Perched on a rocky peak, Stavrovouni means Mountain of the Cross. According to tradition; it was founded in the 4th century by the mother of Konstantine the Great, Agia Eleni, who left a fragment of the miraculous Holy Cross at the monastery, that has been subsequently credited with the performance of a number of miracles till recently. The Monks brotherhood is extremely devout, keeping vows as strict as those at Mount Athos in Greece. Stavrouvouni Monastery has been a center of spirituality and worship in Cyprus over the last centuries, as many spiritual monks lived and currently live there! Stavrovouni has a long tradition in Byzantine art icon painting and frescoes, too!

There is an impressive ceremony and celebrations on September 14th, the day of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross ( mark the day of the Raising of the Holy Cross). Women are not permitted to enter the monastery, nor is the use of camera or video permitted. Men visiting must be appropriately dressed.