Ancient and amazing Kiki Monastery in Cyprus

2024 Author: Miguel Ramacey | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 06:11

Among the Troodos mountain ranges in southern Europe is one of the world's most famous architectural monuments - the Kiksky Monastery. In Cyprus, this building is most often referred to as Kykkos, and if you dig into the depths of history, you can find out its full name - the Monastery of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Kykkos. In order to look at its hefty architecture, the icons and images that are stored inside, historians and connoisseurs of beauty from all over the world come together. We invite you, dear readers, to plunge into those ancient times for a few minutes, when the church ruled the world and the most beautiful and majestic cathedrals were built.

Kiksky monastery in Cyprus is located in the mountainous part of the island. Therefore, they get there most often on foot, however, a route for cars is provided in this area. But it should be noted that many tourists still prefer to climb the peaks on their own, admiring the mountain slopes and the wonderful nature that this island abounds along the way.

Kiksky Monasteryin Cyprus, construction began as early as the 11th century, when the Byzantine emperor Alexius Komnenos brought here the icon of the Mother of God. 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 this miraculous 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 began to be referred to as stauropegial.

By order of Emperor Alexei, the icon of the Mother of God was always to be covered with a velvet veil, so that its light and healing gift would not spread in vain and would not be subjected to envious and evil looks. Several times in the history of the monastery, some princes and rulers dared to violate this ban. Some of them went blind after that, some fell ill and died. It is also interesting that the Kiksky Monastery in Cyprus was repeatedly destroyed by the 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 is a huge number of cells, halls, passages and naves. All this is decorated with mosaic ornaments, paintings and excellent stucco work. The walls of the large halls are decorated with illustrations that tell stories from the Old and New Testaments. Especially elegant look candlesticks and chandeliers that complement all this beauty. And in the southwestern wing are collected icons of the Kiksky monastery, as well as manyarchaeological finds that have religious significance.

This building is a significant symbol of the early Middle Ages. It reflected at the same time the luxury and restraint of that troubled time, as well as the artistic fantasy and meekness of earthly thoughts. Finding the Kiki Monastery on the map of Cyprus is easy, and if you don’t dare to go there on your own, then book a tour package.