Cyprus Troodos Monastery. Troodos mountains in Cyprus: villages, monasteries
The Troodos Mountains occupy a fairly large area and rise above the entire island. If we consider the heights of more than 300 m as mountains, then we get more than a third of the territory of Cyprus. In the northwest, foothills descend directly to the sea, and one spur branches off into the Akamas Peninsula. The central part of the Troodos ridge breaks off rather steeply, turning into a plain in the north and more gently descending to Lemesos (Limassol) in the south. The northeastern spurs end 24 km from Lefkosia (Nicosia).
The Troodos mountain range arose about 70 million years ago, when the current Cyprus was still lying on the bottom ancient ocean, which geologists call the Typhus Sea. As a result of the rise of the ocean floor, the Troodos ridge appeared from the water, "pulling" the island along with it. The very top of the ridge is a unique ophiolite complex, which is studied by volcanologists, trying to understand how the bottom of the world's oceans was formed 90 million years ago.
The highest of the mountains formed in prehistoric times as a result of the collision of continental plates is known as Olympus, and its peak is at an altitude of 1951 m above sea level. The high ridge stretches to the east for a distance of 40 km, after which it gives way to more moderate heights. Despite the intimidating view, these mountains cannot be called deserted: you will find villages and roads near all the peaks, with the possible exception of the highest ones.
The west and central part of the Troodos slopes are covered with pine forests. In the valleys there are golden-scaled oak and willow. Rocky slopes, where there is not enough moisture, are overgrown with makis, or dense shrubs. In June and July, the highlands turn yellow: this is a dense dwarf shrub that blooms.
The climate in the mountains is cooler than in the valleys, although in summer the temperature can reach 30°C and the sun is very hot. During the hot summer months, thousands of tourists and residents of Cyprus come to Troodos to relax in the coolness of the mountain ranges, admire the majestic panorama or get acquainted with the unique relic plants that live only in these earlier hard-to-reach places. Amazingly clean, pine-scented air, magnificent mountain scenery, a peaceful, calm atmosphere and the opportunity to wander on foot along the forest paths attract many here.
Numerous villages sprawled in the valleys and on the slopes of the hills. Prodromos climbed the highest - 1390 m above sea level. Many villages have a rather dilapidated appearance: these places have not been touched by the generous hand of the tourist business. But also the settlements clinging to the steep slopes along tourist route to the Solea Valley, just as unprepossessing. The houses here are completely different than on the arid plains. The roofs have steep slopes and are covered with red tiles or corrugated tin. There is a good reason for this: the winters in these places are rainy, and even snow falls high in the mountains. But there are many sunny days in winter, and in clear weather you can clearly see distant mountains, whereas in summer they are covered with haze. From the northern slope of Mount Olympus opens great view to the Gulf of Morphou and to the snowy peaks of the Taurus Mountains in Turkey.
Kakopetria - lying in the northern foothills of the Troodos, the village is especially loved by the inhabitants of the capital Nicosia, who come here on weekends. To forget about the heat reigning in the city at least for a while on its green shady streets. There is everything for recreation here: several small hotels, magnificent nature and excellent restaurants. In the center of the village there is a "bad stone", which gave the village its name. According to legend, in the old days, newlyweds who got married had to run around this stone three times. One day, another couple of newlyweds, having run around a stone, fell dead - since then the stone has been called "bad". Near Kakopetria there is another attraction - the church of Agios Nikolaos tis Stegis (Agios Nikolaos tis Stegis), built in the 11th century. This is a typical Byzantine church of that era.
Troodos is famous for its spring water, which is bottled and sold throughout the island. Horticulture is also developed here; the inhabitants of the Solea Valley and the Marathas region specialize in the cultivation of cherries, apples, pears and plums. Grapes grow all over the island, but they ripen best on the southern slopes of the Troodos mountains. A rich harvest of grapes is harvested in villages such as Omodos and brought to Lemesos (Limassol), where they make one of the many brands of Cypriot wine.
