Religion in Cyprus – From Ancient Gods to Modern Faiths
Religion in Cyprus has evolved over thousands of years, shaped by empires, cultures, and major historical turning points. From the worship of ancient gods to the rise of Christianity, the influence of Judaism, and the arrival of Islam, religion in Cyprus tells the story of the island itself — a crossroads of civilizations in the Eastern Mediterranean.
In ancient times, religion in Cyprus centered around Greek and Phoenician deities. Temples dedicated to Aphrodite, Apollo, and other gods were spread across the island, particularly in places like Paphos and Kourion. These early belief systems were deeply connected to nature, fertility, and the sea, which played a central role in everyday life.
Christianity reached Cyprus very early, in the 1st century AD, through the apostles Paul and Barnabas. This made Cyprus one of the first regions in the world to adopt Christianity. Over time, religion in Cyprus became strongly rooted in the Christian Orthodox tradition. Monasteries, churches, and pilgrimage sites flourished, especially in the Troodos Mountains, where many historic monasteries such as Kykkos Monastery still stand today.
During the medieval period, religion in Cyprus was further shaped by the Frankish Lusignan kings and later Venetian rule. Catholic Christianity became dominant among the ruling class, leading to the construction of impressive Gothic cathedrals. The most famous examples are the grand Cathedral of Saint Nicholas in Famagusta (later converted into a mosque) and Saint Sophia Cathedral in Nicosia. These monumental buildings remain among the most striking religious landmarks on the island.
Judaism also forms part of the story of religion in Cyprus. Jewish communities have existed on the island since ancient times, with archaeological evidence showing synagogues and settlements from the Roman and Byzantine periods. Today, small but active Jewish communities continue religious life mainly in coastal cities.
A major transformation of religion in Cyprus occurred in 1571, when the Ottoman Empire conquered the island. With Ottoman rule came Islam, and mosques, baths, and Islamic schools were built across Cyprus. Many former cathedrals were converted into mosques, including the Selimiye Mosque in Nicosia and the Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque in Famagusta. Islam became a central part of life, especially in the northern region of the island.
In modern times, religion in Cyprus reflects the island’s division. The southern part remains predominantly Greek Orthodox Christian, while the northern part has a mainly Muslim population. However, both regions preserve religious monuments from all eras, creating a unique spiritual landscape.
Some of the most important religious sites connected to religion in Cyprus today include:
• Kykkos Monastery in the Troodos Mountains
• Church of Saint Lazarus in Larnaca
• Selimiye Mosque (former Saint Sophia Cathedral) in Nicosia
• Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque in Famagusta
• Bellapais Abbey, the famous abandoned Gothic monastery near Kyrenia
Bellapais Abbey in particular stands as a hauntingly beautiful reminder of medieval Christian life, now partially in ruins but still one of the most atmospheric places linked to religion in Cyprus.
Religion in Cyprus today
Today, religion in Cyprus is marked by peaceful coexistence. Churches, mosques, and synagogues operate side by side, and religious festivals remain an important part of local culture. While the island’s political division continues, faith remains a unifying element of Cypriot identity.
Author: Jürgen Derichs am 27. Jan. 2026 15:53, category: Good to know about Cyprus, comments per feed RSS 2.0, comments closed.