The Byzantine Museum, which is located in the city of Nicosia, possesses arguably one of the richest collections of art from the Byzantine era. Byzantine era. It was established under the patronage of the Archbishop Makarios III Foundation. For The museum opened its doors to the public for the first time on 18 January 1982, with an opening ceremony hosted by Archbishop Makarios III. The opening ceremony was organised by Archbishop Chrysostomos I and the then President of the Republic of Cyprus, Spyros Kypria. Spyros Kypriano. At that time, all the treasures of the institution were were housed in just one room. However, six years later, the area occupied by the museum had expanded considerably, as had its collection. In large part. It was enriched to a large extent by objects smuggled out of the country after Turkey's seizure of power in the north of the island. Turkish seizure of power in the north of the island, which were subsequently returned to the Republic.
The museum's exposition includes about 230 icons painted between the ninth and XIX century, ancient books, religious utensils, vestments of Orthodox clergy. Orthodox clergymen's vestments. All these items are located in three large halls in the Cultural Centre of the Foundation. Cultural Centre of the Foundation.
Particular attention in the museum should be paid to the icons that were created in the XII century. century, for it is that period of time that is considered the "golden age" of Byzantine iconography. In addition, the real star of the collection is a fragment of a mosaic from the 6th century. The real star of the collection is a fragment of a mosaic from the 6th century, which was originally in the church of Panagia Kanakaria in the village of Litrankomi. Litrankomi, and then, like many other valuable works of art, it was illegally sold abroad. illegally sold abroad but eventually returned to Cyprus. In addition, in the museum you can see fragments of the magnificent 15th century frescoes from the church of Christos Antiphonitis. Antiphonitis.
The Art Gallery displays paintings by European artists from the 16th century to the 19th century, mostly on religious themes.
