Pinsteps. The Kikkos Monastery's central courtyard
Places to visit in Кипр. Languages: en

The Kykkos Monastery, like many monastic complexes, is designed around a central courtyard, a common feature in Mediterranean architecture that provides a sense of community, facilitates a communal way of life, and offers a peaceful open space for reflection.

Cyprus has a long history of monasticism, which stretches back to the early years of Christianity. The tradition of monastic life on the island is believed to have started in the 4th century, around the time when Cyprus was part of the Roman Empire and Christianity was beginning to spread across the Mediterranean.

Early Monasticism (4th-7th Centuries): Early Cypriot monasticism was influenced by the Egyptian and Syrian traditions. It initially took the form of hermits or anchorites living in isolated caves or in the wilderness, dedicating themselves to prayer and asceticism. Over time, these solitary practitioners began to gather into loose communities, forming the earliest monastic settlements.

Middle Byzantine Period (8th-12th Centuries): In the Middle Byzantine Period, the focus shifted towards coenobitic (communal) monasticism, and many of the island's important monasteries, such as the Stavrovouni Monastery and the Monastery of Saint Heracleidius, were established. This was a period of significant growth and consolidation for the monastic community in Cyprus.

Lusignan and Venetian Periods (12th-16th Centuries): During the Lusignan and Venetian periods, Western monastic orders such as the Benedictines, Franciscans, and Augustinians established their presence on the island. Some of the local Orthodox monasteries also came under the influence of these Western monastic traditions during this time.

Ottoman Period (16th-19th Centuries): The Ottoman conquest of Cyprus in 1571 brought significant changes. Although the Orthodox Church was generally allowed to operate under Ottoman rule, the monasteries faced periods of decline due to heavy taxation and other pressures. Despite these challenges, some monasteries like Kykkos and Machairas managed to maintain their operations and even flourish.

British Period to Modern Times (19th Century to Present): During the British administration (1878-1960), there was a revival of monastic life on the island. Many monasteries were restored, and new ones were founded. Today, the monasteries of Cyprus continue to play a significant role in the religious and cultural life of the island, attracting both local worshippers and international visitors. They are centers of Orthodox spirituality, repositories of art and culture, and symbols of the island's rich and complex history.

Surrounding this courtyard are various buildings that make up the functional aspects of the monastery. These are typically made of local stone, reflecting the traditional architectural styles of Cyprus, and often include red-tiled roofs.

Administrative Offices: These are the operational heart of the monastery where the administrative tasks related to the management of the monastery are performed. This could include coordinating with the Cyprus Orthodox Church, managing donations, organizing events and pilgrimages, maintaining the monastery's historical archives, and more.

Monk Quarters: These are the living areas for the monks who reside in the monastery. Monks' cells are typically simple and austere, reflecting their vows of poverty and their focus on spiritual matters. They often consist of a small room with a bed, a desk, and a place for personal prayer.

Other Facilities: Depending on the size and resources of the monastery, other facilities might include a refectory (dining hall) where monks take their meals in common, kitchens for meal preparation, libraries for study and preservation of religious texts, workshops for making religious items or maintaining the monastery, and guest rooms for visiting clergy or pilgrims. Some monasteries also have medical facilities to care for the monks and the local community.

Church or Chapel: Most courtyards would have direct access to the monastery's church or chapel, which is the spiritual center of the monastic community. In Kykkos Monastery, the main church is beautifully decorated with frescoes, mosaics, and contains the famous icon of the Virgin Mary.


Pictures uploaded by @Evgeny Praisman
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Evgeny Praisman
Kykkos monastery, medieval bridges and Lofou village of Apr 29, 2023

Your day begins with a serene visit to the historic Kykkos Monastery, where the ornate decorations and tranquil atmosphere offer a peek into Cyprus's rich ecclesiastical tradition. From there, you journey to the mountain tomb of Makarios III, a place marked by solemnity and historical significance, boasting panoramic views of the island. The next leg of your trip involves traversing the medieval Venetian bridges over the Diorios River, where the impressive architecture harkens back to an era of grandeur and rich cultural exchange. As the sun sets, you find yourself in the charming village of Lofou, walking down its cobblestone streets, surrounded by traditional stone houses that seem to whisper tales from the past. Here in Lofou, you end the day with a sense of fulfilment, as if you've truly experienced the very heart and soul of Cyprus.

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Evgeny Praisman (author)
Здравствуйте! Меня зовут Женя, я путешественник и гид. Здесь я публикую свои путешествия и путеводители по городам и странам. Вы можете воспользоваться ими, как готовыми путеводителями, так и ресурсом для создания собственных маршрутов. Некоторые находятся в свободном доступе, некоторые открываются по промо коду. Чтобы получить промо код напишите мне сообщение на телефон +972 537907561 или на epraisman@gmail.com и я с радостью вам помогу! Иначе, зачем я всё это делаю?
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