Monasteries in Paphos | Leonardo Hotels Cyprus

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From all the must-see churches and monasteries in Paphos, we have selected the following three landmarks: Agios Neophytos Monastery, Panagia Chrysorroyiatissa Monastery, and the Byzantine basilica whose ruins contain the church of Agia Kyriaki Panagia Chrysopolitissa.

Ayios Neophytos Monastery

The Ayios Neophytos Monastery, dedicated to Saint Neophytos (the Recluse), is the most important monastery in Paphos. In 1159, Neophytos himself found refuge in a small natural cave, which he turned into a little chapel with a hermit’s cell. Later, after 1170, when the Bishop of Paphos convinced him to take in a novice, the cave became a small monastic community. In time, the Agios Neophytos Monastery grew into a large Engleistra decorated with priceless artworks.

Chrysoroyiatissa Monastery is a must-see landmark in Paphos

Panagia Chrysorroyiatissa Monastery

The Panagia Chrysorroyiatissa Monastery was founded in the 12th century when a monk called Ignatius brought here an icon of the Virgin Mary supposedly painted by St. Luke the Evangelist. Legend has it that, to be protected from destruction, the holy icon was thrown in the sea in Asia Minor during the first period of the Byzantine Iconoclasm and reached safety on the coast of Paphos. The monastery is dedicated to the Our Lady of the Golden Pomegranate and its current building dates from 1770.

Panayia Chrysopolitissa Church

On an island where most of the population is Greek Orthodox, the church of Agia Kyriaki Chrysopolitissa is a dream come true for many Catholic couples who want to tie the knot in paradise. It’s a beautiful church, which traces its roots back to the largest basilica of Cyprus in the 4th century AD.