St. Barnabas Monastery and Icon Museum in Northern Cyprus
The Monastery of Saint Barnabas and the Icon Museum are located near Famagusta in Northern Cyprus, close to the ruins of the ancient city of Salamis. Distance reference: about 10 km from Famagusta. Opening hours: Monday–Saturday from 09:00 to 17:00, Sunday — closed. The easiest way to reach it is by car or taxi; without a car, people usually take the dolmuş (minibus) Famagusta–İskele and then walk about 1 km.
One of the key places on the island not only for pilgrims but also for tourists interested in history.
Monastery of St. Barnabas
On the outskirts of Famagusta, on a small elevation with a view of the vast ancient city of Salamis, stands a two-domed church dedicated to Saint Barnabas — one of the most revered saints of the island.
The original church was founded at the end of the 5th century, possibly in 477, when Emperor Zeno financed the construction of a basilica near the place where Archbishop Anthemios discovered Barnabas's tomb.
The church had a wooden roof and included cells, gardens, aqueducts, and areas intended for pilgrims. It was expected that pilgrims on their way to Jerusalem would stop here and visit the shrine.
Two buildings were added to the complex during the reign of Justinian I (527–565) by the next archbishop, Philoxenus.
However, the church was heavily damaged during Arab raids in the 7th century, and the only remains visible today are the original apse on the eastern side.
The Monastery of Saint Barnabas in its current form was built on the ruins of the Byzantine church in the 18th century. It was constructed with three domes; however, due to the lack of foundation and soft soil, one of the domes along with the apse collapsed. During repairs, the third dome was not replaced, giving the church an unusual square appearance. Inside, a fresco can be seen illustrating the bishop's dream, the discovery of the body, and the presentation of the Gospel to the emperor.
As of 1974, three monks lived in the monastery, earning a living by selling honey and painting icons. After the events of 1974, the monastery was abandoned.
Who is St. Barnabas
Saint Barnabas was a Jew from Salamis. Born Joseph, he went to the Holy Land to study law and there met the Apostle Paul. Receiving education in Jerusalem, Barnabas witnessed some of Jesus's miracles and in 33 AD converted to Christianity. He distributed his inherited family property to the early church and to the poor of Jerusalem.
Becoming the Archbishop of Salamis, Barnabas made such an impression on the Roman ruler of the island, Sergius Paulus, that he himself adopted the faith — and the island became one of the first regions with a Christian ruler.
During his second visit to the island in 75 AD, Barnabas was arrested and imprisoned in the synagogue of Salamis — that same night a crowd of Jews stoned him to death and threw his body into the sea.
However, his followers found Barnabas's remains and secretly buried him in a tomb under a carob tree west of the Salamis necropolis. His companion John Mark placed a copy of the Gospel of Matthew on Barnabas's chest. Saint Barnabas's tomb remained undiscovered for more than 400 years, until the 5th century AD, when Archbishop Anthemios discovered the burial.
Icon Museum
Today, the church, which no longer houses a monastic community, functions as an icon museum. The former premises also contain an archaeological museum with artifacts dating back to the Neolithic era.
In addition to icons, the museum preserves a collection of Cypriot artifacts dating back to the 7th century BC. The chapel housing the saint's tomb is part of the church where the archaeological collection is now kept.
The Icon Museum holds one of the best collections of Bronze and Early Iron Age antiquities in Northern Cyprus. The archaeological museum also stores relics from the nearby ancient city of Engomi, dating to the period of Ancient Egyptian influence.
Interesting Facts
- In 1844, Nottingham Cathedral in London, dedicated to Saint Barnabas, was opened.
- Saint’s feast day: June 24 in the Orthodox Church and June 11 in the Catholic Church.
Questions
What are the opening hours of the Monastery of St. Barnabas?
The monastery and museum are open Monday through Saturday from 09:00 to 17:00. Sunday — closed.
How to get to the Monastery of St. Barnabas?
Glossary: dolmuş — a minibus that operates between cities and districts.
There is no direct public transport to the monastery, but you can take a dolmuş or bus from Famagusta to İskele (or back), get off at the roundabout opposite the ancient city of Salamis, and walk about 1 km.
Taxi drivers know the location; from Famagusta and İskele the ride is usually shorter, from other areas of Northern Cyprus — more expensive.
It is easy to reach the monastery by your own or rented car — about 10 kilometers from Famagusta.
How to do it
- Choose a method: car (own/rented), taxi, or dolmuş/bus Famagusta–İskele.
- If taking the dolmuş, ask to be dropped off at the junction opposite Salamis, then walk about 1 km.
- If driving, open the point on the map and plan your route.
- If you need a rental, you can start with this selection: car rental in Northern Cyprus.
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