Explore Cyprus with Our Interactive Map

Featured Articles

Explore our top stories and discover ideas worth your time.

View all articles
Cyprus Folk Art Museum

Cyprus Folk Art Museum

The Cyprus Folk Art Museum preserves the island's traditional crafts in a building that once housed archbishops and witnessed moments that changed Cypriot history. The museum occupies the Old Archbishopric building on Archbishop Kyprianos Square in central Nicosia. This location places it beside St. John's Cathedral, the Byzantine Museum, the National Struggle Museum, and the current Archbishop's Palace. The building itself dates to the 15th century and features Gothic architecture with later additions. In the 13th century, the area was controlled by French rulers and served as a monastery for the Benedictine order. Later, the Order of St. John erected a church dedicated to their patron saint on the grounds. In 1218, Hugo I was buried in this church. When the Ottoman period ended in 1878, the Greek Orthodox Church took over the premises. Historical Background The Society of Cypriot Studies founded the museum in 1937. A group of pioneering scholars led by Constantinos Spyridakis established the society in 1936 with the goal of collecting and preserving Cypriot folk art. Adamantios Diamantis, a painter and art teacher who had studied at the Royal College of Art in London alongside Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth, became the first director when the museum opened. The Society approached Archbishop Makarios III in the early 1960s after the seat of the Archbishop moved to…

Read more
Archbishop Palace Nicosia

Archbishop Palace Nicosia

The Archbishop's Palace in Nicosia serves as the official headquarters of the Orthodox Church of Cyprus and the residence of the Archbishop. The Archbishop's Palace functions as both the administrative center of the Cypriot Orthodox Church and a major cultural complex. The building houses the offices of the archdiocese, the residence of the Archbishop of Nova Justiniana and All Cyprus, the Byzantine Museum with over 200 icons spanning 1,000 years, the Library of the Archbishopric, and an art gallery displaying European paintings from the 15th to 19th centuries. The palace stands adjacent to the Old Archbishop's Palace, which now contains the Folk Art Museum and the EOKA Struggle Museum. The complex represents the enduring power and influence of the Orthodox Church in Cypriot society, while also serving as a guardian of the island's cultural heritage. Historical Background The current Archbishop's Palace was constructed between 1956 and 1960, during the final years of British colonial rule and the lead-up to Cypriot independence. Archbishop Makarios III commissioned the palace, recognizing the need for a modern building to reflect the importance of the Church of Cyprus. The timing of construction proved significant, as Makarios would soon become not just the spiritual leader of the Orthodox community but also the first president of the Republic of Cyprus in 1960. Greek architect George Nomikos designed…

Read more
Summer vs Winter Travel in Cyprus

Summer vs Winter Travel in Cyprus

Cyprus offers two distinctly different travel experiences depending on when visitors visit. The Mediterranean island transforms from a sun-soaked beach paradise in summer to a mild, green sanctuary in winter. Both seasons have their unique advantages, and choosing between them depends on what visitors want from their trip. Summer brings hot weather and crowded beaches, while winter offers cooler temperatures and fewer tourists. Understanding these differences helps visitor plan a trip that matches their expectations and budget. Weather Patterns Throughout the Year Summer in Cyprus runs from June to August, with temperatures regularly reaching 30 to 34 degrees Celsius along the coast. Summer in Larnaca is also hot, dry, and incredibly sunny. Daily highs typically climb from 30°C (86°F) in June to a peak of 33°C (91°F) in July and August, though heatwaves can occasionally push temperatures above 40°C (104°F). The sea temperature stays around 26 degrees Celsius, perfect for swimming and water sports. Winter lasts from December to February, with daytime temperatures averaging 16 to 18 degrees Celsius along the coast. Nights can drop to 8 to 10 degrees Celsius. The season brings most of the island's annual rainfall, particularly in December and January. The Troodos Mountains experience much colder conditions, with temperatures dropping to minus 5 degrees Celsius at night and snow coverage reaching up to 2 meters.…

Read more