Gialia Monastery

The Gialia Monastery, a ruined Georgian Orthodox religious site, is located in the Paphos District of northwest Cyprus. Dedicated to the Virgin Mary, it was initially commissioned in the late 10th century by King David III Kuropalates of Georgia. This medieval monastery underwent renovations during the reigns of David IV in the 11th century and Queen Tamar in the 12th century, reflecting its importance to Georgian rulers. The site was in Georgian ownership until the 14th century and remained in use through the 16th century. The monastery includes two main structures: the Virgin church and St. George's church, dating to the 11th and 12th centuries. Despite being plundered in the 16th century, the site was in use until its destruction by an earthquake in 1953. Archaeological evidence reveals Georgian inscriptions and murals, highlighting its cultural and historical significance.