2nd Route
Point of Interest
This route includes some of the Cypriot churches that were built to honor Holy Mary, the Mother of all orthodox people. The worship of Holy Mary in Cyprus does not only express the belief that the Mother of Jesus is the person who, more than any other, can bring believers closer to Jesus and God, as it also expresses the pain of thousands Cypriots, over the centuries, which came from the loss of their own people during wars and invasions, so they used to pray to Holy Mary to bring them peace and south their souls, as she has suffered the most.
There are 33 churches devoted to Holy Mary all over the island, and 4 of them are being included in this route. Travel through the Troodos region to see some magnificent sceneries and unique monuments.
1st Church of Saints Barnabas and Hilarion, Peristerona
Distance: 34,5 km
Duration: 42 minutes
Church of Saints Barnabas and Hilarion, Peristerona Source: Visit Cyprus
The church of Saints Barnabas and Hilarion is built on the western bank of the Serrachis river, which is located near Peristerona village. It is one of the unique churches here in Cyprus, built with five domes, as well as the church of Saint Paraskevi Geroskypou in Paphos.
It dates at the end of the 11th century – beginning of 12th century and it is very likely to have replaced an older church which was structured as a three aisled with arched roof basilica. In 1959, during a limited excavation research inside the church, a semicircle set of chairs behind the holy table was found along with the base of the iconostasis. Part of the northern wall of the initial church intact until today, built in the western part of the wall of the existing church. The narthex is a subsequent addition to the building, thus follows modern constructing techniques. The church bell tower was built in the 19th century.
The most ancient samples of frescoes belong to the 15th and 16th centuries. The plaster pieces of the iconostasis that are in the narthex, belong to the 1st architectural phase of the temple, which dates to the mid-Byzantine period.
Information:
Entrance Fee: Free
Phone Number: +357 99527607
Opening and closing times as well as entrance fees, are subject to alterations without notice. Visitors are advised to check before visiting.
2nd Kykkos Monastery, Throni
Distance: 54 km
Duration: 1 hour & 2 min
Kykkos Monastery, Throni Source: Visit Cyprus
The Monastery of Kykkos is located on the western part of Troodos Mountain range, just 18 kilometers away from the highest mountaintop of Cyprus, named Olympus.
The complete name of the monastery is “Royal and Stavropegic Monastery of Kykko”, since it was established by the Byzantine Emperor Alexios Komnenos (1081-1118) and a cross was placed in its center, which implies that the Monastery is self-ruled.
The main attraction of the Monastery is the Icon of Panagia tou Kykkou, known as Panagia Eleousa (source of mercy). This icon portraits Panagia holding Christ in her right hand. The monastery is also known for the fact that the first President of Cyprus, Archbishop Makarios III served there as a novice.
Information:
Phone Number: +35722942742
Entrance Fee: Free
Visiting Hours:
Monday – Sunday: 10:00 AM – 17:00 PM (winter period)
Monday – Sunday: 10:00 AM – 18:00 PM (summer period)
2nd Museum Kykkos Monastery, Throni
Distance:
Duration:
Museum Kykkos Monastery, Throni Source: Visit Cyprus
Within the Monastery, there is a notable museum with various religious objects, including one of the three Icons that are attributed to Apostle and Evangelist Luke, as well as a great library with many religious manuscripts. The icon – covered in silver – is placed within a magnificent case, which is in front of the iconostasis.
An exhibition is also located at the northwest part of the monastery, more specifically at the northern side of the upper internal court of the monastery. From the arched entrance, which closes with a four-leaf grandiose entrance, one elongated staircase raises visitors to the entrance of the museum.
Museum Information:
Phone Number: +35722942742 Fax: +35722942384
Visiting Hours:
November – May: 10:00 – 16:00
June – October: 10:00 – 18:00
Open throughout the year
Closed on Public Holidays
Entrance Fee to the Museum: €5,00 / For groups €3,00
3rd Monastery of Panagia Trikoukkia, Prodromos
Distance: 25 km
Duration: 46 minutes
Monastery of Panagia Trikoukkia, Prodromos Source: www.churchofcyprus.org.cy
The Holy Monastery of Panagia Eleousa of Trikkoykiotissa is considered one of the most ancient Monasteries in Cyprus.
The monastery became especially popular by the 16th century, as one icon of Panagia Trikkoukiotissa was said to perform miracles for the lack of raining. According to tradition, the icon had been painted by Evangelist Luke. The name of Panagia Trikoukkiotissa, or Trikoutsiotsissa, or Panagia Trikoutsias came from a forest tree Trikoutsia, which is also called Kokkonia.
Information:
Visiting Hours: 11.00 – 13.00 and 15.30 – 18.00
Head Nun: Christonyphi Nun
Priest: Fr. Nicholas Christodoulou, Phone number: +35799356267
Phone Number: +35725462747
4th Monastery of Trooditissa, Troodos Region
Distance: 5,6 km
Duration: 10 minutes
Monastery of Trooditissa, Troodos Region Source: Visit Cyprus
Monastery of Panagia Trooditissa initiated its course on the 8th century by an anonymous monk who transferred an icon to Cyprus.
The Holy Monastery of Trooditissa has a prominent place amongst the Cypriot monasteries, not just because of its natural beauty, but also by its notable history, for the richness of its paintings. It is located higher than any other monastery in Cyprus, as it is built at the mountaintop of Troodos from which it took its name.
The exact date of the foundation of the monastery is not known, but it is believed to have been established immediately after the iconoclastic era by a hermit who resided there during the years of the iconoclasm. The church, as well as the monastic buildings, belong to a later period and can be dated to the end of the 18th or the 19th and 20th centuries.
The monastery is a retreat for prayers, and as such it is closed for visits, although the church is open to visitors.
Information:
Phone Number: +35725421663
Visiting Hours:
Daily: 09:00 – 12:00 / 14:00 – 16:00
*Saint George, Troodos Square, Troodos
Distance: 9,9 km
Duration: 16 minutes
Saint George, Troodos Square, Troodos Source: Visit Cyprus
Having initiated the way back to Nicosia, make a quick stop at Troodos Square to enjoy the beautiful scenery, relax and enjoy the noise and the forest’s fragrance.
There you will also find the magnificent Anglican Church of St George-in-the-Forest, not far from Troodos Square. It was built at the colonial period in Cyprus, thus follows the architectural types of the Anglican churches.