The mountains are the only place in Cyprus where snow falls in winter. From January to March, and sometimes in April, Cypriots have the opportunity to go skiing. In the vicinity of Mount Olympos of Cyprus (1951 m), which the Cypriots call Khionistra, which means "snowy", four ski lifts have been built. The top of the mountain is inaccessible to tourists - an English military radar is installed there, used by the British for radio interception. This snow-white ball is visible from afar.
During the summer months, the surroundings of Olympos - perfect place for hiking. Specially laid trails allow you to get to know the Troodos nature closer. Four routes of various lengths have been developed. The journey through each takes from one and a half to five hours, but the walk is worth the effort. All four routes start from the same place, bearing the same name as the mountain range - Troodos. This is a small area near Mount Olympos, where there are no permanent residents - only hotels for tourists, restaurants and souvenir shops.
During the numerous invasions, the Cypriots took refuge in the remote places of the Troodos, rebuilding monasteries and rock temples, which, for the most part, have survived to this day, having accumulated many relics.
The most famous monastery in Troodos is Kykkos Monastery located a few kilometers northwest of the mountain village of Pano Platres. Tradition says that around the year 1100, the Byzantine emperor Alexius Komnenos gave the Cypriot elder hermit Isaiah the holy icon of the Mother of God in gratitude for the fact that Isaiah healed the suddenly ill daughter of the emperor. Alexy Komnenos also subsidized the construction of the monastery, in which from now on the icon was to be kept. The holiness of the icon was determined by the fact that it was one of the three that, according to legend, the Apostle Luke painted with his own hand from the Mother of God herself. It can still be seen today in the monastery church.
Another famous monastery Trooditissa is located a few kilometers northwest of the mountain village of Pano Platres. Founded in 1250 (the current buildings were built in the 18th century), the monastery is known for two relics: the icon of the Mother of God and the miraculous belt, which is believed to help women recover from infertility.
The large monastery of Chrysoroyatissa was founded in 1152 by the hermit Ignatios and is also known for the icon of the Mother of God painted by the Apostle Luke. The monastery produces excellent wines that can be tasted right in the monastery cellars.
One of the most interesting monasteries islands - the monastery of Stavrovouni is built on the top of a lonely mountain (688 m above sea level) on the site of even more ancient temple Aphrodite. When Elena, the mother of the Byzantine emperor Constantine the Great, was returning from the Holy Land, where she managed to get a fragment of the cross on which Jesus Christ was crucified, her ship was wrecked off the coast of Cyprus. An angel appeared to Elena who came ashore in a dream and said that she should leave a fragment of the cross in the monastery, which should have been built on the top of the mountain. Since that time, the countdown of the history of the Stavrovouni monastery began.
Located in Troodos summer residence the President of Cyprus. One of the buildings of the residence was built at the end of the last century with the participation of Arthur Rimbaud, a famous poet in the future, and a memorial plaque on that very building reports his participation in the construction.
The Troodos mountain range, located in the western part of Cyprus, is the largest on the island, and Mount Olymbos, highest point chain, at 1952 meters rises above sea level. The mountains are known for resorts and picturesque villages, as well as for rich cultural heritage: it is in the Troodos mountains that dozens of ancient monasteries, churches and castles are located. The climate in the mountains is more pronounced, compared to the coast, the change of seasons: summers are dry and hot, and winters are cool and wet, often with snowfalls (on the top of Olymbos, snow cover remains throughout the winter season).
In the lush forests of Troodos you can see over a hundred different plant species: pines, cypresses, cedars, strawberry trees and giant cacti, just to name a few. Various animals live in the forested zone of the mountains, including hares and foxes, and the mouflon mountain sheep, the hunting of which is prohibited by the government, is a frequent guest on the slopes of the Troodos. In addition, rare species of birds are found in the Troodos mountains: griffin, raven, Bonelli eagle, etc.
The villages located in the mountains are known for the developed in them agriculture and folk crafts. For example, fish are grown in the village, apples are grown in the village of Prodroomos, and cherries are grown in Pedoulas. Almost all residents make their own homemade wine, wooden tubs are made in Mutullas, and it is famous far beyond the borders of Cyprus thanks to unique silverware and “lefkaritika” embroidery.
