Holy Monastery of Christ the Advisor - St. George (Sotira)

The monastery of Christ the Advisor is located in the Happy Valley area, within the British Bases. It is one of the most ancient Christian monuments on the island, dating back to 625 A.D.

The ruins of several older buildings used by the monastery, a testament to its antiquity, preserve the legend that surrounds Saint George the Advisor. The monastery's name appears to be related to the nature of Jesus Christ as a 'miraculous advisor,' as described by the Prophet Isaiah.

The monastery was looted repeatedly during the Arab raids, and was restored approximately 1300 years later, when a couple of pilgrims from Limassol discovered its location in 1991. The small church of Saint George, at the entrance of the monastery, was restored by the couple who then operated it, as Father Gerontios and Sister Polychronia.

At the start of the 21st century, the monastery was reinstated, and operated by monks from Machairas. Women can only visit the chapel of Saint George.

Photos: Michalis Paikousis, Andreas Christoforou