. In the premises of the monastery, cells and galleries you will see beautiful murals: some of them are very colorful, and some - in a strict Christian style.
Monastery today
The monastery receives tourists and pilgrims from all over the world every day. But special days in the monastery of St. Neophyte the Recluse are considered January 24 and September 28, when celebrate the days of the commemoration of the saint. These days, visitors can see the relics of St. Neophyte the Recluse.
There are a lot of cells in the monastery, decorated with carved doors and a chest at the entrance to each. In the garden roses are planted these days, and in the large cage live various birds.
How to get to the monastery of St. Neophyte the Recluse?
The monastery is located 10 km from the town of Paphos , at a cliff 412 meters high above sea level. From Paphos , a regular shuttle bus No. 604 is sent there daily. After visiting the monastery, you will make two excursions: you can visit the caves where the Neophyte lived and visit the functioning monastery.
It is also accessible by car, the monastery is located near the village of Tala. In winter, excursions to the monastery are conducted daily from 9 am to 4 pm. In the summer - from 9:00 to 18:00, moreover, from one hour to two legal dinner. The cost of the visit is symbolic: only € 1. Consider, one ticket gives you the right to enter both the monastery and the upper caves, do not throw it out.
Any photo and video shooting on the territory of the monastery complex is prohibited.
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
