The Cyprus Museum of Nicosia is often regarded as the island’s number one museum because it houses an especially rare and extensive collection of Cypriot antiquities.
The Cyprus Museum was founded in 1888 as a way to preserve the artifacts archaeologists were finding while excavating around the island. The Cyprus Museum may not have the ultra modern facilities found in Paris’ Louvre or London’s British Museum, but its collection is nothing short of impressive, with the oldest pieces dating back to the 8th millennium B.C.
The Cyprus Museum has 14 galleries showcasing Cypriot history, culture and art in chronological order. Beginning with the island’s Neolithic Period, visitors will see vessels and tools. Crude cruciform objects from the Chalcolithic Period are also on display. These picrolite figures are thought to be religious amulets connected to the worship of a fertility goddess. Replicas of these figurines can be found in almost every souvenir shop on the island. Each room in the museum takes visitors on an incredible journey through the ages as they come across Bronze Age pottery, archaic vessels, clay figurines, religious objects, Roman busts, coins, bronze sculptures, jewelry, lamps and mosaics.
The Cyprus Museum is just a short walk from Eleftherias Square, which makes it easy to access from almost anywhere in downtown Nicosia. Do not miss out on the incredible exhibits this museum holds.