If you travel around Cyprus by car, you will sooner or later find yourself in the mountain village of Omodos. At the heart of the village stands the Timios Stavros Monastery, also known as the Monastery of the Holy Cross, one of the oldest and most remarkable religious monuments on the island. In this article, I share more about this distinctive place in the Troodos Mountains.
Read this article in DutchOrigins of the Timios Stavros Monastery
The story of Omodos reaches back to the Byzantine period, roughly between the fourth and sixth centuries. On the site where the monastery now stands, a small chapel is said to have been built above a cave where, according to tradition, a wooden cross was discovered. Other stories point to Saint Helena, the mother of Emperor Constantine. In the fourth century, she is believed to have brought relics of the True Cross with her on her journey to Cyprus.
Both traditions gave the site spiritual significance at an early stage and attracted pilgrims who travelled through the Troodos Mountains to visit this remote and meaningful place.
An important centre in the Troodos Mountains
Over time, the monastery grew in importance within the wider region. During the Ottoman period, from the sixteenth to the nineteenth century, it was granted special privileges such as protection and tax exemptions that were rare for monasteries on the island. Inside the church, relics are still preserved that hold deep symbolic meaning for Orthodox believers, which has turned the monastery into an important pilgrimage site on Cyprus.
The village of Omodos gradually developed around the monastery. Its role was not limited to religion alone. During the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, the village also became a centre for icon painting, wood carving and ecclesiastical craftsmanship, traditions that are still visible throughout the complex today. The monastery remains the heart of Omodos and continues to shape the village’s identity, not only in a historical sense but also culturally and visually.
Soaking up the atmosphere inside the monastery
The monastery is a peaceful place to wander at a slow pace and take in the atmosphere. It is well worth climbing the stairs to the first floor, where you gain a beautiful view over the courtyard, the church entrance and the surrounding galleries. Take time to notice the many details. The finely carved wooden ceilings are particularly striking and form a warm contrast with the light coloured stone walls and the softly curved arcades that frame the space.
Church of the Holy Cross
Be sure to step inside the church as well. As soon as you enter, the richly decorated interior draws your attention, with the icon screen at the front of the nave as its focal point. The screen is adorned with intricate wood carving and gold leaf and was created by local craftsmen during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.
The church houses several important relics. Among them are pieces of the Agios Kannavos, the Holy Rope, which according to tradition was part of the rope with which Christ was bound to the cross. Other relics are kept here as well, including fragments of a large wooden cross and the head relic of Apostle Philip. These objects continue to give the church a deep spiritual significance for visitors and pilgrims alike.
What else can you do in Omodos?
The monastery is not the only reason to spend time in Omodos. The village itself is a pleasure to explore on foot. Along the edges of the village you will find viewpoints with wide views over the surrounding hills, while the centre is a maze of narrow streets lined with small shops and workshops selling local products. During the middle of the day it can become quite busy, as tour buses arrive regularly. Visiting earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon is far more relaxed. Late afternoon is my favourite moment. After exploring the monastery and wandering through the village, it is easy to settle down on the village square for a leisurely meal as the day begins to slow.
Staying overnight in Omodos
If you would like to enjoy Omodos for a little longer, staying overnight in the village is a great option. It also makes it easy to visit the monastery early the next morning, when it is at its quietest. We chose not to stay in the village ourselves and drove about half an hour after dinner to our accommodation in one of the another beautiful villages in the Troodos Mountains.
Well reviewed places to stay in Omodos include Omodos Maria’s Apartments, Omodos Village Houses and The Mansion By Penelope, all of which offer a comfortable base within walking distance of the village centre.
