Makarios III was archbishop of the Orthodox Church of Cyprus and the first president of Cyprus. He won the country’s independence from British colonial rule and became an iconic figure – although his legacy remains controversial to this day.
Michail Christodoulou Mouskos, known as Makarios III, was born in 1913 in the Cypriot countryside. His life took him from a monastery cell to the highest political office in the country.
At the age of just 13 he entered Kykkos Monastery, where he became a novice and later a fully fledged Orthodox monk. Life in a monastery cell gave him a firm spiritual foundation and shaped his view of the world. He also studied theology and philosophy, which later helped him in his political career.
From 1950
The first president of Cyprus from 1960
Throni in the Troodos Mountains
After becoming archbishop in 1950, Makarios III became the leader of the movement for Cyprus’s independence from British colonial rule. His charisma and diplomatic skills made him a respected leader. In 1959 he reached an agreement on independence with Great Britain, Greece and Turkey and became the first president of the newly created republic.
During his presidency he had to deal with intercommunal tensions between the Greeks and the Turks on the island. In 1974 he was overthrown in a coup backed by the junta in Greece, which sought to unite Cyprus with Greece. He returned to power at the end of 1974 and died in 1977.
To many Greeks he is a hero who fought for independence and democracy.
Turks and Turkish Cypriots, on the other hand, see him as a symbol of Greek nationalism and an obstacle to the reunification of the island.
Makarios III is buried in a tomb at a place called Throni in the Troodos Mountains, a short way above Kykkos Monastery. The tomb is part of a memorial made up of a church, a museum and a mausoleum.
The memorial lies on a hill with a beautiful view of the surrounding countryside and is a popular destination for pilgrims and visitors alike.
You can easily combine a visit to Throni with Kykkos Monastery and a trip to the Troodos Mountains.
Throni, Kykkos and Nicosia are best visited by car or on an organised excursion. You will find tips in the article Driving in South Cyprus.
Archbishop of the Orthodox Church of Cyprus and the first president of Cyprus.
Michail Christodoulou Mouskos.
In 1960, after the independence agreement of 1959.
At Throni in the Troodos Mountains, near Kykkos Monastery.
To the Greeks he is a hero of independence; to Turkish Cypriots he is a symbol of Greek nationalism.
Makarios III was undoubtedly a key figure in the modern history of Cyprus. However his legacy is viewed, his impact on Cyprus is undeniable.
