Apart from sunny weather and beautiful beaches, Cyprus is an island with rich culture, heritage, and history. Every corner, every part of its cities reveals a different part of its past. But if you really want to learn more about one of the world’s oldest civilizations, then the below suggestions should make your ‘to visit list’.
Leventis Gallery
One of the most important artistic landmarks in Cyprus, since 2014 the Leventis Gallery shares the invaluable treasures of its founder, G.Leventis with the rest of the world. While it has hosted countless of temporary exhibitions, it’s also home to three stunning collections. The Paris Collection, owned by G.Leventis himself, the Greek Collection and the Cyprus Collection. The first features European art dated from the 17th century to the 20th, as well as period furniture and “objets d’art”. The second exhibits the work of local artists from the first half of the 20th century whereas the latter is work by the first generation of local artists.
(22668838, Leonidou, Nicosia)
Centre of Visual Arts and Research (Severis Foundation)
Located in the heart of the old town of Nicosia, surrounded by picturesque traditional houses and buildings, CVAR opened its doors in 2014 and its collection includes hundreds of paintings, antique costumes, and memorabilia. It takes you on a time journey that showcases Cypriot history and the island’s relationship with its neighbors, throughout the centuries. It’s also home to more than 10,000 books, which are available to the public and to academics, whereas on its roof garden you will often watch screenings relating to the cultural heritage of Cyprus.
(22300999, Ermou 285, Nicosia)
Cyprus Museum
From the Paleolithic, Neolithic and Chalcolithic times to the Archaic Period and the Roman Period, a visit to the Cyprus Museum will make you realize the island’s rich cultural diversity. It dates to hundreds of centuries back in time and it’s a magnificent blend of different ages and different influences such as Egyptian, Ptolemaic and Assyrian.
(22865854, Mouseiou 1, Nicosia)
Local Ethnological Museum
Get a glimpse of 19th century Cyprus, at one of the most charming villages of Cyprus. At Lefkara’s Ethnological Museum you will find evidence and artifacts of the time such as traditional costumes, jewelry, silverwork, and agricultural tools and of course a wide collection of old Lefkara embroidery, for which the village is so famous for.
(24342326, Lefkara, Larnaca)
Oleastro Olive Park and Museum
Cyprus is called “The olive island” for a reason! And that’ because olive harvesting was for a very long time, a way of living for most locals in rural areas. From extractions methods to how it influenced the everyday lives of Cypriots and how the island benefitted from olive related production, Oleastro will give you a hands-on experience!
(99525093, Anogyra, Limassol)
It’s an island with many surprises indeed.