Description of the attraction
Surrounded by bright greenery, the monastery of Our Lady of Chrysoroyatissa is located in the western part of the Troodos Mountains, just 25 kilometers from Paphos. It is believed that its founder was the monk Ignatius, who found a miraculous icon of the Most Holy Theotokos on the coast of Paphos. She was allegedly thrown into the sea in Asia Minor as early as the 9th century, during the time of iconoclasm. By the will of Providence, the face of the saint was not lost or spoiled - in waves it arrived at the coast of Cyprus completely without damage. It was for the storage of this icon that the Chrysoroyatissa monastery was erected in 1152 in the mountains at an altitude of more than 700 meters, the name of which is translated as "Our Lady of the Golden Pomegranate."
But in the form in which we see the monastery today, it appeared only during the Turkish rule in 1770. And at the end of the 18th century, a large-scale reconstruction was carried out in this place. In place of the old church, located right in the center of the monastery territory, a new one was built, three entrances to which are decorated with graceful frescoes.
The greatest values of Chrysoroyatiss are two icons in a silver and gold setting: the already mentioned icon of the Most Holy Theotokos and the icon of Jesus Christ. Both are believed to have been written by the apostle Luke himself.
In addition to its beauty, rich collection of icons and treasures that are kept in the recently created Chrysoroyatissa Museum, the monastery is also famous for its excellent wine, which is made in a local winery and is considered one of the best on the entire island. In addition, every year on August 15, a kind of temple festival is held in the monastery, during which a solemn and magnificent service is held.
