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Gallery Kypriaki Gonia, Cyprus

Gallery Kypriaki Gonia, Cyprus

Gallery Kypriaki Gonia stands as one of Larnaca's most established independent art spaces. Located at 45 Stadiou Street in central Larnaca, this gallery has operated continuously since 1993. The name "Kypriaki Gonia" translates to "Cypriot Corner," which accurately reflects its core mission to showcase art by local and international artists. The gallery maintains a focus on both traditional and contemporary artistic approaches, giving visitors exposure to different styles and periods of Cypriot art. Over three decades, the gallery has built a reputation for consistent quality in its exhibition program. It provides a platform where established artists can present major bodies of work and emerging artists can gain visibility. The space operates as a commercial gallery while also functioning as a cultural venue that contributes to Larnaca's artistic infrastructure. Historical Context By 2013, Gallery Kypriaki Gonia celebrated its 20th anniversary with a significant group exhibition. This show brought together works by 70 Cypriot and foreign artists across multiple media, including paintings, sculpture, ceramics, etchings, and photography. The exhibition received the auspices of the Mayor of Larnaca, and the opening ceremony was performed by Petros Christodoulou. All works were offered at modest prices of up to 200 euros, with 50 percent of revenue directed to the Larnaca Municipality Community Store. This charitable component demonstrated the gallery's commitment to community service alongside its…

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Lapithos

Lapithos

Lapithos sits on the northern coast of Cyprus beneath the Kyrenia mountains, where lemon groves once produced 11 million fruits per year and Byzantine treasures buried during Arab raids emerged a thousand years later in museum collections around the world. This settlement has existed for over 5,000 years under at least four different names. Lapithos is one of the oldest continuously inhabited sites on Cyprus. The modern town of Lapithos occupies the slopes of the Pentadactylos mountain range near where the ancient city kingdom once stood. The coastal ruins three kilometers north are called Lambousa, the name used during Roman and Byzantine times. Ancient writers, including Strabo, knew it as Lapethos. The philosopher Alexander of Ephesus called it Imeroessa, meaning attractive and passion-arousing. Assyrian inscriptions from 700 BC mention it as Sillu. Each name reflects a different period in the settlement's long history. Historical Background The oldest settlement at Lapithos dates to the Neolithic or Chalcolithic period and is located west of the current town at a site called Alonia ton Plakon. Archaeological evidence, including pottery and pottery wheels, confirms occupation as early as 3000 BC. Stone foundation walls, hearths, and three bothroi cut into rock have been found, though floods and later cultivation damaged much of the early settlement. According to Greek tradition, Spartan colonists led by Praxandros founded…

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Cyprus as a Business Hub

Cyprus as a Business Hub

The island sits at the intersection of Europe, Asia, and Africa. This location provides companies with access to multiple markets within a single business day. Cyprus operates in a timezone that allows simultaneous communication with both European and Middle Eastern partners during standard working hours. The country joined the European Union in 2004 and adopted the euro in 2008. These milestones secured access to the EU single market with its 450 million consumers. Companies established in Cyprus can operate freely across member states while maintaining connections to rapidly growing markets in North Africa and the Gulf region. Two international airports in Larnaca and Paphos connect Cyprus to major global cities. Modern ports in Limassol and Larnaca facilitate efficient maritime trade. The infrastructure supports smooth logistics for companies engaged in international commerce. Competitive Tax Framework Attracts International Business Cyprus recently updated its corporate tax rate to 15% as of January 2026, aligning with global minimum tax standards. While this represents an increase from the previous 12.5%, the rate remains among the most competitive in the European Union. Large multinational enterprises with revenues exceeding €750 million annually now fall under this minimum threshold. The country maintains over 65 double taxation treaties with nations worldwide. These agreements prevent businesses from paying tax twice on the same income and reduce withholding rates on dividends,…

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