Stavrovouni Monastery (Larnaca, Cyprus): A Lovely Monastery!

The Stavrovouni Monastery (Larnaca, Cyprus) – also called just “Stavrovouni” is located on a rocky peak of a mountain, near Pyrga village in the Larnaca district.

To get to the monastery you will need a car; if a rental car is in your budget, then take a look at Car Rentals in Cyprus for information regarding renting a car on the island.

Also, check out this article…Driving in Cyprus (the information in this article will come in handy if you intend to drive on the island).

The Stavrovouni is a famous monastery in Cyprus, especially among the locals.

Although only men are permitted to enter it, women can still visit the monastery, although only up to the car park where there is the small and charming church of All Saints of Cyprus. They are permitted to visit the church only.

The other reasons why women go there (since they are not permitted to enter the monastery) are the breathtaking views from the car park, and the scenic route to get to the monastery!

So, if you are a family or a couple, you shouldn’t worry about the strict rules of the monastery. You can still visit the church of All Saints of Cyprus and admire the surrounding panorama from up there.

Including The Stavrovouni Monastery in your adventures won’t be a disappointment! On the contrary, it will be an experience to remember forever!

Click on the quick links below to see pictures and read more about this lovely monastery in the mountains.

Quick links:

About the Stavrovouni Monastery (Larnaca, Cyprus)
Pictures of the Stavrovouni Monastery (Larnaca, Cyprus)

About The Stavrovouni Monastery (Larnaca, Cyprus)

Why is Stavrovouni in the Top 5 attractions of Larnaca, you ask?

Here’s why…

The Founder

It is believed that the founder of the monastery is Saint Elena, the mother of the Emperor Constantine the Great. She founded the monastery in the 4th century.

The Name

Stavrovouni means “the mountain of the Cross”.

Stavro-vouni = Stavros means “Cross” and Vouni means “Mountain”.

The Location

The monastery is situated on a beautiful rocky peak at the foot of the Troodos mountains in Larnaca, with wonderful nature trails nearby.

Also, the views from the monastery and the car park (on a clear day) are stunning!

The Strict Rules of the Monastery

Please read the important note below!…

Important Note: Please note that the monks in The Stavrovouni Monastery have very strict rules (similar to those in Mount Athos in Greece). The rules are…

Women are not permitted to enter the monastery, only men
The use of cameras and video is not permitted either
Men wishing to enter the monastery must be appropriately dressed…long trousers (no shorts) and shirts with long sleeves. Men should cover their shoulders and knees at all times.

However, women are permitted to enter the charming, small church of All Saints of Cyprus. The church is located at the entrance of the car park of The Stavrovouni Monastery…so you can admire the view from there!

Panoramic Views and Natural Beauty

On a clear day you can see the Mediterranean Sea from Stavrovouni!

The surrounding areas of this lovely site are a marvelous place for reflection and photography!

The Legend

This lovely place is considered to be one of the oldest monasteries in the world…

…and here’s why…

The legend states that The Monastery of Stavrovouni was founded in the 4th century by Saint Elena, mother of Emperor Constantine the Great, who left a relic of the Holy Cross at the monastery.

Saint Elena went on a pilgrimage trip to the Holy Land. There she found the three crosses on which Jesus Christ and the two thieves had been crucified. She took the crosses and wanted to take them to Constantinople. However, due to a shipwreck, she visited Cyprus and left one of the crosses on the island.

It is said that the Holy Cross was miraculously transferred overnight to the peak of a mountain (where The Stavrovouni Monastery is built today) and that a strong light was seen coming out of that peak.

Saint Elena tried unsuccessfully to get the Holy Cross off the mountain…so she decided to leave a piece of it there and build a small chapel to accompany it…

…and that’s why this lovely monastery is in the Top 5 attractions around Larnaca…its architecture, its location, its spiritual and historical importance, the legend behind it, the panoramic views, and the scenic route, make it a must-see destination in the Larnaca district!