DK Travel : Cyprus : Museums & Galleries

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Cyprus Museum, Nicosia

This is the most important museum in Cyprus, with a treasury of archaeological finds and historic relics from the Neolithic era to the heyday of the Byzantine Empire. Among the exhibits are ancient ceramics, superb jewellery and sculptures (see Cyprus Museum, Nicosia).
Cyprus Postal Museum, Nicosia

Philatelic phenomena.
Embroidery

Fine needlework is an age-old Cypriot skill. Embroidered tablecloths, napkins and bed-linen are widely sold.
Ethnographic Museum of Cyprus, Nicosia

A real treat for anyone with an interest in the hidden histories of Cyprus, this gem of a museum houses textiles, ceramics, wood carvings, copper and brass work, and basket-weaving.
Ethnographical Museum, Pafos

The best part of this museum, housed in the prosperous mansion of the influential Eliades family, is the bedroom with its fancy lace, carved furniture and embroidered costumes; other rooms display pottery and valuable 19th-century antiques (see Pafos).
Fasoula Village Agricultural Museum

Mule and manual labour were supplanted by the pick-up truck and tractor only very recently in Cyprus. This collection of farm tools – some of which hardly changed between pre-Roman times and the 20th century – is an eye-opener.
Fikardou Rural Museum

Vanished village skills live on in two 16th-century houses that have been restored and furnished with period utensils such as an olive press and hand-looms.
Fiti Village Weaving Museum

Old wooden handlooms, used by village women until very recently, are displayed here, along with spinning wheels and other tools of the weaver’s trade. The resulting colourful wall hangings and blankets are also on show.
Geroskipou Folk Art Museum, Pafos

The Cypriot love of colour and ornamentation is celebrated in this small museum, with carved and painted gourds, pottery, and elaborate embroidered costumes for special occasions.
Gold and Silver

Bracelets, chains, rings and earrings are real bargains. Most gold is 18-carat – look for the hallmark of the Cyprus Goldsmiths Association.