Larnaca is home to many monasteries that date back to the 4th century and allow you to walk through the cultural and architectural influences of the Graeco-Roman period, the Byzantine period, and many more.
These sites are nestled in the most picturesque settings that invoke feelings of peace and tranquility. This article will walk you through some of the Larnaca monasteries that you need to visit.
STAVROVOUNI MONASTERY
The perfect attraction that combines a spellbinding adventure of natural beauty and cultural fascination is the Stavrovouni Monastery located on a scenic cliff-top. You have to hike up to the Monastery, an intriguing experience that allows you to enjoy the tranquility of complete isolation and fabulous panoramic views of the countryside.
The Stavrovouni Monastery was erected on the orders of Empress Helena, and you can tour the entire mountain to visit some exalting religious sites dating back to the Graeco-Roman period. The summit was once home to a temple that paid tribute to the Goddess Aphrodite; however, during the 15th century, Arab attacks burnt the Monastery. The building standing on the cliff-top was renovated in the 19th century.
AGIOS GEOGIOS MAVROVOUNIOU MONASTERY
Relatively unknown men’s monastery is located near the village called Troulli in the province of Larnaca. The English name of this monastery is Saint George of the Black Hill. Black Hill refers to the dark soil of the area that happened to be a volcanic mass first to arise out of the water when the whole island was under the sea.
After the monastery was finally restored in 1996 now it’s an active spiritual place only for men. The monastery is famous by its miracle working icon of Saint George.
AGIA THEKLA MONASTERY
Tucked in the heart of Larnaca’s most idyllic village of Mosfiloti, the Agia Thekla Monastery is a visual treat with its picturesque setting surrounded by a lush green valley. It was founded by Empress Helena back in the 4th century, and the historical narratives revealed that Saint Helen used to pray at the spot where the Monastery rests today.
She started constructing the Monastery after her prayers for water were answered, and springs of water began overflowing the lands around the Monastery. Till this day, visitors find solace and tranquility in the breathtaking expanse of the Monastery.
AGIOS MINAS CONVENT
Lastly, this Larnaca Monastery, which is nestled in the picturesque village of Lefkara, is a delightful sight to behold. Agios Minas Convent is home to a church, multiple 18th-century monastic buildings and cloisters. The nuns of the convent are famous for their exquisitely painted icons. History reveals that the convent was earlier a Dominican building, and it is a wonderful blend of Gothic influence and Byzantine architectural traditions. The convent walls feature two impressively large paintings of Agios Minas and Agios Georgios, which date back to 1757.
Related: 5 Ancient Sites to Visit in Larnaca
