Saint Barnabas Monastery & Museum…

Very close to the church is a 19th-century small chapel/mausoleum erected over the tomb site and visitors flock to pay their respects, most especially on St. Barnabas’s feast day of June 11th.

Barnabas was created the Patron Saint of the island…

St. Barnabas Church – Famagusta

St. Barnabas Church, North Cyprus

A mixture of religions…

This Monastery is dedicated to St. Barnabas, who was a Jew, who was born in Salamis and was converted to Christianity by the apostle Paul. He was eventually martyred for his preaching of the teachings of this new religion. It was not known where he had been buried, until the location of his tomb was revealed in a dream to Bishop Anthemios around 480 AD. A church was built on the site of this miracle, but the church which remains today dates from the 18th century.

The church is dedicated to St. Barnabas, patron saint of Cyprus

The St. Barnabas Monastery now houses a fascinating collection of icons as well as Cypriot artefacts.

St. Barnabas Monastery is within easy reach of Famagusta and is definitely well worth a visit during your North Cyprus holiday. It is a holy site for both Turkish and Greek Cypriots and celebrations take place here every year on June 11th on St. Barnabas’s feast day.