No WOMEN Allowed! 🚺 At Stavrovouni Monastery

Day 39. 42km (75684kms 6yrs) I savoured my final morning on the salt lake. From here I would head inland briefly to a couple of religious sites. Panagia Angeloktisti (Built By Angels) is famous for its 6th century mosaic of Mary. On the ceiling under the apse it can only be viewed from a bit of a distance but I’m told the the tesserae measure about 4mm. From the village of Kiti I began a gentle climb to Stavrovouni Monastery. Women are not permitted inside but the views would be good and I was eager for the challenge of the climb. Away from the coast for the first time I took in the islands rugged interior. Still scarred by the military presence in Israel I was taken by surprise when Cypriot soldiers smiled and waved as I rode by some kind of barracks. Near the summit a car pulled over, the friendly driver jumping out to tell me he had just been watching my YouTube channel! He declined being on camera but when we re-met at the monastery gave me a thorough run down of the area. Thanks again Prince Pete! The men-only monastery is said to hold a piece of the Holy Cross, brought here by St Helena, mother of Emperor Constantine the Great, on her return from Jerusalem in 327 CE. I often described to Israelis that having learned - but not taken seriously - bible stories as a child, for me touring the holy land was akin to visiting Narnia. And now seeing Christian sites and hearing their mythologies has a new depth that I can’t quite elucidate yet. It’s annoying to me to be barred from anywhere, such is my enormous privilege. Even in Islam and Judaism where gender segregation occurs there’s still always a space for women. Since I find Eastern Orthodox Church interiors to be the most beautiful of all the Christian styles it stings extra hard not to be allowed in 😆 Eschewing a lookout with stunning views I descended a few hundred metres in order to be that bit warmer overnight. Accessed along half a kilometre of dirt tracks an expansive forested picnic ground seemed a good bet, but backed up against the motorway it wasn’t a peaceful spot. If you enjoy my vlogs, blogs, and photogs please consider joining me on Patreon 😃 https://www.patreon.com/helsonwheels?... #cyprus #travel #cycling