The third oldest church in Cyprus, dating as far back as the 4th century, this church which is actually 3 churches in one (I believe it is St Lazarus, St Heraklidius and St John) is phenomenal. In a serene and beautiful setting, it has been restored alongside the old monastery and is most definitely worth a visit. The road leading to this is not bad and soon enough the foniculaire will also be running taking one straight from the village square to the church. The person taking care of the church and running the small shop is very knowledgeable and kind, so we took advantage by asking him many questions and he was more than eager to answer and tell us stories. Would recommend for anyone, even young kids will be excited by the nice surroundings and all the cats waiting outside the monastery for food and company!
This monastery is one of the Unesco World Heritage churches in the Troodos mountains – there are 10 in all. This one is handy if you are driving to Kykkos monastery and can be found in the village of Kalopanayiotis. I recommend researching the route before you go – the main road is tight and winding through the hillside village, and the road down to the monastery on the other side of the valley is even smaller! It is one way (at least part of it). Keep going until the road crosses a bridge over the river and the monastery is in front of you. Parking is easy. Opeining times tend to change (they seem to close early afternoon – and opened again at 3pm when we were there. The times are posted on the door down a passageway on the right of the monastery as you approach it on foot from the car park. If you have to wait there is a little cafe like place – quite local, and we picked up some food and drink there. Once in, there is one main building with three churches under the one roof – these have the said frescos. Worth a 30 mins stopover. Look out for the reliquary containing the skull of Saint John Lampadistis.
Such a quite and holly place. Me and my husband stayed in kalopanayiotis for 5 days. We just wanted to relax and enjoy the scenery.i would advise this place for couples especially. The whole village is lovely
A beautiful little monastery on Cypriot mountains surrounded by green where you can admire astonishing wall paintings from the 11th century and on. In fact, Bizantine and Latin beautifully coexist in this little beautiful church. Don't forget to have a sip of the water gushing from that mountain, it's really good for the stomach (it really is, we tested it!).
This was quite close to the hotel we were staying at and access was very easy. We got in before the school visit that was taking place and the priest was very attentive. Certainly worth a peek
Beautiful monastery that left me in awe. Ancient icons and ecclesiastical relics on display that everyone must see.
Wonderful illumination by night! Make sure you do not miss it. Monastery is also wonderfully preserved and illuminated in its interior.
Some of the thing kept there are of rare beauty and unique in its kind...worth visit it!Also enjoy the view from up the hill to the mountains surrounding
The monastery is charming from the outside (though it doesn't look much) - but inside it is truly stunning. One of the best painted churches I have seen in Cyprus and a "must see".
if these paintings are not restaurated, as they assert they aren't. this is really impressionant; even when you do not know anything about the christian religion, the way this pictures are preserved during these ages this site is unique in the mediteranean i think. and not only the monastery, also the village itselve and the environment are worth visiting