St. Mamas Church

Adjacent to the Guzelyurt Archeology and Nature Museum in Guzelyurt, North Cyprus stands the St. Mamas Church and Icon Museum.

St. Mamas is renowned as the patron saint of those who avoid tax! Of course the story behind this as the local legend has it is that Mamas was a very poor hermit living close to Guzelyurt whom the authorities captured for non-payment of taxation. As he was being taken into custody he escaped to save a lamb from being killed and eaten by a lion and he rode on the back of the lion with the lamb in his arms to meet his prosecutors. As you will notice the images painted on the interior walls that reflect this moment. They were so amazed by his bravery and heroic act that they excused him from payment of his taxes.

It is believed that St. Mamas is buried within the church at Guzelyurt. The interior of the church itself is covered with impressive, beautiful and well preserved icons from the Orthodox faith.

Some are still in the process of being restored and the church is to this day used annually by visiting Greek Cypriot’s who come to worship on St. Mamas’ feast day.

The interior stands today untouched since 1974 including books and microphones used during ceremonies before then.

Preservation and restoration works are taking place so please be aware that a small section of the Church is not accessible.

For more info:

• Contact Eski Eserler ve Müzeler Dairesi on 00 90 (0) 392 227 29 16