Perched grandly atop a mountain is one of Christianity’s most important destinations. The monastery was founded by St. Helena, mother of Byzantine Emperor Constantine the Great, who built it to mark the Holy Cross buried there. The monastery is perhaps the first that was ever built on Cyprus. The Holy Cross that was supposedly housed here has vanished – it is feared that one of the many invaders that attacked the island over the centuries made away with it, but even that is uncertain. All that’s left is a  piece of the Cross that is housed within another cross. For a while during the Ottoman period, the church had no monks at all, but it is now the centre of religion on the island. The monasteries’ beautiful icons and frescoes have been lovingly restored.

• Ticket Price Free.
• Women are not allowed inside the monastery.
• Cameras and video cameras are strictly prohibited.

Love this? Explore the entire list of places to visit in Larnaca before you plan your trip.

Fancy a good night's sleep after a tiring day? Check out where to stay in Larnaca and book an accommodation of your choice.