St. Hilarion Monastery

St. Hilarion Monastery

Attraction Introduction

Once a small fishing village, now a popular tourist destination. This charming medieval monastery has been described as the "Lady of the Forest." It is situated in the center of St. Hilarion, surrounded by high walls. The fig tree in front of the monastery’s south gate is said to be 600 years old.

Legend has it that in the 16th century, a hunter discovered an icon of the Virgin Mary in a cave. The image depicted the persecution endured by Christians during the 8th and 9th centuries. Some Christians had hidden the icon of the Virgin Mary in this carefully chosen cave. Residents from nearby villages held worship services there on their own initiative as a gesture of reverence for the Virgin Mary. This site remained active until the 15th century.

As the place became a prestigious and important holy site, the tradition was preserved, attracting a young noblewoman from Venice who later lived in Famagusta.

The young woman’s father disapproved of her marrying her beloved, so she left home and came to St. Hilarion. Soon after, she acquired a church and several chapels, and gradually, the St. Hilarion Monastery was built. Inside the monastery is a cave believed to have been used for worship in ancient times.

During the later period of Venetian rule (1489–1570), the monastery became very famous and amassed considerable wealth.

Since then, through renovations and reconstructions over various eras, it has taken its present form. Today, part of the monastery serves as a conference venue and café.

Nicosia, Cyprus