Larnaca - Stavrovouni Monastery (Hill of the Cross) Stavrovoúni
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West of Larnaca, on a commanding hill, stands the Stavrovouni Monastery (Hill of the Cross, 2,231ft/680m), founded in 327 by Ste Helena, mother of the Emperor Constantine.
The whole mountain has long been important in religious terms. In the Classical period, pilgrims came to a temple to Aphrodite at its summit.
Perched on the rocky peak now is Stavrovouni or Mountain of the Cross. According to tradition, it was founded in A.D. 370 by St Helena, mother of Constantine the Great, who left a fragment of the Holy Cross to the Monastery.
At the time Cyprus was said to have infested by deadly snakes and the forests were said to be burning.
It is widely believed that the cross brought an end to those plagues on the island.
In 1426 the monastery was burned by the Arabs and again by the Turks in 1570. The monks returned a century later, although the current monastery was built in the 19th century.
There is an impressive ceremony and celebrations on September 14. The Monastery of Ste Barbara (Ayía Varvára) at the foot of Stavrovouni Hill, is easily accessible. The monks here have a high reputation for icon painting.
The whole mountain has long been important in religious terms. In the Classical period, pilgrims came to a temple to Aphrodite at its summit.
Perched on the rocky peak now is Stavrovouni or Mountain of the Cross. According to tradition, it was founded in A.D. 370 by St Helena, mother of Constantine the Great, who left a fragment of the Holy Cross to the Monastery.
At the time Cyprus was said to have infested by deadly snakes and the forests were said to be burning.
It is widely believed that the cross brought an end to those plagues on the island.
In 1426 the monastery was burned by the Arabs and again by the Turks in 1570. The monks returned a century later, although the current monastery was built in the 19th century.
There is an impressive ceremony and celebrations on September 14. The Monastery of Ste Barbara (Ayía Varvára) at the foot of Stavrovouni Hill, is easily accessible. The monks here have a high reputation for icon painting.
Tips: Women are not permitted to enter the monastery, except from noon to 1pm (3pm in summer).
Photography is banned (for military reasons) on the hill leading to monastery.
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The hilltop Stavrovouni Monastery near Larnaca.
