Fodor's Expert Review Stavrovouni Monastery

On a mountain approximately 40 km (25 miles) west of Larnaca stands the Stavrovouni (Mountain of the Cross) Monastery. It was founded by St. Helena, mother of Constantine the Great, in AD 326; the present buildings date from the 19th century. The views from here are splendid. Ideally, you should visit the monastery in a spirit of pilgrimage rather than sightseeing, out of respect for the monks. Only male visitors (no women) are allowed inside the monastery daily. The use of cameras or video cameras is prohibited.