The world history of colonial wars is inextricably linked to Cyprus.
The island, located at the crossroads of sea and trade routes, has always attracted foreign invaders. Despite the opposition, they did their best to impose their traditions and laws. One of the evidences of foreign domination are the buildings constructed during the period of Cypriot expansion. This blog showcases some of the most colorful architecture in Larnaca from that era.
Municipal Art Gallery
The gallery is located in Europe Square at the beginning of the famous Phinikoudes promenade. It occupies a building consisting of a combined row of two-storey structures. The left wing houses the city's historical archive. The complex was built for the needs of the City Customs in 1881, during the British rule in Cyprus and is one of the classic examples of Larnaca's colonial architecture. After independence, the building was taken over by the gallery. Its main mission is to select and display contemporary artworks. The spacious museum halls display paintings, sculptures and other art objects by local and foreign masters. During the exhibition visitors get acquainted with the history of Cyprus, traditions and culture of its people. The gallery holds thematic exhibitions of works by Cypriot artists on a regular basis.
Opening hours:
- Monday - Friday from 10.00 to 13.00 and from 15.00 to 18.00 (in winter);
- Monday - Friday from 10.00 to 13.00 and 15.00 to 19.00 (summer);
- Sunday and public holidays - not open.
Larnaca Municipal Art Gallery on the map
Pierides Museum
The oldest private museum in Cyprus is located on one of the busiest streets of Larnaca - Zinos Kition. The house that houses the exhibition was built in 1825 for the family of the Cypriot archaeologist and collector Dimitrios Pierides. From the first glance at the building, the characteristic architectural designs of the era are evident: double louvered shutters and full-width facade balconies with carved wooden supports. The business of Pierides was continued by his descendants and in the 70s of the last century a museum was opened in the family mansion. The collection contains more than 2.5 thousand exhibits from the Neolithic era. Here you can see objects made of glass and ceramics, old clothes and jewelry, samples of Cypriot applied art. Of particular interest to men is the collection of ancient weapons, in a separate hall there are sculptures and statuettes. The exposition gives a complete picture of the economic and cultural development of the island over the millennia. The museum has a small souvenir store where you can buy silverware and ceramics.
Opening hours:
- Monday - Thursday from 9.00 to 14.00;
- Friday - Saturday from 9.00 to 13.00;
- Sunday - not open.
Pierides Museum - Bank of Cyprus Cultural Foundation on the map
St. Mary of Grace Church
The Catholic Church of the Franciscan Brotherhood (Franciscans are a Catholic monastic order founded by St. Francis of Assisi) is located on Terra Santas Street in the northeastern part of Larnaca. It was built and consecrated in 1848 on the site of a ruined cathedral and monastery. The design of the building is in the shape of a Latin cross, the roof is topped with a dome and the facade is divided by arches with a colonnade. The architecture combines Renaissance and Baroque elements, which is rare in Cyprus. The architect Serafino da Rosselima was inspired by the church buildings of southern Italy to use a similar style. Later, a chapel was installed in the courtyard, designed in the form of a cave or grotto. The church is currently inhabited by monks who run a nursing home located on its grounds. Religious sermons are preached in Greek, English and Italian. Since its foundation, the church has attracted the attention of Larnaca residents and visitors with its unusual architecture.
Opening hours:
- daily from 8.00 to 20.00.
St Mary of Graces Catholic Church on the map
Larnaca City Hall
One of the first colonial buildings in the city was built in 1881 for the British Governor. The administration is located on Europe Square, and in front of it there is a monument to the philosopher Zeno. The central part of the building is decorated with an arched colonnade, a spacious balcony decorated with carved fragments and a small portico on the roof. Obviously, this beautiful mansion has witnessed many important events in the past. Today it is the seat of the Cyprus Municipal Authority, which implements public policy in the Larnaca region. For your information, the municipal administration will soon move to the old city hospital building on Grigoris Afxentiou Street, where restoration works are currently underway.
Opening hours:
- Monday - Friday from 8.00 to 15.00.
Larnaca Police Department
The main police station is located at the corner of Archbishop Makarios Street and Athenon Avenue. The building, which was built during the British rule, was originally a prison. After the reconstruction, it became a police station. The exterior of the building (especially in the shape of the arches) reflects Byzantine architecture, which was to the liking of the British. The facade of the building is symmetrical thanks to the arrangement of columns and windows, and a round tower is built on the corner. A similar style was often used in the construction of administrative buildings in other British colonies. Today Larnaca ranks last in Cyprus in terms of the number of crimes committed. This fact is explained as follows: the local police work so professionally and enthusiastically precisely because the current building once served as a prison.
Opening hours:
- 24/7.
Larnaca Police Headquarters on the map
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