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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).

The magnificent, early Christian Kanakaria mosaics are the gem of this museum, which also has a splendid collection of more than 200 colourful icons mounted in gilt and silver. The oldest date from the 9th century AD.

The newest, purpose-built museum on the island features sea-related artefacts dating from prehistoric times to the late 19th century. A replica of the Kyrenia Ship, the original of which is in Kyrenia Castle, has pride of place.

An award-winning vernacular history museum is housed in a fine old townhouse, with displays of village and ceremonial costumes, prints, tools and household objects and furniture. There are also several finds here from ancient sites.

An exciting and ever-changing schedule of exhibitions by contemporary Cypriot and international painters is on display here. It is a refreshing change from Classical sculpture and Byzantine icons and frescoes that dominates so much of the island.

The oldest private museum on the island, with an eclectic collection of Roman and Byzantine treasures, as well as examples of local island crafts and traditional costumes (see Pierides Foundation Museum, Larnaka).

Inside the Church of St Lazarus is an oddly attractive exhibition of 18th- and 19th-century ecclesiastical silver, carved wooden doors and ships’ figureheads.

Roman glassware, terracotta figurines from ancient sites in the district and painted earthenware, ranging from Neolithic to Roman times, are among the highlights here (see Larnaka Archaeological Museum).

Five warehouses have been restored to host exhibitions by Cypriot and foreign artists.

In the halls of Limassol’s castle, this collection features Lusignan swords, Byzantine silver and ceramics, and some fine icons.