Chrysorrogiatissa Monastery

Chrysorrogiatissa was founded in 1152 and sits at around eight hundred metres on a ridge in the Paphos hills with the forest and vineyards falling away below it. The present buildings are mostly eighteenth century, arranged round a courtyard with a wooden gallery, and the monastery is known for two things: an icon of the Virgin attributed by tradition to Saint Luke, and its winery, which has been making wine on the site for centuries and still sells it at the gate.

Background

The monastery is dedicated to Our Lady of the Golden Pomegranate. A monk called Ignatius founded it. It stands about 40 kilometers north-east of Paphos at an altitude of around 820 meters, 1.5 kilometers away from the village of Panayia. The present building dates to 1770. The monastery's old winery was brought back into use in the mid 1980s and now works on a commercial basis, making wine from grapes grown in the monastery's own vineyards. The yearly celebration on 15 August is held in honour of the Virgin Mary.

Source: Wikipedia, "Chrysoroyiatissa Monastery"

The main sights

• The courtyard - eighteenth-century ranges with a wooden upper gallery.
• The icon - the Virgin Chrysorrogiatissa, the monastery's principal relic.
• The winery - monastery wine production, with tasting and sales at the gate.
• The view - the Paphos hills and forest spread out below the ridge.

When to go

April to November is the season; the mountain road is unpleasant in winter rain and occasional snow. The monastery closes for a long midday break. The 15 August feast draws large numbers.

Good to know

The drive up is winding and takes over an hour from Paphos. Modest dress is required. Opening hours are restrictive and catch out afternoon visitors.

Nearby

Pano Panagia village is nearby, and the Paphos forest runs north.

Key facts