Ayia Napa Monastery

The most significant landmark found in Ayia Napa is the Ayia Napa Monastery, found in the heart of the coastal tourist town. Dominating the town’s central square, the Ayia Napa Monastery has been visited by thousands of visitors through the years, including the worldwide known Greek poet, George Seferis. The famed poet was so struck by the beauty of the monastery that he wrote a poem about the monastery named, Ayia Napa B.

Although it is unsure exactly when the Monastery was constructed, the cave of the monastery indicates that Christians used to meet there in secret around the 11th century. The Franks built the first part of the temple between the 13th-14th centuries. The remainder Ayia Napa Monastery was completed by the Venetians during their reign in Cyprus in the 15th century

In ancient Greek, Napa means forest and woodland, therefore the monastery is dedicated to Our Lady of the Forest. The Monastery provides a wonderful and calm oasis within the vibrant and lively tourist resort.

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