The monastery was built in the mountains around the year 1100 — that is so long ago that the Norman Conquest of England had only just happened. Over the centuries, many skilled artists and craftspeople added beautiful decorations: mosaic ceilings that shimmer in the light, carved wooden doors, and courtyard walls covered in gold-toned pictures telling ancient stories.
What makes Kykkos especially special is the mixture of art styles you can see all in one place. Some decorations are very old, while others were added just a few decades ago by modern artists who wanted to carry on the tradition. The result is like a living museum where history and craft are layered on top of each other.
The monastery sits at about 1,140 metres above sea level, surrounded by pine forest. In winter, snow sometimes settles on its red-tiled roofs. Visitors come to admire the artworks, to walk in the cool mountain air, and to explore a building where so many generations of people have contributed their skills and care.