STAVROVUNI MONASTERY

This Greek Orthodox monastery (Μονή Σταυροβουνίου/Moni Stavrovouniou) is one of the holiest places in Cyprus. It is also one of the oldest monasteries in Christendom: it was founded in the 4th century to house a relic of the Holy Cross deposited here, it is said, by St. Helena, mother of Constantine, the first Christian emperor and the origin of the Byzantine Empire. Often compared to Mount Athos in Greece, it is also forbidden to women. Dedicated to the True Cross, it enjoys a unique geographical location, since it is located in the southern part of the Troodos massif, isolated in a remote area at the top of the "Mount of the True Cross" (Stavrovouni), at 688 m altitude. As impressive as it is, set on its rocky spur in the middle of a 1,900 ha classified forest, the complex has little architectural interest. It is a vast complex constantly enlarged and modified, made up of buildings constructed since its rebirth in 1889. The visit is strange. The road winds through a military zone where stopping to take pictures is forbidden. And in the monastery, the atmosphere is quite austere. The thirty or so monks who live there follow the same strict rules as on Mount Athos, their days being punctuated by prayers and marked by asceticism.

Two alternatives for the women. However, Stavrovouni has a real charm. It is a haven of peace conducive to meditation. Pilgrims are sometimes invited to stay overnight and share a meal with the monks from their property. The other asset of Stavrovouni is its panorama. The monastery offers a 360° view of Larnaka, the sea, the salt lake to the south, the Troodos massif to the northwest and the plain of Mesaoria to the east, including Famagusta when the sky is clear. Women can also enjoy the view from the church of Agion Panton (All Saints), which is located slightly outside the complex. If possible, you should come on September 14, the day of the Exaltation of the Virgin, for the True Cross ceremonies. We also recommend a stop at the monastery Agias Varvaras (St. Barbara), a metoque (dependency) of Stavrovouni. If the "mother" monastery is only a place of prayer, this one is open to all, including women, and the monks are dedicated to the realization of icons. Thanks to the monk Kallinikos (1920-2011), who was the greatest Cypriot iconographer of the twentieth century, the place still enjoys an immense reputation.