Cyprus religion…
…there is no official religion on the island. There is freedom of worship and its practice is protected by the Constitution.
Having said that, most Greek Cypriots are Greek Orthodox Christians (the South) and most Turkish Cypriots are Muslims (the North).
There are, also, other denominations on the island like Maronites, Roman Catholics (Latins) and Armenians. These denominations and the Greek Orthodox Church of Cyprus are included under Christianity.
Religion in Cyprus is very important and a sensitive matter among locals. Most of Greek Cypriots are religious people and are members of the Autocephalous Greek Orthodox Church of Cyprus.
You should be respectful and properly dressed when entering a church or a monastery. Also, please ask permission to take any photographs.
That’s why you will see so many churches and monasteries on the island. No wonder Cyprus – apart from being known as the island of love – is also known as the island of saints.
If you would like to embark on a wonderful journey of faith, culture and history full of stories and scenic locations take a look at our UNESCO World Heritage list of churches.
Rent a car and embark on a journey to discover few of the hidden gems (monasteries and churches) in Cyprus.
Why “hidden gems”?
Because you will find that most of the monasteries and churches are built in the most scenic locations on the island…
…”hidden” in the mountains among beautiful pine trees and cedar trees. Nature at its best.
Think about visiting Machairas monastery, Kykkos monastery and the UNESCO church of Ayios Nikolaos tis Stegis (Saint Nicholas of the Roof) 5km from Kakopetria village in Nicosia district. You won’t regret it.
For more information on monasteries and churches on the island visit Cyprus Attractions and UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Cyprus.
The Constitution of the Republic of Cyprus (South) prohibits any religious discrimination. It provides for freedom of religion and protects its practice.
As per the Constitution, every person has the right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion and is free to profess his/her faith and manifest or change his/her religion or belief.
Avoid any indecent gestures inside a church or monastery. Being disrespectful won’t be tolerated by the monks or nuns.
Also, avoid any disrespectful remarks about the religion. In Cyprus people are too sensitive about their faith. You can ask anything about their faith but be polite and respectful.
As you can see, you don’t have to be religious or of the same religion to visit our UNESCO churches and monasteries. Just because Cyprus religion is a sensitive topic among locals, it shouldn’t stop you from embarking on a wonderful journey of religion, history and culture.
Religion is part of our culture and history (brief history of Cyprus). So if you like a taste of our culture and history get ready for an adventure in the mountains seeking the “hidden” monasteries and churches of this beautiful island.
We hope our information on Cyprus religion was of help to you.
Now…
…if you wish to continue searching for information about Cyprus or plan your itinerary take a look at the links below…