Overview
Considered to be one of the most ancient monasteries of the island, Ayia Moni Monastery, or the Monastery of Priests, is also one of Cyprus’ most important religious sites and is believed to have been founded by Saints Nicholas and Eftychios in 300 AD.
Surrounded by a peaceful environment within the foothills of Paphos, the saints are rumoured to have converted an ancient temple dedicated to the Goddess Hera into the monastery, which they hoped would be a place of prayer and contemplation.
The sacred relic, a piece of the cloak of the Virgin Mary, which had been given to Saint Nicholas, was kept at the monastery until 1754.
It is great to combine a visit to the Ayia Moni with a visit to the Machairas Monastery in the nearby village of Panayia. On your way, you will also find the Kannaviou Dam, a pleasant stop, immersed in nature.
