monastery stavrovouni

MirceaScarlatescu

This place is full of history, legend and symbols. First of all, the view from the monastery is simply amazing. You can see the full south east area of Cyprus (Larnaca bay and so on) from way up. Next, the monastery is cool (if you can visit, being a man and also knowing the visiting hours). The road up goes near a special forces for the Cypriot army, make sure not to take pictures over there, they (still) take this seriously In all, is a great attraction when travelling to Cyprus.

DeborahG530

Okay, so you want to visit a great and hugely historic monastery - don't bother if you're female. This monastery was established by St Helena (Constantine's mother) and i would love to see inside it but I need a sex change first!!!

idejumuza

Nice serpentine mountains. Very good road. Intresting place. Monastery can see only man because woman not aloud.

PriyanshuS454

It is very Beautiful Monastery. Must visit.It is very quite and piece place.Day I went, someone`s Name Day was celebrated.

greekcypriot2009

The word ‘stavrovouni’ in Greek means mountain of the Cross. On 14th September an impressive ceremony takes place out here the day of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. The Monastery of Stavrovouni is perched on a rocky peak and is located in the outskirts of Larnaca.It was found the 4th century by the mother of Constantine the Great - Saint Eleni. A fragment of the Holy Cross has been left to the monastery by her.The brotherhood of monks who live in Stavrovouni are extremely devout, keep vows as strict as those at the Mount Athos in Greece. At the foot of the mountain though, there is another monastery, that of Ayia Varvara (Saint Barbara).Out here, monks have a reputation of icon painting. Women have access as far as this monastery, but they are not allowed to get to Stavrovouni which is accessible strictly for men, but those who do wish to get there should be dressed decently. Have in mind that photography is prohibited.

JayandRobin

The church on the premises is lovely, and the monastery looks spectacular from the car park. Unfortunately, women are not allowed to enter so I can't speak as to the actual monastery, and we arrived during the lunch break so my husband and son didn't enter either. The view is worth the drive in any case though.

Boetie1

The road up to the monastery is narrow and winding -drive slowly with areas you can stop for photos! Beautiful views!! No women allowed to enter monastery bur the views were worth it.Nice drive out of Larnaca

steliose811

the whole road leading up there in the trees , great views , and once you reach the stone monastery on the top of the hills , its amazing and prepares you for what you are going to find inside.the monks there are very friendly , it is very quiet and you can also visit the old chapel ,once you are in there you are going to feel nice and calm and full of religious feelings .it is a must visit !

bobincyprus

After driving by on the motorway many times gazing skywards to this monastery finally got there. Good tarmac road all the way with several viewpoints on way up. Make the most of these as photography is restricted in the area (Army touchy touchy).No ladies admitted but well worth going as the chapel in car park is accessible and views great.Men NO short shorts and dress upper half respectably.The monastery is one of the best in my opinion and monks do talk to you albeit I got a firm reprimand for not being Greek Orthodox but had an interesting discussion with a young monk who eloquently put his point of view....and listened to mine!WC facilities but no refreshments.Take a slight detour to Pyrga (Chapelle Royal) and other ancient monuments.A very worthwhile half daytripfrom Larnaca/Limassol with pretty villages and countryside around.

Michael_P186

The Monastery is from 372AD. Beautiful location at the top of a hill. Plenty of History related to it . no women are permitted and men need to be dressed appropriately. Old, charming and yet daunting with the Monks that are there

ClaireN929

We drove up to Stavrovouni and just the view from the top was worth it. The monastery itself is pretty from the outside but women are not allowed inside. There is however a lovely little church just next to it that women can visit. For us, the drive and the view were the main reason to visit so we still enjoyed it.

pavelhoch

The Monastery founded by St. Elena although is only for men, it is worth a visit for women too - for amazing views on the coast from the mountain where the monastery stands. Men can go inside and see part of the Cross on which Jesus was crucified.

davidlB9348NV

Quite a steep road up but we managed in a Ford Fiesta. Pity that woman are not allowed in the monastery. Strange when it was founded by a woman, St Helena! Fantastic iconostasis. No photos allowed although it would have been possible without a flash. Wonderful views from the top.

Sam1956105

This is so beautiful but only men admitted no women allowed.It is high up with wonderful views.Treat it with respect.Monks friendly but get on with their work not bothered by visitors

istvanb2013

This is a great monastery up high. If you are a man you are allowed to go in, if not you can have some great views from the top and see the chapel. The people around are really nice and it was totally worth a visit for us!