Ayios Ioannis Lambadistis Monastery is located close to Kalopanayiotis village at the valley of Marathasa. This monastery is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its uniqueness. It is an amalgamation of three churches of different architectural styles which where built at different times under the same roof.
The structure that was the first to be built dates back to the 11th century and it is the church of Ayios Eracledios. It is built at the South part of the church and it is a cruciform church. At the middle there is a later arched church of Ayios Ioannis Lambadistis. Before the 15th century a narthex was added. At the North side of the church a 15th century Latin Chappell was built. The three churches are all roofed under a second roof which was constructed at a later stage.
The Latin part of the church features the most significant sample of the Italo-Byzantine frescoes on the island with Greek inscriptions. Some other frescoes in the other parts of the church date from the 12th and 13th century. Underneath the church of Ayios Ioannis lies the grave of the Saint while the holy sculpt of the Saint is held in a silver case. Guests can visit the cells, the old olive mill and the wine-press, as well as the other areas of the historic monastery.
Close to the monastery there is the Museum named also by Ayios Ioannis Lambadistis featuring Byzantine icons from the local churches. The works date from 12th to 16th centuries and many of them are rare.
The monastery is worth a visit especially if you are lovers of history and archaeology. The journey through the forest will also provide visitors with spectacular views of the Cypriot countryside.
The museum is open daily from 10:00 am to 03:30 pm (October to February) and 09:30 am to 05:00 pm (March to May)
From June to August the museum closes between 01:00 to 3:00.
The church is open Tuesday to Sunday from 09:00 am to 13:00 pm and 16:00 to 18:00.
Entrance is free. Donations are welcome.