Overview
Located above a babbling creek, the monastery of Ayios Ioannis Lambadistis in Kalopanayiotis village takes you on a journey across three different centuries.
Originally a monastery, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a complex of three churches – Ioannis Lambadistis, Ayios Irakleidios and a Latin chapel – all under a single, enormous timber roof.
Located in the Troodos valley of Marathasa, the precise date of the monastery’s foundation is unknown, and the building complex that survives today has undergone extensive reconstruction and restoration at different periods.
The church of Ayios Ioannis Lambadistis was built in 1731. The saint’s tomb, which dates to the 12th century, can be found under the narrow north-eastern arch, and the saint’s skull lies in a niche. The icon of Lambadistis dates to 1543. A very interesting Byzantine museum can be found near the church.
The church of Ayios Irakleidios was built in the 11th century, while its frescoes date to the 13th and 16th century. The ancient wooden templon is particularly noteworthy and is covered with gargoyles, including a heraldic Lusignan lion and Byzantine eagle.
The Latin Chapel contains the most complete series of Italo-Byzantine paintings in Cyprus.
The church is open all year round and is closed on public holidays. The operating hours are from September to April from 09:00 to 13:00 and 15:00 to 17:00 (daily) and May to August from 09:00 to 13:00 and 16:00 to 18:00 (daily). The entrance to the church is free of charge. Opening and closing times as well as entrance fees, are subject to alterations without notice. Visitors are advised to check before visiting.
