- Address: Hill Kykko, Cyprus
- Website: http://www.kykkos.org.cy/
- Denomination: Orthodoxy
- Type: for men
- Founder: Alexey I Komnin
- Foundation date: 11th century
Orthodox pilgrims like and often visit the island of Cyprus , because it is here in one place collected many famous, beautiful and ancient Christian monasteries. And one of the most popular among these relict places is the monastery of the Holy Virgin Kykkos.
The history of the monastery
Many tourists when visiting the monastery are interested in: "Why does the name use the word Kykkos?". There are several versions of why the mountain on which the sacred monastery stands is named. The first tells about a bird that predicted the construction of a temple here. The second says about the bush "Coccos", growing in this area.
The founder of the monastery was the Byzantine emperor Alexei I Komnin: by his order at the end of the XI century the construction of the Sacred royal and stauropegic monastery of the Kikk Icon of the Mother of God was started - this is the full correct name of the religious object. The monastery burned several times and was rebuilt every time. The belfry was built only in 1882, it consists of 6 bells, the largest was produced in Russia. Its weight is 1280 kg.
In 1926, the monastery began the ascent of Archbishop Makarios III, later he became the first president of Cyprus. He was buried 3 km from the monastery hill, his grave is one of the popular attractions for pilgrims and tourists. At the end of the 20th century, the Research Center for Archives and the Library was organized in the monastery, and in 1995 a museum was opened.
What is famous for the monastery?
For tourists coming to Cyprus, this monastery is the most popular. It happened because thanks to the efforts of his rector, he not only continues to operate and carries out services, but also has a well-developed tourist infrastructure on its territory.
The monastery houses one of the most revered relics of Christianity: the icon of the Mother of God, which the Apostle Luke wrote from the very Virgin Mary. According to legend, for a long time the icon was the value of Constantinople, until the daughter of the emperor fell ill in the 11th century. Cure it could only old hermit Isaiah, who lived near the current monastery in the cave. As a gratitude for saving the only daughter, the emperor gave him this icon.
The icon of the Virgin Mary is always kept closed by a salary of gold and silver, it is believed that anyone who sees it will immediately go blind.
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In addition to the famous icon, on the territory of the monastery it is recommended to visit:
- the Icon of the Virgin "Otrada i Uteshenie", which since 1997 has been myrrh-winding;
- bell tower, located on the mountainside near the monastery;
- the grave of Archbishop Makarius III, the first President of Cyprus;
- a throne, that on the top of the Throne, where there is a copy of the life-giving icon (this is where people come to pray for rain);
- The museum is located in the northern part, where excellent Byzantine antiquities and religious relics are stored (a large collection of icons, manuscripts, books, vestments and much more).
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How to get to the monastery of the Holy Virgin Kykkos?
The monastery was built on a hill (1318 meters above sea level) on the western ridge of the Troodos mountain system. You can get there by car: from Paphos, the distance is about 60 km, from Nicosia - 90 km, from Limassol - 70 km.
The museum operates from November to May from 10:00 to 16:00, in the season of holidays - until 18:00. The ticket price is € 5, in the group € 3. Children and students are free.
At the entrance, gowns and cloaks are issued. You can take pictures only on the outside of the building.
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