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The
principle monument of Güzelyurt
is the Monastery of St. Mamas. St. Mamas was a local saint who is usually
represented riding a lion. The original church was built in Byzantine
style. But at different periods it was rebuilt and during the Middle
Ages a building in the Gothic style was erected. This was again rebuilt
in 18th century and the large central dome was added during this time.
The monastic buildings were also erected in 18th century but a number of capitals and columns are from the former church. St. Mamas church is open to visitors during office hours. Tradition has it that in the 12th century Mamas, a poor Cypriot hermit, refused to pay his taxes, and |
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troops were sent to bring him to the capital for punishment. On the way,
the party came across a lion about to kill a lamb. Mamas saved the lamb
and taking it in his arms, rode the wild lion and entered the capital
in this way. The Byzantine authorities were so impressed with what they
saw, they released the hermit from his obligations and since then St.
Mamas has been regarded as the protector of tax avoiders. All around the
island there are 14 churches dedicated to the saint. St. Mamas monastery was built in the 18th century. Its side portals and the columns of the nave are from the earlier Gothic building that was erected on the ruins of a Byzantine church. The tomb must have belonged to the latter. The upper part of the iconostasis, carved of wood and painted in blue and gold, is an exquisite example of late 16th century wood carving. Its lower part is carved of marble and features figs, grapes and acorns, and Venetian shields which once bore painted coast of arms. The marble tomb of St. Mamas has survived. Its sarcophagus contains two holes from which a balm against eye and ear diseases and other illnesses oozes which also calmed stormy seas, bringing to mind the 'sweating stones' in other Byzantine churches. | Read the full article | Detailed map | |
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Site |
St.
Mamas Church & Icon Museum
The many valuable historical artefacts are on display inside, which include the sarcophagus of St. Mamas which according to folklore, was washed ashore and discovered by a peasant in the local bay. In a vision he was told to take the sarcophagus to the place where it now stands and build a monastery there. Read more | Detailed map | 
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