Add a review about the monastery of St. Barnabas

The monastery of St. Barnabas is located in a beautiful secluded place between the suburbs of Famagusta - the city of Engomi and the ancient hillfort of Salamis. Despite its modest and very restrained appearance, it is revered as the most important Christian pilgrimage center of Northern Cyprus and one of the most significant historical monuments of the island. True, since recent times the monastery no longer functions, but in its premises a qualitative reconstruction has been carried out and a museum of icons has been opened.

Periodically, the archaeological excavations are resumed on the territory of the monastery: apparently, these lands once belonged to the ancient Salamis necropolis.

The foundation of the monastery is St. .Barnabas is preceded by a history of several centuries .It goes back to the ancient Salamis, where in the family of the Jerusalem priests Barnabas was born - the future founder of the Orthodox Church in Cyprus .Most of his life Barnabas spent in Jerusalem, studying religion, until finally he was appointed archbishop of the native Salamis .However, on his return to his homeland, the saint was arrested for preaching and was immediately executed without trial and investigation .Approached Barnabas, risking their own lives, reburied the remains of the archbishop, and themselves were forced to leave Salamis because of increased religious persecution .So the grave of the holy preacher was completely lost and buried in oblivion .

However, five centuries later, a miracle happened: one bishop had a dream about the location of the holy remains. Excavations were carried out without delay, and in the indicated place an ancient grave was indeed discovered. Of course, immediately it was decided to lay a Christian church at the site of the excavation - the forerunner of the modern monastery of St. Barnabas.

However, for the long history of the church, it was repeatedly rebuilt and modified. The building, which has survived until today, dates back to the 18th century. Near the monastery survived residential monastic and pilgrimage buildings, as well as the tomb of St. Barnabas. Periodically, the archaeological excavations are resumed on the territory of the monastery: apparently, these lands once belonged to the ancient Salamis necropolis.

Annually on July 11 in the monastery celebrates the solemn service in honor of the memory of the saint. On this day the whole island celebrates the day of Barnabas, the patron saint of Cyprus.

Until 1976 in the monastery lived three monks, who cared about the safety of the holy place. The brothers wrote dozens of icons and frescoes for the monastery, and also built a bell tower. However, because of old age, the monks were forced to leave their abode. In 1991, the capital restoration of the premises began and museum exhibits were brought in: icons and archaeological finds.

Practical information

The monastery of St. Barnabas is located 10 km from Famagusta, on the east coast of Cyprus. Public transport does not go here, but it's quite easy to get by private car: you need to follow the main road of Famagusta - Karpaz along the coast to the north to the town of Engomi, it is in its suburb that the monastery is located. Also from Famagusta to the desired place can be reached by taxi.

Address: Famagusta, Salamis - Famagusta road.

Opening hours: Monday - Saturday from 9:00 to 17:00.

Cost of entry: voluntary donation.