Located near the village of Politiko, not far from Nicosia, the Monastery of Agios Irakleidios stands on the site where one of Cyprus’s earliest Christian martyrs, Saint Herakleidios, was buried in the 1st century AD. Built in his honor, the monastery has long been a place of devotion and pilgrimage, blending early Christian heritage with Byzantine tradition.

The present structure dates largely to the 18th century, with later restorations preserving its distinctive Byzantine style and stone architecture. Inside the katholikon (main church), visitors can admire remarkable frescoes and icons, including depictions of Saint Irakleidios, as well as relics associated with his life and martyrdom. The convent is today inhabited by nuns, who safeguard both its spiritual life and cultural treasures.

Surrounded by cypress and pine trees, the monastery is a peaceful retreat for pilgrims and travelers alike. Its quiet courtyards and sacred relics make it not only a religious landmark but also a place of contemplation, where the island’s deep Christian roots are felt in every stone and prayer.