Kykkos Monastery, Orthodox monastery in Troodos Mountains, Cyprus
Kykkos is an Orthodox monastery in the Troodos Mountains of Cyprus, rising at 1183 meters above a forested mountain slope. The central church displays white stone walls and red tile roofs, surrounded by multi-story monastic buildings that enclose a large paved courtyard with arcaded walkways.
Emperor Alexios I Komnenos founded the monastery in 1001 following divine visions and brought an important icon from Constantinople here. The complex burned several times and was rebuilt over the centuries, with the current structure dating from 18th and 20th century restorations.
The icon of the Mother of God remains veiled behind a cloth that monks have maintained for generations out of respect for tradition. Pilgrims come here to light candles on feast days and gather in the courtyard, where the religious life of the community unfolds.
Visitors should wear long trousers and covered shoulders and can borrow wraps at the entrance gate if they arrive underdressed. Certain areas remain reserved for monks, but the courtyard and main church are open to the public.
Archbishop Makarios III, the first president of Cyprus, entered this monastery as a novice in 1926 and began his religious path here. His tomb now lies just a few kilometers away on a nearby hill, where many visitors stop after their monastery visit.
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