Kykkos Monastery
A magnificent 11th-century monastery in the Troodos Mountains, famed for its sacred icon and rich Byzantine art.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Kykkos Monastery
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A magnificent 11th-century monastery in the Troodos Mountains, famed for its sacred icon and rich Byzantine art.
"Absolutely staggering place to visit, with wealth and arts inside that are jaw-dropping."
👗 Modest Attire is Key
Cover shoulders & legs. Robes available, but bring your own to be safe.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Lots of stairs and cobblestones, so sensible footwear is a must.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Icon of the Virgin Mary
Main Monastery Church
See one of three surviving icons attributed to Saint Luke, a deeply revered relic.
Byzantine Art & Mosaics
Monastery Walls & Museum
Marvel at vibrant frescoes and intricate mosaics depicting biblical scenes.
Throni Chapel
Nearby Hilltop
Experience breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Dress Code & Respect
Journey to the Mountains
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👗 Modest Attire is Key
Cover shoulders & legs. Robes available, but bring your own to be safe.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Lots of stairs and cobblestones, so sensible footwear is a must.
💧 Bring Water
The mountain air can be dry, and you'll do a lot of walking.
💰 Museum Entry Fee
The museum costs €5 (cash only), but the free areas are stunning.
Tips
from all over the internet
👗 Modest Attire is Key
Cover shoulders & legs. Robes available, but bring your own to be safe.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Lots of stairs and cobblestones, so sensible footwear is a must.
💧 Bring Water
The mountain air can be dry, and you'll do a lot of walking.
💰 Museum Entry Fee
The museum costs €5 (cash only), but the free areas are stunning.
🚗 Challenging Mountain Drive
Roads are winding. Allow extra travel time and drive carefully.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Kykkos Monastery for its breathtaking Byzantine art, stunning architecture, and the profound spiritual atmosphere. The wealth of historical artifacts in the museum is a major draw, though some find the monastery lacks intimacy. The challenging mountain drive is considered well worth the effort for the rewarding experience.
"Amazing paintings and architecture. Everything inside and outside was spectacularly well preserved. Monastery lacks intimacy of other more hidden sites, but it makes it up by the scale of wealth and arts inside. There's 5 euro museum inside, we didn't go in, the "free" part was more than enough."
Adam Bang
"A place of peace and beauty. We drove from Paphos, and the roads are challenging. The journey took about 1h 40m, but it was so worth it. The monastery has a museum that is so well presented and kept that it rivals some countries' national museums. I can not state enough just how absolutely jaw-dropping it is."
The Lion
"It's beautiful, but it didn't leave a big impression. It's convenient if you don't want to/can't go up, there's a golf cart that takes you almost right to the temple, and it goes back and forth all day."
lina gargasaite
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The drive from Paphos to Kykkos Monastery is approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes via winding mountain roads. Renting a car is the most convenient option. Taxis are also available but can be expensive.
Public transport options are limited and time-consuming. It's generally recommended to rent a car or join an organized tour for easier access to Kykkos Monastery.
Many visitors find renting a car offers the most flexibility. Be prepared for scenic but challenging mountain roads.
Consider stopping at Throni Chapel for incredible views on your way to or from Kykkos Monastery.
While the monastery has many stairs and cobblestones, there's a golf cart service available to help transport visitors closer to the temple.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Kykkos Monastery is typically open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, but it's always a good idea to check the latest opening times before your visit.
Entry into the main monastery complex is free. However, there is a separate fee for the museum.
The museum at Kykkos Monastery costs €5 per person and is cash only.
No, advance booking is not typically required for entry into the monastery itself, as it's free. For the museum, you pay on arrival.
Visitors must dress modestly, covering shoulders and legs. Robes are often provided if needed.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The most revered item is the icon of the Virgin Mary, believed to be painted by Saint Luke. The stunning Byzantine art and mosaics are also highlights.
Many visitors find the museum to be exceptionally well-presented and rivals national museums, offering a wealth of art and history.
While it's an active monastery, direct interaction with monks may be limited. The focus is on spiritual contemplation and appreciating the art.
The courtyard, the exterior architecture, and the views from nearby Throni Chapel offer excellent photographic opportunities.
Allow at least 2-3 hours to explore the monastery and its museum without rushing.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally not permitted inside the main church where the icon is displayed. However, you can usually take photos in the courtyard and museum areas, but always check for signage.
Early morning or late afternoon light can be beautiful for capturing the monastery's architecture and the surrounding mountain scenery.
Be mindful of areas where photography is prohibited, especially near religious artifacts and during services. Respect the sanctity of the place.
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is useful for both architectural shots and details. A wide-angle lens can capture the grandeur of the monastery and the landscape.
Drone usage is typically restricted in religious sites and national parks. It's best to assume drones are not permitted to avoid issues.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tips for families: Ensure children are dressed modestly to comply with the dress code. The drive can be long and winding, so pack snacks and entertainment for the journey. Consider visiting Throni Chapel for a chance to stretch legs and enjoy expansive views.
🙏 Spiritual Seekers
Many visitors find the monastery offers a profound sense of peace and connection. Engaging with the history and art within the monastery can deepen the spiritual experience. Consider visiting during quieter times to fully immerse yourself in the tranquil environment.
🚗 Road Trip Enthusiasts
Recommendations: Rent a car for maximum flexibility. Plan your route to include stops at charming mountain villages or viewpoints like Throni Chapel. Be prepared for winding roads and enjoy the journey as much as the destination.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Sacred Icon of the Virgin Mary
This sacred relic is central to the monastery's identity and history, contributing to its status as one of Cyprus's most important religious sites. The devotion surrounding the icon has shaped the monastery's development and its enduring appeal as a place of pilgrimage and veneration. The sheer weight of history and faith associated with this single artifact makes it a profound focal point of any visit.
Architectural Grandeur and Byzantine Art
The monastery's exterior is equally impressive, with its imposing stone structures and ornate details. The central courtyard provides a serene space for reflection, surrounded by the monastery's various buildings. The museum, though an additional cost, is highly praised for its extensive collection of religious artifacts, icons, and historical exhibits, rivaling some national museums in its presentation and preservation.
The Journey and Throni Chapel
Near the monastery, perched on a hilltop, is Throni Chapel. This site is significant as the resting place of Archbishop Makarios III, the first President of Cyprus, who was also a monk at Kykkos. The chapel offers unparalleled panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains and valleys, making it a popular spot for visitors to soak in the scenery and reflect.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit