Cat Monastery in Cyprus

Not far from Limassol, there is an unusual religious site with a history — the Monastery of Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker. It is commonly known as the "Cat Monastery."

• Name of the monastery
• History of the Cat Monastery
• What you can see inside
• How to get to the church
• Frequently Asked Questions

Name of the monastery

The monastery is officially named the Monastery of Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker "of the Cats." Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker is clear — many churches, including those in Cyprus, are named in his honor. But what do cats have to do with it?

The legend says that the monastery was founded by Saint Helena, who not only left a piece of the Holy Forest here but also brought hundreds of cats to eradicate the poisonous snakes that had multiplied on the island due to a severe drought.

Another legend states that Emperor Constantine the Great asked the governor Kalokeros to help rid the area of snakes. He brought 1,000 cats and ordered the monks to care for at least 100 cats each day and feed them twice a day.

During the Ottoman invasion, the monastery was completely destroyed, and the cats began to wander, which explains the large number of stray cats living in Cyprus today.

History of the Cat Monastery

This is one of the oldest monasteries in Cyprus, which, according to tradition, was founded by Saint Helena, the mother of Constantine the Great, in the 4th century. It is believed that the monastery served as a refuge for fugitive monks who were exiled during the Iconoclast era.

Recent excavations confirm the belief that this area was a dock, which played a significant role for the fleet of the Byzantine Empire. The nearby ruins of the chapel of Saint Varas on the shore of the salt lake are also likely a continuation of the northern part of the monastery.

The monastery in its present form dates back to the 14th century and was initially only for men. It was destroyed by a strong earthquake in the 16th century but was later restored and continued to function until 1570, when the Ottoman Empire captured the island.

In the 18th century, the monastery was restored again, but it was abandoned for a century after that. In 1983, it became a female monastery, where today only a few nuns reside, taking care of the cats and writing icons.

What you can see inside

The monastery complex impresses with its architectural composition: on the northern side is the church, and on the east is the residential wing. These parts are connected through a vaulted vestry, as well as rooms on the western side, where there were once cells, a spacious hall, and utility storage rooms.

The western wing, which is believed to have included cells built in the 18th century by Metropolitan Makarios I of Kiti (1737–1776), no longer exists — it was dismantled. Despite this, the monastery retains a unique atmosphere and is of great interest to history and architecture enthusiasts.

The complex is currently open to visitors. Tourists can explore the church, the remaining monastery buildings, and enjoy the tranquility of the site. Information boards are available on-site, and guided tours are conducted (on certain days of the week and by prior arrangement).

This is a place worth visiting to touch the past and enjoy the peace of its ancient walls. And of course, to interact with the dozens of cats living on the monastery grounds!

How to get to Saint Nicholas the Cat's Church

The Cat Monastery is located very close to the Akrotiri salt lake and the famous Limassol beach "Lady's Mile."

By car

The drive from central Limassol will take about 20 minutes, if you go via the beach. The location on the map can be found below the text. If you don’t have a car, you can rent one from Localrent (from 10 euros per day depending on the rental duration).

By bus

There is no public transport directly to the monastery. The nearest bus stop is My Mall, where routes 7, 18, 20, 21, and 30 depart from Limassol. From there, you can take a taxi or walk a few kilometers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there parking near the monastery?

Yes, there is a parking lot right next to the monastery, here are the exact coordinates for the navigator: 34.600733932843184, 32.98649572715236.

What are the monastery's operating hours?

The monastery is open year-round but may be closed on religious holidays. Access is only possible during daylight hours.

What can you see near the monastery?

The aforementioned Lady's Mile beach is a five-minute drive away, and the Akrotiri salt lake is also very close, where you can observe flocks of flamingos in the spring.

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