Holy Monastery of the Virgin Mary of Kykkos

Troodos Mountains, Nicosia District, Cyprus

---

The Holy Monastery of the Virgin Mary of Kykkos, located at about 1,200 meters altitude in the Troodos Mountains of Cyprus, is one of the island’s most significant religious and historical landmarks.

Founded in the late 11th century by Byzantine Emperor Alexios I Komnenos, it has been a spiritual center and a symbol of Orthodox Christianity in Cyprus for centuries. The monastery is famed for housing the miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary, believed to be one of three painted by the Apostle Luke.

Architecturally, Kykkos is distinct for its fortress-like stone buildings adapted to the mountainous terrain and severe climate, surviving multiple fires and reconstructions over time. Inside, the monastery features beautiful frescoes, mosaics, and a museum preserving religious artifacts. It remains an active religious site, attracting pilgrims and tourists alike, who come to admire its religious art, serene mountain setting, and rich cultural heritage.