Byzantine Heritage
In the 4th century several earthquakes destroy the main cities in Cyprus. This devastation gives birth to new cities and Constantia is now the capital of the island. From the 4th till the 5th century, large basilicas are built.
In the 11th century, the Roman Empire is divided in to two parts: East and West. Cyprus came under the Byzantine Empire which was what the Eastern Roman Empire was called, with Constantinople in Greece as its capital. According to tradition, Agia Eleni (Saint Helen), the mother of Saint Constantine the Great, stopped in Cyprus on her journey from the Holy Land with fragments of the Holy Cross. Upon arriving, she founded the Monastery of Stavrovouni which stands to this day, and, which has a piece of the actual Holy cross in shrine for the public to venerate.
Cyprus is today, predominantly Christian Orthodox, carrying on the byzantine tradition from the 11th century. It has a large number of remarkable Byzantine monuments. Scattered throughout the island are historical churches and monasteries of varying sizes. It will come as no shock, that with such a long, glorious history that Cyprus is remarkably rich in culture. The numerous churches and monasteries scattered all across the island are irrefutable evidence supporting the long historical significance of Cyprus. To this end, the cultural importance of the island has been honored by UNESCO which has included nine churches of the island on its list.
