Chrysoroyiatissa Monastery

Chrysoroyiatissa Monastery (Chrysoroyiatissa Monastery) is located in the mountains of the Paphos district, approximately 37 km northeast of the city and near the village of Pano Panayia. The monastery is surrounded by vineyards and wooded slopes, while its grounds offer views of the mountain valleys in the western part of the Republic of Cyprus.

The monastery is known for its ancient icon of the Virgin Mary, its church treasury and its own winery. A trip here can conveniently be combined with a walk around Pano Panayia, visits to local wineries and the Vouni-Panayias nature trail.

• History of the monastery
• What does the name Chrysoroyiatissa mean?
• The legend of the miraculous icon
• What to see at the monastery
• The treasury and church relics
• The monastery winery
• The Feast of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary
• Practical information
• What to see nearby
• Frequently asked questions

History of Chrysoroyiatissa Monastery

The monastery was founded in 1152 by a monk named Ignatius. According to monastic tradition, he discovered an icon of the Virgin Mary off the coast of Paphos, which had reached Cyprus after a long journey by sea.

The monastery's first buildings have not survived. The present monastery complex was formed much later, while the current single-nave church was built in 1770 on the foundations of an earlier church.

Chrysoroyiatissa remains an active male monastery. It does not give the impression of a large tourist complex: the grounds are compact and quiet, retaining the character of a mountain monastic retreat.

What does the name Chrysoroyiatissa mean?

The monastery's full name is associated with the Virgin Mary Chrysoroyiatissa. It is usually translated as “Our Lady of the Golden Pomegranate”.

The image of the pomegranate is associated in Christian tradition with life, unity and fertility. The name also echoes the vineyards, gardens and agricultural history of this mountainous area.

The legend of the miraculous icon

According to legend, during the period of iconoclasm, the icon of the Virgin Mary was thrown into the sea off the coast of Asia Minor to save it from destruction. The waves carried it to the western coast of Cyprus, where the icon was later found by the monk Ignatius.

This discovery led to the foundation of the monastery. The monastery houses an icon of Christ and the Virgin Mary covered in gold and silver, which church tradition associates with the apostle and evangelist Luke.

The story of the icon's arrival should be regarded as monastic tradition: it is impossible to document all the circumstances of its appearance.

What to see at the monastery

The main church is a single-nave church built in the 18th century. Frescoes have been preserved above the three entrances, while inside visitors can see ancient icons, a carved iconostasis and church furnishings.

The monastery buildings are arranged around an inner courtyard with stone arches and galleries. The architecture is restrained and blends well with the surrounding mountain landscape.

Flowers and plants traditional to Cyprus have been planted in the courtyard and on the terraces. Thanks to its elevated location, the monastery offers views of the vineyards, hills and forests of the Pano Panayia area.

The treasury and church relics

The monastery has a Treasury of Icons and Church Artefacts. Its collection includes ancient icons, liturgical objects, religious books and other examples of church art.

The treasury is opened upon request, so it is best to confirm the possibility of visiting directly with the monastery. It may be closed on public holidays.

The monastery winery

Winemaking is one of the most interesting features of Chrysoroyiatissa. The monastery is surrounded by vineyards, and wine production has a long history here.

The old monastery winery was restored in the 1980s and continued operating as a modern enterprise. Grapes from the monastery's own vineyards in the Pano Panayia area are used in production.

The range includes white, red and rosé wines. The availability of particular wines, the possibility of wine tasting and the shop's opening hours should be confirmed before the trip.

Official Chrysoroyiatissa Winery website

The Feast of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary

The monastery's main feast is associated with the Dormition of the Virgin Mary and takes place annually in mid-August. The main services are held on 15 August, while festive events in nearby Pano Panayia may begin the day before.

During these days, significantly more pilgrims come to the monastery than usual. Those who prefer a quieter visit should choose another date.

Practical information

Location

Entrance: free; donations are accepted.

Opening hours from May to August: daily from 09:30 to 12:30 and from 13:30 to 18:30.

Opening hours from September to April: daily from 10:00 to 12:30 and from 13:30 to 16:00.

Phone: +357 26 722 457.

The schedule may change without prior notice. Before making a long journey, it is recommended to confirm visiting hours by phone.

The monastery is active, so visitors should observe silence and wear modest clothing. Shoulders and knees must be covered.

What to see nearby

Pano Panayia

The nearest village is situated among vineyards and fruit orchards. It is known as the birthplace of the first president of the Republic of Cyprus, Archbishop Makarios III. The village has museums dedicated to him, small cafés and local wineries.
Location

Wineries in the region

The Pano Panayia area is part of the Paphos wine route. The trip can be supplemented with visits to local wineries, although tastings usually require advance booking.
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Vouni-Panayias nature trail

The route starts near the centre of Pano Panayia and passes through mountainous terrain among vineyards, forests and open viewpoints. Completing the full route takes about three hours.
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Agia Moni Monastery

Another small historic monastery is located in the vicinity of Pano Panayia. It can be included in a route covering the religious monuments of the western part of the island.
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Frequently asked questions

Is it worth making a special trip to Chrysoroyiatissa Monastery?

The monastery is of interest thanks to its history, the icon of the Virgin Mary, its mountain architecture and its own winery. It is best to combine the trip with Pano Panayia, local wineries and the nature trail.

Can the winery be visited without a tour?

Visiting and tasting arrangements may change. Before the trip, it is necessary to contact the winery and confirm whether visitors are being accepted on the chosen day.

Is there a museum at the monastery?

The monastery has a Treasury of Icons and Church Artefacts. It is opened upon request and may be closed on holidays.

Is there an entrance fee?

Admission to the monastery is free. Visitors may leave a donation if they wish.

How long does a visit take?

Allowing 30–60 minutes is usually enough to see the church and courtyard. With visits to the treasury, winery and Pano Panayia, the trip will take several hours.

Is photography allowed?

Photography in the courtyard is usually possible if there are no signs prohibiting it. Inside the church and treasury, as well as near the monks, visitors must follow the established rules and ask for permission when necessary.