High on the slopes of the Machairas Mountains, nestled among pine‐covered hills approximately 40 km southwest of Nicosia, stands the serene Monastery of the Virgin Mary of Machairas. Founded in the late 12th century on the spot where a miraculous icon—said to have been painted by the Evangelist Luke—was found in a hidden cave, the monastery inherits its name from the Greek word for knife (machairi), symbolizing the divine tool that revealed the sacred image.

Over the centuries, Machairas evolved into a revered royal and stavropegic monastery, enjoying imperial patronage and autonomy. Its charming Byzantine‐style architecture—marked by red‐tiled roofs, a domed central church, monks’ cells, arcades, and a gentle courtyard—radiates a timeless spiritual serenity. Despite fires and rebuildings, its resplendent iconostasis and the deeply venerated icon remain at its heart.

Today, this remote haven remains home to a devoted brotherhood of monks whose ascetic life reflects the austere traditions of Mount Athos. It also welcomes pilgrims and visitors drawn by its tranquil beauty, the hush of the forested slopes, and the silent testimony of the centuries.