Kykkos Monastery, founded around the end of the 11th century (Greek: Ιερά Μονή Κύκκου or Κύκκος), is one of the wealthiest and best-known monasteries in Cyprus.
Our host, my dear cousin Marios Kontemeniotis, offered Paress and myself a truly memorable and amazing excursion today! Yet more memories carved for Paress, and things to remember:
- Cyprus is not only about the beaches and hot weather. The mountainside is spectacular too. At an altitude of 1318 meters the monastery lies on the north west face of Troodos Mountains.
- In Cyprus, you can drive from 40C to 23C within half an hour or so. The mountaintop is above the humidity zone, where the air becomes dry and cool.
- Driving through winding roads up on the mountains can cause … sea-sickness!
- Greek Orthodox churches are everywhere to be found all around Cyprus.
- Mosaics are like a jigsaw puzzle but with custom-designed pieces of stone.
- In N. America we decorate walls with wall-paper. In Greece and in Cyprus we used to paint images since antiquity. (See also Byzantine Art)
Thank you, Marios, for such a wonderful day! I loved your hybrid car and the technology! And your driving, up on those winding and in some spots dangerous roads, was impeccable! You have offered Paress something truly unique today.
Kykkos Monastery
Your Comments!