The famous Archbishop's Palace, located in the Cypriot capital Nicosia, is the religious centre of the entire Orthodox part of the island. This building was constructed between 1956 and 1960 as the residence and "headquarters" of the highest clergyman of Cyprus, the Archbishop. It is in close proximity to the "Old Palace of the Archbishop", which was established back in 1730 and originally served as a Benedictine monastery.
The new palace was built in the Neo-Byzantine style and is a beautiful three-storey (if you count the semi-basement) building, which has a rich and opulent decoration. It is decorated with high arches, large windows and elegant mouldings. In the courtyard right in front of the entrance stands a statue of Archbishop Makarios III several metres high.
Unfortunately, the palace is closed to tourists, but you can get there, because on its territory, as well as on the ground floor of the palace itself, are located: the Library of the Archbishopric, the Museum of Folk Art, as well as the Museum of National Wrestling. It is there that the most valuable archaeological finds, ancient books and icons, works of art, ancient jewellery and clothing are kept, all those items through which you can learn so much about the history of Nicosia and Cyprus.
The main attraction of this cultural and religious complex is the Byzantine Museum, which houses one of the richest collections of ancient icons in the world. It is also home to the Cathedral of St John, which was created in 1662 and is famous for its beautiful frescoes.
