Ayia Napa Monastery: A Splendid Visit!

Ayia Napa Monastery will take you back to medieval times…!!

The monastery tells a story of faith, cultural continuity, and resilience that go back centuries!

Overall, we gave this monastery 5 out of 5 stars, because we love its location, its Medieval and Venetian architecture, alongside its historical importance…!!

We’ve been there several times, we love taking pictures and walking around the monastery, allowing time to admire its serene environment. It’s one of the best places for real reflection in Ayia Napa!

Apart from many religious worshippers, Ayia Napa Monastery also attracts visitors interested in ancient monuments. History always attracts people, right, and they flock to this timeless monument in the heart of Ayia Napa in search of the stories it has to tell…!! :-)

Many tourists, young couples, and newly-weds visit this monastery in order to be photographed in its ancient, romantic setting. What an exquisite way to cement your romantic intentions whilst in Ayia Napa…!! Maybe she’ll say “Yes”…!! :-)

The monastery’s ancient architecture, historical importance, peaceful gardens, and courtyard are a unique and wonderful contrast to the nearby “hustle and bustle” of the town of Ayia Napa, especially with its nightlife. In other words, the monastery offers locals and visitors alike serenity, history, and a place of reflection in the heart of the busy town of Ayia Napa! What a splendid contrast…!!

For more information and of course pictures of this beautiful monastery in Ayia Napa click on the quick links below…

Quick links:

About Ayia Napa Monastery in Cyprus
Pictures of Ayia Napa Monastery

About Ayia Napa Monastery in Cyprus

The beautiful monastery of Ayia Napa is located at the heart of the old town. A famous, vibrant, seaside town in the Famagusta (Ammochostos in Greek) district, in Cyprus. Well known for its golden beaches and lively nightlife.

The monastery of Ayia Napa was built around 1500 AD taking the form of a Castle cut deep into the rock, providing the necessary protection from being partially underground, and surrounded by high walls.

In 1994 a new church was constructed on the southwestern side of the monastery, dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

(Note: In front of the Southern gate there is a large ancient sycamore tree which is rumoured to be over 600 years old).

The monastery of Ayia Napa is dedicated to “Our Lady of the Forest”.

According to legend…

It is unclear when exactly it was founded as a Catholic monastery, however, it has a fascinating legend that tells of a hunter discovering an icon of the Most Holy Virgin Mary in a cave while chasing his prey in the forest. The hunter’s dog was distracted by a radiant light coming from the cave that revealed the image of the Mother of God. Later, the cave became the first church of the monastery.

At the heart of the courtyard of the monastery, there’s a gazebo with a beautiful legend.

A Venetian girl from a wealthy family ran from home when her parents refused to marry her to a commoner she loved. The two-story building at the northern side of the courtyard was the home of the girl. The church here is Venetian too, dating from the 1500s when the nunnery was shaped around it.

At the entrance of the monastery, by the gate, there’s a large sycamore tree said to be planted by the heroine of the story, who, unable to marry her beloved, became a nun and joined this very monastery. She is buried under the gazebo.

In its current form, the Ayia Napa Medieval Monastery dates from the Venetian era – 1489-1571, however, the gate was erected in the Middle Byzantine period (1191). The arched gallery is from the Ottoman era.

Ayia Napa Medieval Monastery no longer operates as a nunnery, but now hosts a museum with a large collection of important archaeological finds from the area, as well as icons and other religious artefacts, most of them from the private collection of Archbishop Makarios.

The name…

"Ayia Napa" comes from "Icon of Virgin Mary of the Forest", and means Holy Forest (in ancient Greek). It refers to the area’s once densely wooded landscape.

The monastery…

According to legend, it was built on the place where the Virgin Mary herself stopped to rest.

Combining Byzantine, Venetian, and Gothic elements. It’s a wonderful example of medieval and Venetian architecture. Its limestone construction is strong but elegant, easily passing the test-of-time, allowing features including underground chambers, a cave, a small church, a central courtyard which is very impressive, and a beautiful stone fountain.

Today, the Virgin Mary of Ayia Napa attracts both visitors and pilgrims alike. It is considered to be the divine protector of sailors as well as the local communities.

If you wish to immerse yourself in the splendid culture of our island, then pay a visit to this beautiful monastery, you won’t regret it! :-)

Pictures of Ayia Napa Monastery

Ayia Napa Monastery

Ayia Napa Monastery (Cyprus)

Inside Ayia Napa Monastery

Inside the Monastery of Ayia Napa

The Monastery of Ayia Napa

What an Amazing Monastery in the Heart of Ayia Napa

...And that's all we have on the wonderous “Ayia Napa Monastery (Cyprus)”. We know you’re going to love it, the best holiday ever in the exquisite resort of Ayia Napa. :-)