Lefkosia Museums

Cyprus Museum (Archaeological) is the island's foremost museum located in Lefkosia.  The museum was founded in 1888 and houses archaeological treasures of Cyprus with 14 galleries of original art pieces from the Neolithic 9th millennium BC to the Byzantine periods.  Highlights include a statue of Aphrodite of Soli which has become the symbol of Cyprus, a collection of gold jewellery, pottery, three limestone lions, two sphinxes from Tamassos necropolis and the remains of the royal tombs of Salamis.

The Medieval Walls of Lefkosia. The first walls surrounding Lefkosia were built in the 14th century by the Franks and enclosed a much larger area than the 16th Venetian walls that still surround the old town. When the Venetians occupied Cyprus they decided that the walls were too big and offered inadequate defence and as result the Frankish walls were demolished. The new Venetian walls were built forming a circle around the original city of Lefkosia with a circumference of 4.5km and 11 hand shape bastions. Entrance to the city was through three gates: Famagusta gate, Pafos gate and Kyrenia gate. Today, the moat around the walls is being used as a sports field, public gardens, open air sculpture exhibitions and car park.  The Famagusta gate is now the municipal cultural centre.

The Leventis Municipal Museum of Lefkosia was founded in 1984 taking its name from its donor the Anastasios G Leventis foundation.  The historical museum of Lefkosia presents life in the capital from ancient times to the present day.  The museum’s collection includes archaeological findings, costumes, photographs, medieval pottery, maps and drawings, jewels and furniture.

Museum on the History of Cypriot Coinage is a permanent exhibition presenting the development of coinage of Cyprus from the 6th century BC to the present day. High tech methods are applied to preserve the coins quality. The museum is an important resource for educational programmes on the history of Cyprus.

The Museum of the Pancyprian Gymnasium. The gymnasium is located opposite the Archibishop’s Palace and was founded by Archbishop Kyprianos in 1812, at a time when Cyprus was under the Ottoman occupation.  It is the oldest secondary school of Cyprus. The museum houses collections from the history of the school, archaeological and monetary collections, old maps, old weaponry, paintings and Gothic sculptures.

The Mansion of Hadjigeorgakis Kornesios - Ethnological Museum is one of the most important 18th centrury mansions of urban architecture in Cyprus which after being restored won the 1988 Europa Nostra Award and is now open to the public as a museum.  The mansion was the official residence of Hadjigeorgakis Kornesios, the Grand Dragonoman of Cyprus (interpreter of the Sultan’s council).  The complex consists of Hadjigeorgakis living quarters and offices and includes a wonderful reception room with ornately carved and gilded ceiling.

The Von World Pens Hall is a museum for pens and basically everything related to writing.  It is unique in Europe and represents almost all the major pen manufacturing companies with over 2,000 pieces.

The Cyprus Classic Motorcycle Museum was established by Andreas Nicolaou and is the result of 20 years effort.  The museum represents one of the largest collections in the world presenting 200 unique classical motorbikes dating 1914-1983 such us, Hudson BSAS 1927, AJS Mr Augusta 1938, Triumph 1946, BMW, Motor Guzzi, Enfield.  Enthusiasts are able to enjoy classic motorcycle history at its best.

Cyprus Postal Museum is a fascinating museum charting the history of the Cyprus postal service.  The museum was established by the Cyprus Department of postal service in 1981.  The museum is a joy for philatelists where exhibits include not only important series of Cyprus stamps since 1880 but also memorabilia such as scales, old letter boxes, wall plaques, record books, approximately 400 old Cyprus rural cancellation seals and other historical items.