Culture and Religion

Machairas Monastery

According to legend, an unknown hermit sneaked the icon into Cyprus during the iconoclasm years (between the 8th and 9th century AD) and kept it in his cave until his death around 1145. Blessed with the divine grace, the hermits Ignatios and Neophytos, discovered the cave – which was obscured by bushes - and were able to reach it by cutting down the undergrowth with a knife given to them by divine hand. As a result, the revealed icon was given the name ‘Machairiotissa’ from the Greek word for ‘knife’ – ‘machairi’. The monastery was built on the same spot, also taking the name.

Walk in the Footsteps of a Goddess

 Cyprus has always been considered the ‘Island of Aphrodite’, and no other place in the world can boast of being the birthplace of the Goddess of Love and Beauty. In the 8th century BC, Homer mentions Aphrodite as ‘Kypris’ and ‘Golden Aphrodite’, whilst there are many myths connected to Aphrodite that possibly originated on the island, including those concerning Aphrodite and Hephaistos, Aphrodite and Ares, and Aphrodite and Adonis.

• Palaepafos Aphrodite Cultural Route (Aphrodite Routes)

Pafos, as the area that played a dominant role in the genesis of Kyprida Aphrodite, combines the most interesting visits. These include the main archaeological site of Palaepafos (Kouklia), the Chalcolithic site of Lempa, a number of museums, nature sites and trails. Visits can start from any site.

• Kition Aphrodite Cultural Route (Aphrodite Routes)

Larnaka (Larnaca) and the Agia Napa area offer a combination of visits. The main archaeological site is Kition – Kathari where visitors can explore the links of the ancient city of Kition with the Goddess Kyprida Aphrodite and the area’s ties to the sea.

• Amathous Aphrodite Cultural Route (Aphrodite Routes)

The ancient city kingdom of Amathous on the Bay of Lemesos (Limassol) was probably founded by Greek Mycenaean settlers in the 12th to the 11th centuries BC and was one of the most important kingdoms where Kyprida Aphrodite was celebrated. The ruins of the temple of Aphrodite can be seen at the main archaeological site of Amathous. The District Museum of Lemesos complements the visit with in-depth information about the celebrated goddess. The acropolis with the Sanctuary of Aphrodite has no official entrance. Visitors are asked to use the official entrance to the lower city site and walk up the stairs leading to the top of the acropolis. This visit is not recommended for people with walking difficulties.

Kykkos Monastery

Located in the mountainous region of Marathasa Valley, the Monastery of Kykkos is the wealthiest and most lavish on the island, and stands on a mountain peak, at an altitude of 1.318 metres. Dedicated to Panagia (the Virgin Mary), the monastery possesses one of three icons attributed to Agios Loukas (Apostle Luke) the Evangelist. The icon - covered in silver gilt - is in a shrine made of tortoiseshell and mother-of-pearl that stands in front of the iconostasis. Today, the monastery produces Zivania spirit and other alcoholic drinks, and holds religious fairs on September 8th (Birth of the Virgin) and August 15th (Dormition of the Virgin). There is also a museum on the grounds, whilst it is noteworthy for being the monastery that the first President of Cyprus, Archbishop Makarios III served at as a novice.

Antiquity Route

Begin your journey on the east coast with the ancient city of Kition in Larnaka. The site provides the first clear evidence that the Mycenaean Greeks arrived in Larnaka in the 13th century BC, and the Phoenicians in the 9th, and features temples dating back to these times. Thereafter, head for new heights between Larnaka and Lemesos, where the Neolithic settlement of Choirokoitia stands proudly on the hillside, distinctly marked out by cylindrical stone and mud dwellings that lay claim to the earliest permanent human housing on the island. The site is remarkably well-preserved and has been a listed UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998. Further down the southeast coast, the ancient Greco-Roman Kourion stands as one of the island’s top ancient highlights and was an important city-kingdom in antiquity. Its magnificent theatre was built in the 2nd century BC and extended in the 2nd century AD. Today, the theatre has been completely restored and is used for open-air musical and theatrical performances during the summer months, commanding breathtaking views of the surrounding patchwork land and sea.