Kykkos Monastery is one of the most important religious sites in Cyprus and is dedicated to the Archangel Michael.
Built towards the end of the 11th century, it is located in the western part of the Troodos Mountain range at an altitude of approximately 1,200 meters.
Basilica of Kykkos houses the icon of the Virgin, which according to tradition was painted by the Apostle Luke.
The monastery’s foundation is linked to a popular tale involving the hermit Isaiah and the Byzantine governor Manuel Voutomitis.
The governor got lost hunting and mistreated the hermit because he wouldn’t show him the way. Upon returning to Nicosia, Voutomitis fell seriously ill with incurable paralysis.
To recover, he had to apologize to Isaiah and promise to bring the icon of the Virgin Mary from Constantinople to Cyprus. Ottoman Emperor Alexios I, moved by the healing of his daughter through the prayers of Isaiah, agreed to the icon’s transfer and financed the construction of the complex.
According to tradition, during the journey from Constantinople, the trees of the Troodos Mountains bowed their branches in devotion as the icon passed by.
The monastery’s current appearance is not its original, as the structure has been devastated by numerous fires over the centuries, including in 1365 and 1541. After yet another fire, it was decided to rebuild everything entirely in stone rather than wood.
Most of the structures visible today date from the 19th century, with extensive renovations completed around 1831.
The icon of the Virgin kept in Kykkos, known as Panagia Eleousa (the Virgin of Mercy), is one of three works directly attributed to Saint Luke the Apostle. According to tradition, the evangelist painted it while Mary was still alive, receiving her blessing.
The most famous feature of this image is that no one can see it.
The icon is enclosed in a silver and silk shrine, which is in turn set in an intricate gold frame. Tradition dictates that the image remains covered. It is said that anyone who dares to look at the Virgin’s face without a veil risk being struck by blindness or divine misfortune.
Only in times of extreme drought do monks carry the icon to the top of Throni Hill to invoke rain, but even then, it is held facing the sky, never towards people.
Although it is veiled, the details of the composition are known thanks to ancient replicas. The Virgin is depicted seated on a throne, with a sweet and protective expression, while she holds Jesus in her right arm.
The icon is called Kykkotissa and is distinguished by the pose of the Baby Jesus, who almost seems to play lightly in Mary’s arms.
Photography and video are strictly prohibited inside the Basilica.
