Description of the attraction
The famous Palace of the Archbishop, located in the capital of Cyprus, Nicosia, is the religious center of the entire Orthodox part of the island. This building was built in the period from 1956 to 1960 as the residence and "headquarters" of the highest cleric of Cyprus - the archbishop. It is located in close proximity to the "Old Palace of the Archbishop", which was created 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-story (if you count the basement floor) building, which has a rich and luxurious decor. It is decorated with high arches, large windows and exquisite stucco moldings. In the courtyard right in front of the entrance there is a statue of Archbishop Makarios III, several meters high.
Unfortunately, the palace is closed for tourists, but you can get there, since on its territory, as well as on the first floor of the palace itself, there are: the Archdiocese Library, the Museum of Folk Art, and the Museum of National Struggle. It is there that the most valuable archaeological finds, ancient books and icons, works of art, antique jewelry and clothing are kept - all those items with which you can learn so much about the history of Nicosia and the whole of Cyprus.
The main attraction of this cultural and religious complex is considered to be the Byzantine Museum, which houses one of the richest collections of ancient icons in the world. In addition, there is also the Cathedral of St. John, which was created in 1662 and is famous for its beautiful frescoes.
