Quick answer
Kykkos Monastery is Cyprus's best-known and wealthiest monastery, at 1,318 m in the western Troodos beyond Pedoulas. It was founded around the end of the 11th century to house an icon of the Virgin attributed to the Apostle Luke. Entry to the monastery is free; it opens daily with longer hours from June to October, and visitors should dress modestly.
- Kykkos stands at 1,318 m in the Marathasa area of the Troodos, in Nicosia district.
- Tradition says Emperor Alexios I Komnenos sent the icon and funds to build the monastery in the late 11th century.
- The original buildings burned down several times; the current church dates from 1745.
- Entry to the monastery is free; a museum on the grounds displays its religious treasures.
- Archbishop Makarios III, Cyprus's first president, began as a novice here; his tomb is at nearby Throni.
Kykkos Monastery is high on a forested peak in the western Troodos. It is the island's best-known monastery and one of its most visited religious sites. It is a living monastery as well as a sight, so a little preparation makes the visit smoother.
What is Kykkos Monastery?
Kykkos is dedicated to the Virgin Mary (Panagia). It holds one of three icons attributed by tradition to the Apostle Luke. According to tradition, the hermit Isaiah healed the daughter of Byzantine Emperor Alexios I Komnenos (1081–1118). As a reward he asked for the icon, and the emperor sent it to Cyprus with funds to build a monastery. Kykkos burned down several times over the centuries, so nothing of the original buildings remains. The current church dates from 1745. Visit Cyprus describes it as the wealthiest and most lavish monastery on the island.
Where is it and how do you get there?
The monastery stands at 1,318 m in the Marathasa area of the Troodos, in Nicosia district, beyond the village of Pedoulas.
- From Nicosia: Drive towards Troodos via the Solea valley, then over to the Marathasa valley and Pedoulas.
- From Limassol: Climb towards Troodos square, then descend into Marathasa via Prodromos and Pedoulas.
- From Paphos: Mountain roads cross the Paphos forest. They are scenic but slow, with many bends.
You need a car or an organised tour. Public transport to Kykkos is very limited. The last stretch is a winding mountain road, so allow plenty of time and fill up with fuel before you climb.
What can you see at Kykkos?
The church and the icon
The church interior is richly decorated with gold leaf, frescoes and chandeliers. The icon of the Virgin is covered in silver gilt and kept in a tortoiseshell and mother-of-pearl shrine in front of the iconostasis. By tradition the icon itself is kept covered and very rarely shown.
The courtyards and mosaics
The arcaded courtyards and corridors are decorated with modern mosaics and wall paintings. Walking around them is part of the experience.
The museum
The monastery museum on the grounds shows icons, manuscripts, vestments and church treasures. Opening hours and any entry fee are set separately from the monastery, so check on arrival.
Throni and the Makarios tomb
Archbishop Makarios III, the first President of Cyprus, began his religious life at Kykkos as a novice in 1926. His tomb is at Throni, a hilltop about 3 km away with wide views over the mountains. A chapel and a large icon of the Virgin stand at the top.
Opening hours and entry
- Entry: Free, according to Visit Cyprus.
- Opening periods: Daily, with shorter hours from November to May and longer hours from June to October. Visit Cyprus notes that times can change, so check before travelling.
- Feast days: The monastery celebrates on 15 August and 8 September. Expect large crowds and services on those days.
What should you wear and how should you behave?
- Dress modestly: Cover your shoulders and knees. Avoid shorts, sleeveless tops and beachwear. Bring a light layer anyway, as the mountain air is cooler.
- Be quiet: Services may be taking place. Keep your voice down and do not walk in front of worshippers.
- Photography: Rules inside the church can be strict. Follow the signs and ask the monks if you are unsure. Never use flash near icons.
- Respect closed areas: Parts of the monastery are for the monks only.
When is the best time to visit?
Arrive on a weekday morning to avoid tour groups. In summer Kykkos is a cool escape from the coast. Autumn brings clear air and good walking in the surrounding forest. In winter, snow and ice can affect the mountain roads, so check conditions before setting off.
What else is nearby?
- Painted churches: Pedoulas, Moutoullas and Kalopanagiotis on the way to Kykkos each have a UNESCO-listed painted church. See our Troodos painted churches route.
- Cedar Valley: The Paphos forest area west of Kykkos is known for its native Cyprus cedars and quiet trails. See our hiking routes guide.
- Mountain villages: For a weekend base, consider Platres or the Marathasa villages.
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Contains affiliate linksFrequently asked questions
Is Kykkos Monastery free to visit?
Yes. Visit Cyprus lists entry to the monastery as free. The museum on the grounds is run separately, so check whether a ticket applies.
What should you wear to Kykkos Monastery?
Dress modestly: cover your shoulders and knees, and avoid beachwear. It is a working monastery.
Can you see the icon at Kykkos?
You can see its silver-gilt cover in a shrine in front of the iconostasis. By tradition the icon itself is kept covered and is very rarely shown.
How long does it take to drive to Kykkos?
Kykkos is reached by winding mountain roads via Pedoulas. Allow plenty of time from the coast and avoid driving the last stretch in the dark if you are not used to mountain roads.
Where is Archbishop Makarios buried?
His tomb is at Throni, a hilltop about 3 km from the monastery, which you can reach by car.
