Kykkos Monastery
Monasterio de Kykkos
Kykkos Monastery (Hill Resorts, Troodos, Marathasa region) – located 90 minutes by car west of Nicosia, and built between the late 11th and early 12th century AD by Byzantine Emperor Alexios Komnenos, this is the richest and most lavish of the monasteries of Cyprus. It is situated on a mountain peak, at an altitude of 1318 meters northwest of Troodos. Dedicated to Panagia, it possesses one of three icons attributed to Agios Loukas the Evangelist. The icon, covered in silver gilt, is in a shrine made of tortoise shell and mother – of – pearl that stands in front of the iconostasis.
For those interested in contemporary Cypriot history, this site would be of particular interest, since President Makarios’ tomb is located here, as well as nearby hideouts of the EOKA independence movement. Hours: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm (November – May), 10:00 am – 6:00 pm (June – October). Admission: €5.