In Troodos villages, you can not only meet local craftsmen and buy their products and products, but also enjoy picturesque views, as well as see old houses and traditional interior decoration preserved in many villages.
In addition to villages, in the Troodos mountains there are churches included in the UNESCO heritage list: the Church of St. Nicholas, the Church of the True Cross, the Church of the Archangel Michael, the Church of the Transfiguration of the Savior and others, as well as the monastery of St. John tou Lampadisti. In addition, in Troodos there are such world-famous monasteries as Kykkos, Trooditissa, Chrysoroyatissa, the Monastery of the Holy Cross and others.
Acquaintance with the cultural values of Troodos can be diluted hiking on specially designed routes and quad bike safari tours.
More about interesting places, sights and routes of Troodos - in our review.
Troodos villages
Another of the Troodos villages - Galata- located in the Solea Valley, on the two banks of the Clarios River. There are six churches in the village, and houses local residents decorated with carved wooden shutters, columns, ladders and balconies. Also, guests of the village can visit the Folk Art Museum, which presents clothes, works of local craftsmen, books, historical objects and much more.
Possibly the most famous Troodos village. Hundreds of tourists flock here all year round to look at the works of local craftsmen: elegant lace called "lefkaritika" and filigree silverware. The cobbled streets of the village, white limestone houses, abundance of greenery and 18 churches, numerous cafes and restaurants and the hospitality of the inhabitants also play a role in creating a unique atmosphere of this place.
Ski resort on Mount Olymbos
On the slopes of Mount Olymbos in Troodos is the only one in Cyprus ski resort Ski Cyprus with four pistes for beginners, intermediates and advanced skiers. The length of the slopes is from 150 to 500 meters, the resort has ski lifts. Children and adults who come to the resort can not only rent all the necessary equipment, but also use the services of instructors (for a fee). There are two hotels within walking distance from the resort, and tourists can also settle in nearby villages, where apartments and entire houses, including those in the traditional style, are rented out. During winter snowfalls, traffic on the highway leading to the resort may be limited. You can get to Ski Cyprus on your own only in a four-wheel drive car. A webcam is installed on one of the slopes, allowing you to track weather online.
Troodos Monasteries
(male) - one of the most famous and richest monasteries in Cyprus. It was founded in the Troodos mountains around the end of the 11th century, during the Byzantine rule. Among the buildings of the monastery, belonging to different periods, are a temple, a cathedral room, the abbot's house, cells, a library and a museum with works of Christian art. The frescoes and mosaics that adorn the buildings of the monastery were created in the 90s of the XX century by icon painters from Cyprus, as well as from Greece and Romania. The main shrine of the monastery is the icon of the Kykk Mother of God, decorated with a silver setting. The miraculous properties of this icon attract many pilgrims to the monastery.
The male is located 40 kilometers from Paphos. The monastery was founded at the beginning of the XII century by the hermit Ignatius, he also found on the shore mediterranean sea main shrine monastery - the icon of the Mother of God Chrysoroyatissa. There is a museum at the monastery, which exhibits a collection of liturgical utensils, vestments and icons of the 17th-20th centuries.
Located in the Limassol region, 10 kilometers from the village of Platres. According to legend, the founders of the monastery were two hermits, the place of construction of which was indicated by the Mother of God herself in 1250. Visitors to the monastery can see the miraculous icon of the Mother of God "Trooditissa", painted, as the legend says, by Luke himself, as well as the miraculous leather Belt Holy Mother of God, inlaid with gold and silver.
Another male monastery in Troodos - - is located 40 kilometers from Nicosia, near the village of Lasagna. According to legend, the icon of the Mother of God, attributed to Luke, was hidden in a cave not far from the place where the monastery is now located. To get to the icon through dense thickets, the hermits Neophyte and Ignatius used a long knife "mahaira", which gave the name to the newly acquired icon and the monastery built on the site of its discovery.
The now inactive one is located in the village of Omodos and is an object of cultural and historical heritage Cyprus. The monastery church was founded in 210, and the monastery itself was built in the 4th century by order of Empress Helena, who left in it a part of the Life-Giving Cross and a fragment of the Bond of Christ, the shrines brought to her from Jerusalem. IN last years the monastery was transformed into a local parish, services are held in the church.
