Family trip to Ayios Neophytos Monastery in Tala

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One of the places that worths to be visited this summer, is the scenic Monastery of Agios Neofytos (Neophytos) in Tala village (Paphos). The trip to the monastery can easily be combined with a visit to an indeed family restaurant, Acropolis Tavern; making this an all round perfect day.

The monastery is situated only a few kilometers out of Paphos town, in a scenic area, at the finish of the road from Tremithousa village to Tala village. The history of the monastery starts in 1159 when the Cypriot Saint chose this area to build his hermitage (Englistra). Saint Neofytos lived through the end of the Byzantine period and the beginning of the Francocracy (1191 A.D.) in Cyprus. The saint spend his life at the area of the monastery, till he departed in 1219 A.D., at the age of 85.

A tour of the monastery area, starts from the Englistra. The hermitage cave has been carved by the saint himself and displays some very impressive Byzantine Frescoes. The actual tomb of the saint is also situate there. Some steps further, carved in the rock, there is a spring of Holy Water. Still further, the Church is situated encircled with the monastery's dormitories. Inside the church, people can venerate the relics of the Saint. Crossing the garden of the monastery, you can finish your tour with a visit to the museum of the monastery. There, you can see holy icons of outstanding artistic value, from the Byzantine era. There are also other exhibits from the monastery and religious artifacts from the area.

Photo by Glen Bowman

The access to the monastery is so easy, that it begs to be visited with family or with friends, as part of a short or one day excursion. A trip full of history, religion, fun and yet so near Paphos that it could be a walk. The Monastery is situated less than 15 minutes drive from Paphos city. You first go up Mesoyis Avenue (towards Tsada village) and at Mesoyi-Tremithousa trafic-lights, you turn left towards Tala. At the end of this road, there is a place that looks like part of a small forest on the outskirts of the modern city.

'Acropolis Tavern' restaurant

Along that route, at Mesoyi-Tremithousa traffic-lights, there is a restaurant called 'Acropolis Tavern', where you can make a stopover. There, you can take a rest, drink something before going on with your trip or have lunch/dinner upon returning from the tour of the monastery. You need not make a detour and there is a convenient parking place just behind the restaurant. It is the perfect venue for a shorter or longer stop, especially if you come from other regions of Cyprus. 

The restaurant has its own parking place, and easy access for handicapped people. Children can play at the playground and rest in their own way. Adults can enjoy their drink or food at a place near Paphos, but far away of the annoying moisture of the city and the coastal area. The breeze of the spot and the way that the restaurant is built, will make you to remember your excursion for a long time!
 
We wish you an excellent trip day!!