Agios Nikolaos ton Gaton, the Monastery of St Nicholas of the Cats, stands near Cape Gata on the Akrotiri peninsula, about 15 km west of Limassol in southern Cyprus. According to tradition, the monastery was founded in the 4th century by a Cappadocian monk, St Nicholas, after a long drought left the area overrun by snakes; hundreds of cats were brought from Egypt to hunt them. The cats were said to be fed daily at the sound of a bell, and the monastery's name refers to this story. The existing church is a small stone structure with a vaulted interior and Byzantine-style design, and its surviving fabric is generally dated to the medieval period. Frescoes inside are limited and in places faded. The surrounding complex includes cloisters and a courtyard, reflecting its long use as a monastic centre and a stop for pilgrims. In recent decades the monastery has been a small convent, and a community of nuns has cared for the grounds, and it continues to attract visitors partly because of the numerous cats living around the site. Reported visiting hours are 07:00-12:00 and 14:00-17:00 daily, but recent listings state that the church has been temporarily closed, so visitors should confirm locally before travelling. Admission is free, and modest dress is expected at this working religious site. The setting is remote and quiet, near the Akrotiri salt lake and the coast, and the monastery is often visited together with nearby coastal sights on the Akrotiri peninsula. Its significance lies in a blend of Byzantine monastic heritage and local legend.
| Admission | Free |
|---|---|
| Hours | Reported daily 07:00-12:00 and 14:00-17:00; church temporarily closed in recent listings, confirm locally |
| Address | Cape Gata, Akrotiri |
Why it matters
Tradition holds that the monastery was founded in the 4th century by St Nicholas of the Cats, who brought cats to the Akrotiri peninsula to clear snakes after a drought. The monastery is a notable example of Cypriot monastic life and its enduring folklore.
Location
Cape Gata, Akrotiri
34.5993, 32.9869 View on map
Highlights
- Monastery tied to the legend of St Nicholas and the cats of Akrotiri
- Small stone church with vaulted Byzantine-style interior
- Quiet monastic courtyard near Cape Gata
- Free entry with coastal Akrotiri surroundings
Tips for visiting
- Confirm that the church is open before travelling, as it has been listed as temporarily closed.
- Dress modestly, with shoulders and knees covered.
- Visit in the morning or late afternoon, outside the midday closing hours.
- Leave cat feeding to the residents and respect the quiet atmosphere.
- Combine with a visit to nearby Akrotiri coastal sights.
When to visit
Morning or late afternoon in spring and autumn is most pleasant; summer midday is very hot.
Accessibility
The grounds are mostly flat, but the church has steps and narrow doorways, so wheelchair access may be limited.
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Frequently asked questions
Why is it called the Monastery of the Cats?
Tradition says St Nicholas brought cats to the peninsula in the 4th century to fight a plague of snakes.
How long does a visit take?
About 30 minutes is typical.
Is it open to visitors?
Listings report daily hours, but the church was temporarily closed in recent listings, so confirm locally.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes, children often enjoy the cats, though the site is a place of worship and requires quiet behaviour.