The impressive Troodos mountain range with its idyllic forests stretches across most of the western side of Cyprus. There’s plenty to see in these mountains. The area has been known since the ancient times for its mines and in the Byzantine Period it became a prominent centre of Byzantine art, as churches and monastries were built in the mountains, far away from the threatened coastline. The largest and most famous monastery is Kykko monastery, with a golden icon of the Virgin Mary, allegedly painted by Saint Luke. Other monasteries are Machairas and Trooditissa with its distinctive steepy-sloped roof.