- Address: Archbishop's Palace, Kyprianou Square, Nicosia 1505, Cyprus
- Date of construction: 1955-1960.
One of the most outstanding sights of Nicosia - the capital of Cyprus - is the Archbishop's Palace, which is considered the most famous cult Orthodox structure on the island. Initially, it was conceived as a residence for the head of the Orthodox Church of Cyprus and is located not far from the Old Palace of the Archbishop, erected in 1730 and previously was a Benedictine monastery.
What does the Archbishop's Palace look like?
The building belongs to the Neo-Byzantine architectural style and is a refined three-story cream-colored building with white columns, immediately attracting attention due to the richness of the decor and the elegant loggias stretching along the facade. When the palace was erected, the architects preferred large windows, high arches and original stucco molding. To the massive door to the palace, which is framed by arched windows, leads a comfortable stone staircase. At the entrance to the yard you can see the marble statue of Archbishop Makarios III, whose height reaches several meters. Makarios was not only a religious leader, but also the first president of the island. Initially, the monument was cast from bronze, but in 2010 it was dismantled and in its place now there is a more modest bronze copy. Also at the walls of the building is the bust of Archbishop Cyprian.
The inner chambers of the Archbishop's Palace in Cyprus are mostly closed to tourists for most of the time, but you will be offered to inspect the courtyard of the residence, as well as visit institutions located on the first floor of the building:
- Museum of the national struggle.
- The Museum of Folk Art, where you can get acquainted with maps, statues, embroideries, ornaments, frescoes from the 8th century to the present day and see how the development of Cypriot culture was influenced by knights-crusaders, Venetian merchants, representatives of the Ottoman Empire. The institution is open for visits from 9 to 17 from Monday to Friday from 9 to 17 hours, and on Saturdays from 10 to 13 hours.
- Archbishopric Library.
A glimpse into them is worth all lovers of ancient icons, books and ancient works of art, clothes and ornaments of past eras, as well as original archaeological finds.
Also on the territory of the religious and cultural complex are the Byzantine Museum , famous throughout the world for the richest collection of ancient iconostases, and the Cathedral of St. John, built in 1662 and famous for its realism and the beauty of its frescoes. You can visit the Byzantine Museum from 9 to 13 and from 14 to 16.30 hours (Monday-Friday), and on Saturday its doors are open from 9 to 13 hours. To view it will be interesting to absolutely everyone who is interested not only in the history of the ancient island, but also in the origin of Orthodoxy. After all, Cyprus is still considered the cradle of this religion on a par with Greece. But remember that touching the icons in the museum is strictly prohibited.
The Archbishop's Palace is open daily, but free access is allowed only to the courtyard and cultural and educational institutions of the ground floor, so you will not be able to inspect the inner chambers. After all, the clergyman's chambers and the offices of the diocese are still located here. On special days, if you are very lucky, you will be able to enter the room of the first owner of the Makarios Palace, which has remained intact until our days. Here in the special vessel the heart of the archbishop is kept.
The entrance to the residence is completely free. You can get to the palace by taking a bus to the old center of Nicosia, and going to the school stop. Around the building there is a beautiful park, a walk in which is a pleasure.
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