Female Monastery of Our Lady of Trikukka located high in the Troodos mountains. The monastery was built in the XII century, the main shrines are the miraculous image of the Mother of God and the icon of Seraphim of Sarov.
national forest park
The National Forest Park, located in the central part of Cyprus, covers 45% of the Troodos mountain range. The employees of the forest park have developed several dozen hiking trails through the mountains and valleys of the Troodos. The minimum length of the route is 1.2 kilometers, the maximum is more than 10 kilometers. In addition, tourists can go on a longer bike ride, such routes are also provided.
While walking along the routes, you can not only enjoy the picturesque views, but also see with your own eyes endemic plants, as well as rare or endangered birds and animals, abandoned buildings from the Venetian rule, the Caledonian Falls and other local attractions.
IN tourist center the forest park hosts geological exhibitions and seminars, and in the store you can buy hand-made objects made from natural materials, documentaries about the Troodos and much more.
ancient byzantine churches
Special mention deserves the ancient Byzantine churches of Troodos, which have been under the protection of UNESCO since 1985, each of which is unique in its own way.
The village of Kakopetria is located on west bank Clarios river. This is the only building left from the now destroyed monastery of the 11th century. The roof was added over the dome in the 13th century to protect the church from bad weather. Inside the church, you can see ancient frescoes, the earliest of which date back to the 11th century, as well as paintings from the early Byzantine period. Entrance to the church is free, Monday is a day off.
Around Church of Panagia tou Araka a protective structure was also erected, so it can also be called a church "under the roof" (in fact, this applies to all churches, which will be discussed later). This church is located 15 kilometers from Argos, in the village of Lagudera, the time of construction is the beginning of the XII century. Inside, you can see ancient paintings by Theodoros Apsevdis, including the famous domed image of Christ Pantocrator. To go inside the church, you need to call the local priest.
Church of Panagia Forviotissa, located about 5 kilometers from the village of Nikitari in eastern Troodos, is also under the protection of UNESCO. This is the only surviving building of the Forvia Monastery (beginning of the 11th century). The walls of the church are decorated with murals depicting canonical gospel stories and Christian saints Nicholas, Gregory the Theologian, John Chrysostom and others. The church can be visited from 9:30 to 16:00 from Monday to Saturday and from 10:00 to 16:00 on Sundays and weekends. Free admission.
Church of Panagia Eleusa(XVI century) is located in the village of Galata near Nicosia. The church was built during the era of Venetian rule. Inside you can see examples of Italo-Byzantine church art. To get inside, you need to ask the keeper (his contacts can be given in a cafe on the main square of the village).
Church of Panagia tou Mutulla located in Mutulla village in the center mountain range Troodos. As follows from the inscription on the north wall of the church, it was built in 1280 - this is one of the earliest church buildings on the island. The frescoes that decorate the interior of the church and the exterior contain elements of Byzantine painting, Western art and art. eastern states crusaders. To go inside, you need to contact the keeper through local residents.
The village of Pedoulas was built in 1474. Inside the walls of the church are covered with frescoes, the name of the author of which - Minas - is preserved on one of the signatures. The frescoes depict scenes from the New and Old Testaments and the Archangel Michael himself. The church is open to visitors.
It is located 5 kilometers from the village of Platanistas in the eastern part of the Troodos mountain range. Interior paintings are a combination of Byzantine and local naive art with elements of the Italian Renaissance. If the church is closed, the guardian can be asked in the village.
The village of Pelendri is located near Limassol. Among the subjects depicted on the frescoes inside the church are the Introduction of Mary into the Temple, the Betrothal of Joseph and Mary, the Double Annunciation, the Dormition of the Virgin, Christ washing the feet of His disciples and many others. The church is open to the public, if the doors were closed during the daytime, you can find the keeper with the key in the village.
In Palechori it was built in the 16th century. The plots of the murals, which have been preserved almost completely, are dedicated to the life of Christ and scenes from the Old and New Testaments. The church is open to the public on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10:00 to 13:00, as well as by prior arrangement with the curator.
