A Wonderful Monastery in the Hills.
- May 9, 2009
- Rated 4 of 5 by
Praskipark from Warsaw, Poland
This beautiful monastery stands at 1,424 metres and is hidden away at the head of a fertile valley, under huge walnut and plane trees. Founded over a thousand years ago after an icon of Mary attributed to the evangelist Luke was discovered here, it became the summer residence of the Bishop of Pathos. But it has burnt down on more than one occasion since and the buildings are relatively recent. In the monastery church (1731), young women pilgrims come not only to worship the miracle-working Virgin Mary but also to put on a silver-coated belt which is said to help them to conceive a boy.
I have been to the Troodos in winter and summer but my timing has never coincided with the opening of the monastery so I am sorry but I am unable to comment on the works inside. The monastery is open daily from 9am until noon and from 2-8pm. It certainly is stunning from the outside especially when the cloud is low as it gives it a magical Narnia feel and because of it's setting can be seen from the lower valleys below.
A small holiday resort grew up at the village of Troodos during the British colonial era. Tavernas, hotels, stalls, a post office and a petrol station meet the needs of most visitors. This is not as touristy as you might think and because of it's setting is quite picturesque. The stalls alone are very interesting as most of the goods on sale are home-made foods from the mountains and also hand knitted garments. Four relatively easy nature trails that can be followed wearing trainers start here. Leaflets about the walks should be available in boxes at the start. They show the route and give explanations in English about the sites. Most tourist offices will also supply them.
From journal An Overnight Stop and a Trek in the Troodos Mountains