Byzantine Museum Nicosia
Discover Cyprus's rich Byzantine past with a world-class collection of icons, mosaics, and frescoes. Interactive exhibits bring history to life.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer tour groups
Byzantine Museum Nicosia
Best Time
Fewer tour groups
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Cyprus's rich Byzantine past with a world-class collection of icons, mosaics, and frescoes. Interactive exhibits bring history to life.
"INCREDIBLE BY ANY MEASURE. ABSOLUTELY WORLD CLASS; COMPARIBLE TO THE BEST IN VIENNA AND AMSTERDAM."
📸 No Photography Allowed
Remember, photos are forbidden inside. Buy a catalogue to remember the art!
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Plan for at least 2 hours to truly appreciate the vast collection of icons and artifacts.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Iconic Byzantine Icons
Main Galleries
Discover a breathtaking collection of sacred art, spanning from the 4th to the 18th century. Icons showcase artistic progression and influences.
Repatriated Fresco
Special Display
Witness the dramatic repatriation of a 13th-century fresco depicting the Virgin Mary, a moving testament to recovered art.
Interactive Digital Exhibits
Modern Wing
Engage with history through interactive digital exhibits and VR experiences, bringing the past to life with 3D holograms.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for Fewer Crowds
Photography Policy & Catalogues
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 No Photography Allowed
Remember, photos are forbidden inside. Buy a catalogue to remember the art!
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Plan for at least 2 hours to truly appreciate the vast collection of icons and artifacts.
💰 Ticket Policy
Inquire about potential discounts, as some visitors noted a lack of student or senior rates.
🏛️ World-Class Collection
This museum is comparable to top European institutions. Don't miss it!
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 No Photography Allowed
Remember, photos are forbidden inside. Buy a catalogue to remember the art!
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Plan for at least 2 hours to truly appreciate the vast collection of icons and artifacts.
💰 Ticket Policy
Inquire about potential discounts, as some visitors noted a lack of student or senior rates.
🏛️ World-Class Collection
This museum is comparable to top European institutions. Don't miss it!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Byzantine Museum for its world-class collection of sacred art, comparable to top European institutions. The well-lit displays and informative explanations are highly appreciated, especially the moving exhibits on repatriated artifacts. However, some guests have expressed disappointment with the strict no-photography policy and encountered unhelpful staff at the ticket counter.
"This is an excellent, comprehensive collection of Byzantine religious artifacts from various sources throughout Cyprus. Importantly, it includes items recovered from art smugglers who ransacked churches in the illegally occupied north part of the island.
All items are fully visible and well lit, with comprehensive explanations on nearby placards in both Greek and English. I was disappointed by their "no photography" policy, which forced me to purchase a catalogue from their gift shop (which is woefully understocked).
The items on display are thoughtfully curated, leading the visitor through several time periods, showing the progression of artistic techniques and influences through the ages. Several informative views and computer-controlled displays presented additional information which was worthwhile. I was especially impressed by the video documenting the repatriation of a 13th century fresco depicting the Virgin Mary flanked by two angels. It was originally stolen from a church in the north, then purchased by an American art collector who displayed it in Texas for 15 years. After watching the video, I rounded a corner in the museum where the fresco itself is on display. It was a dramatic and moving experience!
So, my advice is to visit this museum if ever you are in Nicosia, and allow yourself several hours to truly appreciate the masterpieces on display there."
Robin Wiley
"all paintings worth the visit, but the lady at the counter selling tickets destroyed the whole experience with her arrogance. she doesn’t respect school IDs (official IDs issued by the member of EU) so she can make you pay more. general practise in Cyprus is that students tickets are free. also, the lady likes to look into people’s wallets and to comment what’s in there.
would highly question going there."
Magda Lipińska
"The museum is a wonderful one. I recommend the visit as it has an incredible collection of orthodox church iconography. The only negative there are no discounts for students or over 65. It is the first museum that I visit that doesn't give discounts."
Sid Marrero
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Byzantine Museum is located within the walls of Nicosia. You can reach it by local bus or taxi. If you're exploring the old city on foot, it's a pleasant walk from many central points.
Yes, Nicosia has a public bus system that can take you close to the museum. Check local schedules for the most convenient routes.
Absolutely! If you're visiting other historical sites within the old city walls, walking to the Byzantine Museum is a great way to experience Nicosia.
Parking within the old city can be challenging. It's advisable to use public transport or park in designated areas outside the walls and walk in.
The Byzantine Museum is located in the Greek Cypriot part of Nicosia, within the historic city walls.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Opening hours can vary, so it's best to check the official website or contact the museum directly before your visit.
Admission fees apply. Some visitors have noted a lack of discounts for students or seniors, so be prepared for the general admission price.
According to some visitor experiences, discounts for students or those over 65 are not consistently offered. It's worth inquiring at the ticket counter.
While some museums offer online ticketing, it's advisable to check the museum's official website for current booking options.
One source mentioned a possibility of getting a 10% discount on the entrance fee, so it's worth checking their website or asking at the entrance.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
The museum houses an extensive collection of Byzantine religious art, including icons, mosaics, and frescoes from the 4th to the 18th century.
No, photography is strictly prohibited inside the museum. This policy is in place to protect the artifacts.
Visitors recommend allocating at least 2 hours to fully explore and appreciate the rich collection on display.
Yes, the museum features interactive digital exhibits and VR experiences, including 3D holograms, to enhance your understanding of Byzantine history.
Many artifacts are significant as they include items recovered from illegally occupied areas of Cyprus, highlighting the island's complex history and art preservation efforts.
📸 📸 Photography
No, photography is strictly forbidden within the Byzantine Museum. This is a common policy to preserve the delicate artworks.
You can find professional photos of the museum's collection on the official tourism websites for Cyprus and Nicosia, as well as through art history resources online.
If photography were permitted, the intricate details of the icons, the vibrant colors of the mosaics, and the historical frescoes would be prime subjects.
Generally, exterior photography is allowed, but always be mindful of any posted signs or local regulations.
Yes, visitors can purchase a catalogue from the museum's gift shop to take home images of the displayed art, as photography inside is not permitted.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider purchasing a catalogue to allow kids to 'take photos' of their favorite pieces after leaving the museum. The museum's location within the historic walled city also offers opportunities for family walks and exploration.🏛️ History Buffs & Art Connoisseurs
📸 Photography Enthusiasts (with a caveat)
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Byzantine Cyprus
The curation thoughtfully guides visitors through different periods, illustrating the progression of artistic techniques and the influence of various cultural exchanges. A particularly moving exhibit is the repatriated 13th-century fresco depicting the Virgin Mary, which was once stolen and later recovered. This display, coupled with informative videos documenting its journey, provides a powerful narrative of art recovery and cultural heritage.
Beyond the visual splendor, the museum also incorporates interactive digital exhibits and VR experiences, including 3D holograms. These modern additions aim to make the historical context and artistic details more accessible and engaging for contemporary visitors, bridging the gap between ancient art and modern appreciation.
Navigating Nicosia's Historical Heart
Getting around the old city is best done on foot, allowing you to soak in the atmosphere and discover hidden gems. While public transport serves the wider city, the compact nature of the walled area makes walking the most practical and enjoyable way to explore. Be prepared for the Mediterranean climate, especially during warmer months, and stay hydrated.
For those interested in Cyprus's modern history, including the Ottoman and British occupations and the events of 1974, the Byzantine Museum provides a foundational understanding of the island's deep historical roots, which are essential context for understanding its more recent past.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit