Agios Neophytos Monastery
Saint Neophytos Monastery (Greek: Ιερά Μονή Αγίου Νεοφύτου) lies 15 km west of Paphos, is one of the best-known monasteries in Cyprus. It was founded by monk Neophytos in the 12th century. The property is currently a museum consisting of the Engleistra (Place of Seclusion, built in a natural cave, with a small chapel) and the Monastery. Agios Neofytos lies 4 km west of Tremithousa.
History
The Agios Neophytos Monastery was founded by Neophytos. After being jailed for pursuing an ascetic life, he fled into the hills of Cyprus and found a small natural cave in 1159. Months passed while he made sure the area was deserted and quiet. He slowly excavated the opening further to encompass his hermitage cell, a small chapel, and his eventual tomb. While it began as a hermitage for Neophytos alone, he eventually gained a small following and the Engleistra, as it was also called, became a quiet monastic community in 1170 when the Bishop of Paphos convinced him to take a pupil. Neophytos was staunchly against materialism and being bothered, which kept the population of monks much smaller than at other monasteries of the time. In his second Ritual Ordinance, he states that the number of monks was around fifteen or eighteen.
After, his death, he was buried within the Engleistra according to his own detailed instructions. His successor, Isaias, is mentioned in the writings of Neophytos, but nothing is known about his time as abbot, nor is there any information about any other abbots during the 13th, 14th, or 15th centuries. However, it is speculated that the heads of the monastery following Neophytos did not hold to his isolationist lifestyle. The monastery was expanded and new paintings and decorations were added over the centuries, although not very often. One major overhaul was undertaken by another monk named Neophytos in 1503, who ordered the renovation of several original artworks as well as additional new icons, all paid for with his own money. The community fluctuated between growth and decline for several centuries, but became stagnant around the seventeenth century. In 1631, after the abbot Leontios set about to preclude its dissolution, it was declared to have precedence over all other monasteries on Cyprus by the Patriarch Cyril Loukaris from Constantinople. Over the last several centuries, the monastery and its buildings were often repaired and expanded upon to keep them from being lost to time. It continues to be inhabited to this day and the monks within promote the publication of historical manuscripts written within their walls in order to preserve their history. Hallows of Neophytos were found in 1756 and then were placed in the main church of the monastery.
Source: wikipedia.org
Best way from Paphos Airport (PFO) to Tala
The most suitable way to get to your destination from Paphos Airport (PFO) is to book a auto online. In this case, you do not have to waste your time looking for a suitable car and dispute about the cost of the trip, because our driver knows the time of your arrival, will meet you at the airport and help with your luggage. Our company has fixed prices for all destinations, which will allow you to avoid unpleasant surprises at the end of the trip.
The chauffeur arranges the route in such a way that you can take a rest on the way and take pleasure of the view of the sights of the sea from the window. For your comfort, we offer only new cars with a comfortable interior, properly working air conditioning and Wi-Fi.
Ways to get around the island and their main pros and cons
Book a taxi in advance
The auto will arrive on time, equipped for the right number and age of passengers and luggage. The prices can be found on the website so you don’t need to worry about extra pay. All our drivers are officially licensed. A licensed driver is the key to your safety on the traveling.
Local taxi
Not all drivers are licensed. Travel expenses are often inflated. If you are traveling in a large company, with children, or if you have large luggage with you, then finding a suitable taxi can take a long time, sometimes an hour or more.
Cyprus Buses
Public transport in Cyprus is not the most comfortable way to get around, as daytime routes end trips around 19: 00. On weekends the time distance between routes increases, and in the suburbs it stops altogether.
The bus from Paphos airport to the city runs about once an hour from 10: 35 to 21: 05.
But from Larnaca airport to get to Paphos by bus is much more difficult. You will first have to get to the bus station in the port of Limassol and then transfer to the bus towards Paphos.
A few times a year bus drivers stage protests during which they completely stop their work for several hours or days.
Car rent
There is left-hand traffic in Cyprus, so the first time you drive, you should be specifically prudent. The driver is forbidden to hold a mobile phone, drink, eat food. Gas stations are located mainly near settlements. If you are planning a trip to the nature, it is worth filling up a full tank first.
Benefits of online taxi pre-order
Simple booking system. You only need to specify the place and time of departure, the site automatically calculates the cost of the upcoming trip.
Convenient form of payment. No need to take cash with you and change it to local currency at the airport, payment is made online through a wallet convenient for you.
No need to wait. Upon arrival on the island, you will sit in the car already waiting for you without wasting time and fuss.
No language barrier. An important moment on vacation. Our drivers are fluent in Russian, English and Greek.
Large car park. Comfortable cars for every taste and capacity: business class, premium, minibus. If necessary, the driver will take with him the required number of child car seats and a trailer for bulky luggage.
FAQ
How to find and order a taxi transfer?
In the booking form on the site, indicate the place of departure (airport, hotel or your address on the island at the time of booking) and the destination.
Specify the desired time and date of travel, as well as the number and age of passengers if you are traveling with children.
At this stage, you can choose a car, get acquainted with the cost and pay for the trip in a way convenient for you.
How is payment made?
Directly on the site, choose a convenient method and currency to pay for the order. This can be VISA, MasterCard, as well as Apple Pay or cash to the driver. In the latter case, payment is accepted in the currency of the local state, in euros.
How do I know that my order has been accepted?
After payment, a booking notification will be sent to your email address.
How far in advance is it better to book a car?
It is advisable to book a car no later than 24 hours before the intended trip. The earlier you make an order, the greater the choice of free cars and the less worries before the holidays.
How to find your driver at the airport?
You will not need to look for anyone, the driver himself will meet you in the waiting room and take you to the car.
For the return transfer, the driver will be waiting for you in the lobby of your hotel or apartment.
How to book a return transfer to the airport?
You can immediately issue two directions, in this case we provide a 10 percent discount on the return transfer to the airport.
What should I do if I have oversized luggage?
If you are taking a stroller, a bicycle or a large number of suitcases with you, indicate this when booking, and our manager will tell you which car to choose.
What if I travel with my pet?
In the case of transportation of an animal, you must have documents for it in accordance with the legislation of Cyprus and carrying it.
