Archbishop Makarios III Cultural Foundation

The exquisite Byzantine Museum, which has a collection of more than 300 icons and frescoes spanning from the 9th to the 19th centuries, is housed in this foundation right opposite the Archbishop's Palace. You should not miss the numerous exquisite items of art that were stolen from Northern Cyprus-based churches following the 1974 Turkish invasion and only returned after protracted legal disputes. You will see the excellent Kanakaria mosaics from the Panagia Kanakaria and the frescoed dome from St. Eufemianus in particular.

The icons of Christ and the Virgin Mary (12th century) from the Church of the Virgin Mary of Arakas in Lagoudera and the Resurrection (13th century) from the Church of St. John Lambadistis Monastery in Kalopanayiotis are two of the more intriguing additional exhibits. European paintings from the late Renaissance to the twentieth century are on display in the foundation's adjacent art gallery. The majority of the room is devoted to Greek works of art from the 19th century onward, with some current Cypriot art included.

Google rating: 4.5/5.0
Address: Archbishop Kyprianou Sq., Nicosia, Cyprus
Phone number: +357 22 430 008
Official site: http://www.makariosfoundation.org.cy/