Monastery of Saint John tou Lampadisti- Another UNESCO heritage site located in the Troodos mountains, east of the village of Kalopanayiotis. The monastery was founded in the 11th century and was originally consecrated in honor of Saint Herakleidios, and later, in the 12th century, it was renamed in honor of John Lampadistus, who died at the age of 22 and managed to gain fame as a miracle worker. The monastery is closed on Mondays. Opening hours from Tuesday to Saturday: from 8:00 to 16:00 (break from 13:00 to 14:00), on Sundays: from 10:00 to 16:00 (break from 13:00 to 14:00). Free admission.
Safari walks in Troodos
Fans of extreme or unusual recreation can see the sights and beauties of Troodos as part of a quad bike safari tour. Tours last 3.5 hours, 8 hours or two days and include visits to mountain villages, off-road trips, and meals.
The layman can ask a logical question, already assuming the answer to it: “What to see in the mountains, except for the mountains?” We will prove that in the mountains, namely in the Troodos mountains, there is something to see. And let's start our story with mountain villages.
The village of Omodos is known for its local wine, beautiful vineyards, sweets, as well as hand-embroidered and glass masterpieces.
In Agros you will be treated to products from roses: water, brandy, liquor. You can also observe the very process of their manufacture at Chris N. Tsolakis.
You will try a variety of fish products and learn all about fish farming in the village of Kalopanayiotis.
Kakopetria will meet you with hotels, restaurants and, most importantly, the sights of the Middle Ages. Among them is the temple of Agios Nicholas tis Stegis (11th century).
Just a kilometer from Kakopetria is its neighbor - Galata. The inhabitants of the village are proud to have the churches of Panagia Poditu and Panagia Theotokos built in the 16th century. Religious buildings include Venetian and Byzantine murals.
The British, who ruled at one time on the island, knew how to make money on its climate and attractions. In the 20th century, the settlement of Pano Platres was turned into a resort in the mountains for the colonial administration. Nowadays, everyone can ski here. You can also learn the secrets of trout breeding, which the villagers will gladly share. And also you will find a walk to the waterfalls of Caledonia and Millomeris.
You will see the unique Church of the Archangel Michael, created in the 5th century, in the village of Pedoulas, which is also famous for its cherry orchards.
The world famous village of Lefkara. Lace brought her popularity. A kind of embroidery (lefkaritika) is depicted even on the banknotes of Cyprus (just below the coat of arms of the republic). There is also a Museum of Folk Art in the village, the temple of Tou Timiou Stavrou (here is a silver cross of the 18th century).
Source of Mutullas with mineral water popular with tourists. Known local craftsmen and wooden tubs.
In the village of Fini, master potters will surprise you. The Museum of Folk Art of Fanis Pilavakis is also located here.
In Agios Ioannis, a special train will take you through an ostrich farm.
The inhabitants of the village of Prodroomos will tell many mysterious stories about ghosts. Here is the abandoned Berengaria Hotel, which is very similar to a castle. In 1984, the hotel went bankrupt, but "did not die", but continued its life in folk tales. Prodroomos produces the best apple harvest in Cyprus.
Monastery of the Virgin Mary in the Troodos Mountains. A miraculous icon painted by the Apostle Luke is kept here.
The Monastery of the Virgin Mary Machairas in the Troodos mountains near Nicosia is one of the central monasteries for Orthodox Christians and one of the three stavropegial monasteries in Cyprus. It was founded in the 12th century on the slope of Mount Machaira at an altitude of 870 m near the village of Kioni. The monastery complex burned several times and was completed. In 1900, a covered arcade 19 meters high was added.
Initially, the monastery was a small skete. Its first monks, Neophyte and Ignatius, according to legend, found an icon of the Mother of God at this place, which was once brought to the island by an unknown hermit. The authorship of the icon is attributed to the Apostle Luke. In the 14th century, when the plague was raging across Europe, the royal family hid from it in this monastery. The monastery is now open to tourists. Pilgrims coming here and just curious are offered a tour of the monastery, usually ending in the forest. Tourists are given the opportunity to be alone with themselves and enjoy the beauty of the surrounding nature. The entrance to the territory of the monastery is closed to women.
