Draft:Monastery of Agios Minas

The holy monastery of Agios Minas is a monastery dedicated to Saint Minas (also spelled Menas) on the island of Cyprus, located 2 kilometers from Vavla within the Larnaka district. Today, the monastery is utilized by monks and tourists.

History

The monastery today

Though the time of its construction is not known, its existence was first written in the Paris Codex of 1562. The monastery itself is a blend of different architectural themes, including Byzantine and Gothic styles. It consists of a church, clousiters, and other monastic buildings. Stored within the monastery is a gospel created in Venice in 1606, which details daily life within the monastery.

Renovations took place in the 18th century with many notable feature being added. In 1754, the covenant was renovated and decorated with wooden icons. Three years later, in 1757, two large paintings on the north and south wall of Agios Georgios (Saint George) and Agios Minas were completed. During the late 18th century, the monastery finished its major renovation and renewal. However, it fell into disrepair and was abandoned during the 19th century following the Greek War of Independence in 1821.

In 1964, a revival of the monastery took place, with renovations funded by locals and nuns. Today, the monastery functions as both a religious community and a tourist attraction. The monks and nuns living within the monastery practice icon oil painting and sell fruits and preserves to fund the monastic community.