Journey to the Past
History of Saint Magar Armenian Monastery
The origins of this building, which has been standing for almost 1000 years, date back to the 11th century. First built by Christians from Egypt, the monastery became a place of worship for the Armenians living on the island exactly 400 years later. In addition to being a place of religious life for Armenians, this place is of great importance as a school, orphanage and even a shelter during the summer months.
During the Lusignan period, the Armenian community retained control of the monastery and other lands within it, and this continued under the Venetians and Ottomans. During these centuries, the Sourp Magar Armenian Monastery was also a resting point for Armenian pilgrims traveling from Europe to Jerusalem. It is also known that some of the Armenians who migrated from the east during the last years of the Ottoman Empire found refuge here.
Abandoned after 1974, this historic shelter still belongs to the Armenian church today. However, due to the lack of restoration, the building has fallen into ruins.
Location
Where is Sourp Magar Armenian Monastery?
The monastery is located in Alevkayası, a village among the Beşparmak Mountains. The monastery, which is also very close to Alevkayası Picnic Area, is 40 km. to Nicosia, 26 km. to Kyrenia and 49 km. to Famagusta.
Close to the Alevkayasi area there is also the Besparmak Viewpoint. When you visit the monastery, you can enjoy the best view over the Beşparmak Mountains.
Transportation
How to get to Sourp Magar Armenian Monastery?
To reach the monastery, you need to go to the Alevkayasi picnic area. After reaching here, you should leave your car in the parking lot (the path is closed to traffic) and take a mountain walk of about 5 kilometers.
It takes 50 minutes from Famagusta, 60 minutes from Nicosia and 35 minutes from Kyrenia to reach Alevkayasi. If you have not yet set foot in Cyprus, you can also enter the island via Kyrenia Port or Nicosia Airport.
Visit Information
Sourp Magar Armenian Monastery Visiting Hours and Entrance Fee
There is no specific time limit for visiting the monastery. There is no entrance fee. However, you have to make a relatively difficult walk to reach the monastery. Therefore, we recommend that you visit during the daytime.
Sourp Magar Armenian Monastery Photos
Plan your Kyrenia Travel Route
Places to visit in Kyrenia
Home to the island’s most luxurious restaurants, bars and casinos, Kyrenia is full of historical and touristic attractions. Many civilizations, including the Byzantines, Lusignans, Venetians and the Ottoman Empire, have left artifacts here.
