The monastery of St. Neophyte-the Recluse has its history from 1159, when the monk Neophyte chose a picturesque place near Paphos and with his own hands built a cave in the rock, in which he lived for many years, until his death. In this picturesque corner, where two hills meet and an incredible panorama of the Mediterranean Sea, he led a reclusive way of life in his cell, far from the whole world: he prayed, recorded historical events, composed his own religious texts that brought him fame.

The propensity for a quiet, solitary way of life was inherent not only to the Neophyte - over time people began to come to him, and he agreed to become their teacher. So, in spite of the fact that until the end of his life Neophyte preferred solitude, a temple and a monastery gradually grew near his dwelling.

Today's view of the monastery was found in the 15th century, and the cave-cell of the Neophyte-Recluse has survived to this day. Surrounds the monastery is a wonderful courtyard, and the monastery gardens make an indelible impression of their beauty and well-groomed.

The temple, standing on the territory of the monastery, was built in the 16th century in honor of the Blessed Virgin. Inside to this day there is a wooden iconostasis, adorned with graceful carvings, and some murals of arches. In addition, many beautiful mosaics and frescos survived the century, both in a very elegant and refined Byzantine style, and with a strict and traditional look.

In 1570 the monastery was ravaged by the raids of the Turks, and it was in decline until the middle of the 18th century, when its reconstruction and revival began. In 1756, the relics of the Neophyte were found and carefully laid in the main temple of the monastery, where now pilgrims can touch them. A museum is also open at the monastery, in five halls there is an exhibition of icons of the 12th and 19th centuries, lists of the Gospels, manuscripts (including the manuscripts of Neophyte himself), books and antique ceramics.

January 24 and September 28 in the monastery are considered ecclesiastical holidays dedicated to St. Neophyte: on these holidays numerous pilgrims from all over the world come to the monastery of St. Neophyte-Recluse.

But not only on holidays, people come to the monastery for whom the history of creation and development, the history of Neophyte's life, the amazing frescoes and the unusualness of the monastery itself are of value and interest. This quiet secluded place in the mountains, shrouded in peace, saturated with clean air and pleasant rustling of trees, fills with spiritual strength and is remembered forever.

How to get here

Cyprus, Paphos, Agios Neofytos Ave, Tala

If you go to the monastery not with a tour, you can get here only by taxi or car. From Pafos, you need to go to the village of Mesogi, from where you turn to the signpost of the village of Tremitus to the left. Then continue along the main road that leads to the monastery.