| class="googleright"> | | | | as a pilgrimage centre by the Greek Orthodox. |
| Karpaz Peninsula has been the hideaway for many | | | | Remained unknown until the 19th century, the |
| people for ages. ıt is for this reason that | | | | monastery is discovered in 1895 after Maria |
| there are many monasteries in the peninsula. The | | | | Georgiou's dream. The legend has it that Maria, |
| most famous monastery among them is Apostle | | | | who could not hear from her son for 17 years, |
| Andreas Monastery, still active and a pilgrimage | | | | prays to Apostle Andreas everyday, hoping to |
| destination for the Greek Orthodox community. | | | | find her son. One day, Apostle Andreas is |
| Apostle Andreas, or St. Andrew, was the brother | | | | revealed to her in a dream, and tells her to visit |
| of St. Peter, and one of the 12 Apostles used to | | | | the long-abandoned monastery in Karpaz, Cyprus. |
| serve John the Baptist when he was personally | | | | Maria, living in Sicily, catches a boat, where she is |
| called by Christ to become an Apostle. The | | | | recognised by a fellow voyager. He asks Maria to |
| monastery is mentioned in the 12th century | | | | describe him her lost son. She tells him about her |
| scriptures for the first time. However, the building | | | | son's birthmarks on his shoulders and chest. The |
| that survives today is built in the 15th century. | | | | man, upon this, unveils his shoulders, and chest, |
| The monastery is today recognised as a holy | | | | revealing his birthmarks. Once this story is heard, |
| place of workship both by the Christian | | | | Apostle Andreas became a pilgrimage centre for |
| community and the Muslim community. | | | | many people who come here to pray. |
| Apostle Andreas Monastery is held in high esteem | | | | |