Stavrovouni Monastery

This monastery is unlike any other monastery which exists on the island. It is a place of solitude, isolation and meditation. It is a place where monks come to pray and it follows one of the strictest monastic codes, that of Saint Basil the Great. The use of the word “monks” was not accidental, but to point out the fact that this is a place where only males can enter. If you are a lady, you will be forbidden entrance to the location.

Don't be worried though, because even if you get stuck on the outside end of the Monastic gates there are still a few things you may do. First of all the views fm the mountain are close to outstanding. People claim that you can indeed admire half of Cyprus from that hilltop and this is quite true. To the east your eye may reach as far as the Ammochostos area (on a clear day), with the views of the Larnaca international airport, salt lakes and Larnaca town being unbelievably clear. Towards the east you may see as far as Pissouri Village on the way to Pafos, getting in the meantime a clear view of Lemesos and the British base of Akrotiri. If on the other hand you'd rather be sinking in the thrills instead of the views you may well opt to join one of the paragliding or kite flying daredevils that often find the easy way down from the mountain!

As we said above, due to the monastic nature of isolation that this Monastery strictly abides by women are not allowed. Women are allowed though in the Monastery of St. Barbara which is located on the foothills of the Stavrovouni Mountain.

You may probably expect to spend a couple of hours at the Monastery itself as the monks there are hospitable and have many stories to tell. Most of them have lived this life of solitude for many a decade and remain untouched by outside developments. The monks there are pretty much self sustained, cultivating their own produce and keeping their own livestock. They even make their own wine which is indeed a flavor to savor if given the opportunity. Be advised that all men entering the Monastery are expected to be properly dressed, and picture or video taking is prohibited. We do advise you to visit the Monastery as it will immediately transport you centuries back in time, at a place where material things and luxury items where non- existent. Truly an experience worth living, and one religious, indeed even holy nature.

Highlights:

• The earliest documented monastery on the island

• Built on the ruins of the ancient temple of Zeus

• Used to hold part of the Cross of Crucifixion

• Erected by St. Helen

• Fantastic scenery and views

• Monks are self sustained

Look Out For:

• Women are NOT allowed in the Monastery

• Wear comfortable shoes, preferably trainers, as it is a mountain and wandering around its rocky edges may be hazardous.

• If in summer carry with you some water and wear a hat.

• Can be reached by car easily. Just follow the highway from Nicosia to Limassol and after Mosfiloti village you will see an exit sign for the Monastery to your left.

• Littering is strictly prohibited throughout the Monastery

• Men are expected to be properly dressed. That means no short trousers. Preferably a long trouser and a proper shirt will be adequate to grant you entrance during visiting hours.

• Picture and video taking are strictly prohibited inside the monastic complex.

• Park your car at a safe place away from overhanging rocks or close to crevices as the soil generally on Cypriot mountains tends to occasionally erode.