One of the most important surviving Orthodox shrines of the Turkish part of Cyprus – monastery of St. mamas was built in honor of the Cypriot hermit mamas, which we better known as the mamas-owczarek. Mamas lived in the XII century and was engaged in goat farming and growing grapes. According to legend, ruled over Cyprus at the time, the Roman Governor accused the hermit in non-payment of taxes and tribute, and sent him soldiers, who were to lead the "offender" to the Governor. However, when the soldiers were mamas in the city, suddenly they were attacked by a lion that leaped out of the forest. In the fear of the soldiers fled, only prisoner not was frightened and sat down on the lion top, came upon him right to the Roman Governor. He was so impressed with this that he forgave mamas and even released him from all taxes. It has since mamas and is considered the patron Saint of animals, and also, what's funny is that tax evaders.

In the town of Morphou a monastery dedicated to the Saint was built in the XVIII century. It was in this temple in the marble sarcophagus contains the remains of the mamas. People believe that the balm that comes from the holes in the sarcophagus, helps with diseases of the eye and ear, and can even calm a raging sea.

Initially the temple was built in the Byzantine style, but after that, he many times rebuilt, it began exhibiting the Gothic elements. Great Central dome was also added much later. The monastery houses many icons of St. mamas, where it is traditionally portrayed as sitting on a huge lion young shepherd holding a lamb.