Cyprus was named by various chronologists and writers as the “Island of the Saints,” since a multitude of saints either passed through the island, died here or were originally from Cyprus. From the Apostolic times until today, there are about 240 well-known saints of Cyprus. The visit of the holy apostles Barnabas and Markos in the area, which chastised many godly Cypriots in Christianity, played a significant role in the holy painting of the Solea region. Moreover, the nature and relief of the area gave the saints the opportunity to be isolated in hermitages or to develop great spiritual action either as abbots of the great monasteries of the region or as bishops.
This route leads us to important places where the great Saints of Solea were born, were active priests or were buried. The route starts from the village of Astromeritis, where Bishop Solon Ayios Afxivios was born, and its final destination is the Monastery of Ayios Ioannis o Lampadistis in Kalopanayiotis. The route is about 55 km long and lasts about 1 hour. It can be a one-day excursion or can be done in 2 days with an overnight stay in one of the picturesque villages on the route.
