Stavrovouni monastery
About 40 kilometers west of Larnaca, on the top of a cooked rock, the Stavrovoiu Monastery is in a splendid isolation, offering beautiful panoramic views on the surrounding rural landscape.During the Cyprus period under Greek-Roman control, the summit here held a temple that honored the goddess Aphrodite.At that time, Cyprus suffered under an infestation of poisonous snakes, and the local Christians believed that the Holy Cross installed here under the care of the monks ended the snake's plague.Women are not allowed to enter the monastery itself - although they can see the land, which have amazing views, and can visit the All Saints church right outside the complex.Male visitors are free to wander through the monastery and explore the interiors loaded with icons.

