Cyprus Railways Museum: A Journey Through Cypriot Rail History

The Cyprus Railways Museum, nestled in the tranquil village of Evrychou in the Troodos Mountains, provides a unique opportunity to step back in time and discover a crucial part of Cyprus's history. The museum is housed in the beautifully restored former Evrychou railway station, once the western terminus of the Cyprus Government Railway (CGR). The CGR, a narrow-gauge railway, operated from 1905 to 1951, connecting Famagusta with Nicosia, Morphou, and Evrychou. It transported passengers, goods, and mail and played a crucial role during World War II, moving troops and supplies. Despite its significance, the railway couldn't compete with the rise of road transport and ceased operations in 1951. The museum showcases the railway's history with a remarkable collection of vintage locomotives, carriages, and railway paraphernalia. Visitors can explore meticulously restored exhibits that showcase the evolution of rail transport in Cyprus, from the early steam engines to more modern rail systems. Inside, you'll find original documents, drawings, photographs, and objects related to the Cyprus railways. Scale models of the main stations and rolling stock offer a glimpse into the railway's infrastructure. The exhibits detail the construction, operation, and legacy of the CGR, as well as the American-owned Cyprus Mines Corporation (CMC) railway, which transported copper ore. The museum is spread over two floors, with the ground floor focusing on the construction and route of the CGR, and the first floor dedicated to the passenger experience and the types of goods carried. Period furniture helps recreate the atmosphere of a bustling railway station in the early 20th century. Outside, you can see a section of the original track, discovered during renovations and carefully reconditioned. An original handcar and freight wagon are also on display.