Among the Troodos mountains in southern Europe, there is one of the most famous architectural monuments in the world - the Kik monastery. In Cyprus, this building is most often referred to as Kikkos, and if you dig into the depths of history, you can also find its full name - the Monastery of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Kikkos. In order to look at its pretty architecture, at the icons and images that are stored inside, historians and simply connoisseurs of beauty from all over the world come together. We offer you, dear readers, to plunge into those ancient centuries for a few minutes, when the church ruled the world and the most beautiful and magnificent cathedrals were built.
Kik monastery in Cyprus is located in the mountainous part of the island. Therefore, they get there most often on foot, but in this area there is a highway for cars. But it should be noted that many tourists still prefer to climb the peaks on their own, while admiring the mountain slopes and the wonderful nature that abounds on this island.
The Kik monastery in Cyprus began to be built in the XI century, when the icon of the Mother of God was brought here by the Byzantine emperor Alexy Komnin. According to legend, this image was painted by the prophet Luke, and from life, when the Virgin Mary was still alive. From the very moment that this wonderful icon appeared on the island, the construction of the monastery began. The building was based on a Christian cross, so in the church lexicon the monastery became known as stavropegic.
By order of Emperor Alexei, the icon of the Mother of God should always be covered with a velvet veil, so that her light and healing gift would not be spread in vain and not be subjected to envious and evil glances. Several times in the history of the monastery, some princes and rulers dared to violate this prohibition. Some of them went blind after this, someone fell ill and died. It is also interesting that the Kik monastery in Cyprus was repeatedly destroyed by invaders, even experienced numerous fires, but the face of the Blessed Virgin Mary remained safe and sound.
The fabulousness of the monastery itself as an architectural structure is simply amazing. There are a huge number of cells, halls, passages and naves. All this is decorated with mosaic ornaments, paintings and excellent stucco molding. On the walls of large halls flaunt illustrations that tell stories from the Old and New Testaments. Especially elegant look candle holders and chandeliers that complement all this beauty. And in the southwestern wing are collected icons of the Kik monastery, as well as many archaeological finds that have religious significance.
This building is a significant symbol of the early Middle Ages. It displayed both the luxury and restraint of that troubled time, as well as artistic imagination and meekness of earthly thoughts. Finding the Kik Monastery on a map of Cyprus is easy, and if you dare not go there on your own, then book a guided tour.