Cyprus has attracted huge flows of tourists for many years. The beauty of Cypriot nature, of course, is not in doubt, but the cultural attractions of the island deserve close attention. Monasteries, temples, and architectural monuments created in time immemorial are difficult to count.
The richest and most majestic Orthodox monastery in Cyprus is named after its location. For ten centuries, it has been rising on Mount Kykos. The monastery was created by the Byzantine emperor in the distant 11th century. According to legend, the monastery owes its origin to the hermit Isaiah. Once the Byzantine governor got lost in these places and met a hermit. Isaiah did not want to show the nobleman’s exit, and he did it cruelly. After some time, punishment fell on the Byzantine governor, and his daughter became very ill. Then he remembered the poor hermit. Isaiah did not ask him for anything except the icon of the Virgin, created by St. Luke, which was stored in the imperial palace in Constantinople. The icon was stolen and placed on Mount Kikos. The monastery and church later grew up on this site.
According to another version, the icon painted by St. Luke was brought personally by the emperor Alexei Kionin. He also contributed to the construction of the monastery and church. The name of the monastery is also shrouded in fleur of secrecy. There is a legend that his appearance was predicted by a small bird living in these parts. She sang a song saying that the mountain would become a monastery, while repeating: "Kikos, kikos". A more prosaic version explains the name of the mountain by the fact that a fruit called "coconut" grows on it.
Kikos Monastery is baptized (the Holy Cross was laid at its base). The icon of the Virgin Mary has been located within the walls of the monastery for almost a thousand years.
Initially, the structure was wooden. However, after a fire in the mid-14th century, it began to be rebuilt. Since then, the Kykos Monastery in Cyprus began to take on its modern look.
Now it is a real decoration of Mount Kikos, the monastery is a complex of residential and household solid stone buildings. Its walls are decorated with mosaics, arched passages.
In the courtyards are deep wells, as well as elements of an old building. It shines with splendor and its beauty, largely thanks to the current rector Bishop Nekiforos.
The real miracle of the monastery is the icon of the Virgin "Joy and Consolation", written off from the same icon on Mount Athos. In 1997, she began to myrrh. Thousands of pilgrims wishing to join in the miracle are sent to Mount Kikos. The monastery also opens doors for tourists who can visit the local museum. Here you can see old icons, various elements of church decoration, ancient books and much more. The exhibits of the museum are not only religious monuments, but also general cultural objects of antiquity.
There are 4 rooms in the museum, each of which is dedicated to a particular topic. The museum is open all year. Students and children enter it for free, but adults pay 5 euros.