Millomeris Falls
The Millomeris waterfall is formed by the coldest river in Cyprus - Krios Potamos, which is translated from Greek as "Cold River". crystal pure water of this river falls down from a height of 15 meters, forming the highest waterfall on the island. Previously, the road to the waterfall was difficult, which negatively affected its popularity for many years. However, recently the approach to the waterfall was cleared, massive stones that interfered with tourists were removed from the paths, and the riverbed can now be crossed by a bridge.
There are two versions of the origin of the name Millomeris: according to the first, the name of the waterfall comes from the Greek phrase meaning " wet place”, according to the second waterfall is named after the mill, which was once in its vicinity.
Pines, cypresses, ivy, immortelle, the Cypriot variety of aster and other beautiful plants grow in this area. Various birds flutter from branch to branch, such as dippers, tits, jays, blackbirds and crested crows. Bright lizards bask on the stones, in the rays of the sun, if you are lucky, you will see a chameleon, a squirrel, a hare, or even admire the smooth flight of a royal eagle.
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Church of Cyprian and Justina
The Church of Cyprian and Justina is a small church where the relics of Saints Cyprian and Justina are kept. According to the annals of the Holy Cypriot Metropolis of Morphou, the church was built in the 14th century. The decoration of the church is preserved frescoes of amazing beauty, a carved iconostasis of 1818 and icons from the beginning of the 16th century.
The main treasure of the church is the relics of Saints Cyprian and Justina, the holy martyrs, who protect from the evil eye, the harm of black magicians and evil sorcerers, stored here. Since the relics were placed in churches, many spiritual and bodily healings have occurred in people who came to bow to them.
Every day from 8.00 to 12.30, and then from 16.00 to 18.30, one of the priests is usually in the church. During these hours you can touch the holy relics and the life-giving icon of St. Cyprian. Also, at your request, the priest will read a prayer for the removal of damage and the evil eye. Near the church, each parishioner can wash himself with holy water from the source.
The Kykk Monastery is an active male monastery in Cyprus. It was founded by the Byzantine emperor Alexios I Komnenos around the end of the 11th century.
The monastery, about the origin of which there are many different legends, is located at an altitude of 1200 m above sea level, in the western part mountain range Troodos. This is one of the most famous monasteries in Cyprus, dedicated to Panagia (St. Mary) Eleusa. Its full name is the Royal Stauropegial Holy Kykksky Monastery. The holy miraculous Icon of the Mother of God, painted by the Apostle Luke, has been in the monastery for more than 900 years.
During the period of its existence, the monastery was destroyed by fires 4 times and was attacked by marauders, but each time the icon miraculously managed to be saved. Since 1997, a museum has been operating here, where you can see many relics of the monastery.
Monastery of the Holy Mother of God of Troodos (Trooditissa)
An ancient Orthodox monastery located in a picturesque mountainous area between Troodos and Platres. Pilgrims come to this place from all over the world to ask the Holy Virgin for deliverance from infertility.
The highest and at the same time easily accessible monastery in Cyprus. It is located between Troodos and Platres, 5 km from Platres. The monastery was erected on the site of the discovery of the icon of the Mother of God Trooditissa. According to legend, it was founded by a hermit who had retired from the world. The first mention of the monastery dates back to the XIV century. However, for a long time he did not attract special attention. Travelers coming to these parts found it in desolation and devastation. In the middle of the 19th century, the monastery burned, after which it was restored and completed.
The main shrine of the monastery is the miraculous icon of the Mother of God with a baby in her arms, they pray to her for the gift of a child. If you ask, they will show you a whole box of photos from different countries. At all smiling mothers with small children.
Tomb of Archbishop Makarios
Makarios III was an archbishop of the Cypriot Orthodox Church and the first president of the Republic of Cyprus. At the age of 13, he was enrolled as a novice in the monastery of the Mother of God of Kykkos, then took tonsure, graduated from the theological faculty of the University of Athens. In 1960, he assumed the duties of the President of the country, he won the presidential elections only 3 times. At his request, he was buried not far from the very monastery from which his journey began.