Nestled in the hills near the villages of Vavla and Kato Drys, the Agios Minas Convent is a serene sanctuary dating back to the 15th century. Surrounded by olive and citrus groves, this peaceful monastery has a long history of devotion, decline, and revival, offering visitors a glimpse into Cyprus’s spiritual heritage. The convent’s architecture combines Byzantine and Gothic styles, with pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and a central church adorned with 18th-century frescoes of Saint George and Saint Minas. Today, the nuns maintain traditions of icon painting and produce handmade preserves and herbal goods, which reflect the blend of faith and local culture. For travelers in the Lefkara region, Agios Minas is more than a religious site — it is a place of reflection and calm. Modest dress is required, but those who visit are rewarded with tranquil courtyards, centuries-old art, and the warm hospitality of the sisterhood.

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.

Not far from Larnaca, surrounded by olive groves and soft hills, lies the Monastery of Saint Thekla, a place of both spiritual devotion and miraculous healing. Dedicated to Saint Thekla, the first female martyr of Christianity and a disciple of the Apostle Paul, the monastery has long been known not only as a place of prayer but also as a source of hope for the sick. According to tradition, it is the mud found near the monastery that carries healing powers — especially for those suffering from skin diseases. For centuries, pilgrims have collected this sacred mud, applying it to affected areas of the body with faith and prayer. Countless stories tell of people experiencing relief or even complete healing after using the mud, which they believe to be blessed by Saint Thekla herself. The monastery’s whitewashed walls, quiet courtyards, and glowing icons add to the sense of peace and sanctity. Every year, on September 24th, during the feast of Saint Thekla, crowds gather to honor her memory, give thanks for healings, and seek new blessings. To visit Saint Thekla’s Monastery is to witness a living tradition where faith, history, and the miracles of healing mud continue to inspire thousands of believers.