St. Barnabas Monastery & Icon Museum
📍 5VFJ+V4X, Tuzla 99500
⭐ 4.5 / 5.0
The Monastery of St. Barnabas is one of the most significant historical and religious sites in North Cyprus, located just west of the ancient city of Salamis near Famagusta. According to tradition, it marks the burial site of the Apostle Barnabas, a native Cypriot who was one of the earliest Christian missionaries. The present church dates from the 18th century, built over earlier Byzantine foundations, and features a distinctive three-aisled basilica design.
Today the monastery complex houses an archaeological museum displaying artefacts from the Neolithic to Roman periods found at nearby excavations, as well as an icon museum containing a collection of Byzantine and post-Byzantine icons. The peaceful courtyard with its ancient well, the mausoleum of St. Barnabas in the nearby rock-cut tomb, and the well-preserved monastic buildings make this an essential cultural visit in the Famagusta region.
Key facts: Burial site of Apostle Barnabas · 18th-century church on Byzantine foundations · Archaeological and icon museums · Rock-cut mausoleum tomb · Near Salamis ruins · Entry fee applies · Open daily
Today the monastery complex houses an archaeological museum displaying artefacts from the Neolithic to Roman periods found at nearby excavations, as well as an icon museum containing a collection of Byzantine and post-Byzantine icons. The peaceful courtyard with its ancient well, the mausoleum of St. Barnabas in the nearby rock-cut tomb, and the well-preserved monastic buildings make this an essential cultural visit in the Famagusta region.
Key facts: Burial site of Apostle Barnabas · 18th-century church on Byzantine foundations · Archaeological and icon museums · Rock-cut mausoleum tomb · Near Salamis ruins · Entry fee applies · Open daily
