Cyprus

On May 28th, Professor Louis Godart –Counsellor
for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage
at the Presidential Palace in Rome– gave
a conference on “Greek Migration in Mediterranean.”
The conference was organised in cooperation
with the University of Cyprus and
was held at the Archeological Research Unit.
On May 30th a special exhibition was inaugurated.
“Ancient Mediterranean Fragrances:
Italian Research and Cypriot Tradition” was
held in Kalopanayiotis village, at the Conference
Centre of Oikia Lavrentiou. This was an
effort to remind the fact that Cyprus’ perfumes
have been traded in all the Mediterranean
since the 2nd millennium BC. Though the
names of many historical perfumes changed
or even vanished in the row of centuries, the
lush vegetation of Cyprus’ forest still possesses
the extraordinary wild fragrances that made
the island so famous. The exhibition will last
until September 10th.
Now, let us focus on two major exhibitions
that took place in Cyprus within the framework
of the Italian Cultural Month.
“Cyprus and Italy in
the Age of Byzantium”
On the occasion of the 50th Anniversary
of the Republic of Cyprus and the official
visit of Pope Benedict XVI in the island,
the Byzantine Museum of the
“Archbishop Makarios III”
Foundation in cooperation
with the Italian Embassy and
the Cyprus Tourism Organisation
organised the exhibition
“Cyprus and Italy in the Age
of Byzantium” at the Hall of
Temporary Exhibitions of the
Museum.
On June 1st, the exhibition was
officially inaugurated by the
President of the Republic, Mr.
Demetris Christofias, and H.B.
Archbishop of Cyprus, Chrys-
ostomos II. During the ceremony, President
Demetris Christofias referred, among others,
to the long-standing contacts between Cyprus
and Italy, which began in the 11th century BC.
and continued during ancient times, influencing
Italian and Cypriot art as well as the culture
of the two countries in various aspects of daily
life. He also highlighted that the excellent relations
between the two peoples continue to date,
since the two countries share common historical,
geographical and cultural attributes. The
opening was also addressed by the President
of Cyprus Tourism Organisation, Mr. Alecos
Oroundiotis, and the Ambassador of Italy, Mr.
Alfredo Bastianelli. The event was accompanied
by chants by the Chorus of the Holy Archbishopric
of Cyprus “Saint John Damascene”
Adoration of the Magi, 16th century, from the church of
Panagia Phaneromeni in Nicosia, permanent Collection
of the Byzantine Museum of the “Archbishop Makarios
III” Foundation
Left: Saint Peter, 16th century, from the Holy Archbishopric of Cyprus,
permanent Collection of the Byzantine Museum of the “Archbishop Makarios
III” Foundation Middle: Holy Chalice, 1506 ca., from the church of Saint
Savvas in Nicosia, permanent Collection of the Byzantine Museum of the
“Archbishop Makarios III” Foundation Right: Virgin Mary of the Tenderness,
from the Metropolitan Palace of Paphos, permanent Collection of the Byzantine
Museum of the “Archbishop Makarios III” Foundation
47