One of Cyprus's oldest monasteries bears the name of Saint Nikolaos. It was built in 327 at the behest of Saint Helena, the mother of Emperor Constantine the Great. It is also popularly called the "cat" monastery, because the whiskered residents have lived here since its founding, and not simply out of human pity, but in gratitude for their faithful service. But first things first.
There is a beautiful legend that at the beginning of the 4th century the island was tormented by a drought that lasted nearly 17 years. Over such a long period, it not only destroyed all the crops, but also led to a huge number of poisonous snakes. At some point their numbers began to seriously interfere with people's lives on the island, causing them to flee their homes in fear.
One day Queen Helena visited Cyprus while returning from a long journey. She immediately assessed the scale of the disaster and sent a thousand cats here from Egypt. These animals quickly multiplied and helped exterminate the snakes.
The monks who looked after them soon built a church, around which a monastery later appeared. Since most of the island's inhabitants made their living at sea, the church was named in honor of Saint Nikolaos, who is considered the patron saint of all sailors and fishermen.
Today the monastery is still active, only it is a convent rather than a monastery for monks. There are not very many nuns here, but there are still several dozen cats. If you bring some treats with you, they will certainly reward you with their affectionate purring and pose for photographs.
