Byzantine Museum: A Cypriot Artistic Treasure

The Byzantine Museum, situated within the Archbishopric in the heart of old Nicosia, houses the most representative collection of Byzantine art on the island. The museum's collection includes over 200 icons dating from the 9th to the 19th centuries, along with sacred vessels, vestments, robes, and books. Many icons from the 12th century, considered the peak of iconography, are also on display.A highlight of the museum is the 6th-century mosaics from the church of Panagia Kanakaria in Lythragkomi Village, which were repatriated after being illegally exported from the occupied part of the island. These mosaics, along with other recovered artifacts, serve as a reminder of the destruction of cultural heritage and the illicit antiquities trade. The museum's exhibits are arranged chronologically, providing visitors with a comprehensive view of Cyprus's artistic production over nearly fourteen centuries.The museum not only displays ancient artifacts but also offers insights into the profound impact of the Byzantine Empire on Cyprus's religious and cultural landscape. The museum is currently temporarily closed for restoration, but typically operates from Tuesday to Saturday.