Last week, I made a visit to Cyprus Handicraft Centre in Nicosia. For months, I wanted to check out the handicraft center because I thought it was going to have an open market with Cypriots selling their handmade goods. Turns out it is a demonstration of how traditional folk art is made today. In collaboration with the Cyprus government and UN High Commission, the handicraft centre is a place for visitors to watch demonstrations of traditional Cypriot folk art – tapestry, woodwork, pottery, weaving – in one location.
I believe Linus and I were the only visitors of the morning, but it was early by Cypriot standards. The day was still young for more visitors to stop by.
When I walked in, I expected to pay an entrance fee. But there wasn’t anyone there to greet me. It was a walk around as you please kind of place.
You could see the kind of craftsmanship of their art work on display.
But was so neat about the center was it’s open door access to seeing the craftsmanship work live and up close.
Like a true Greek-style space, there was garden area in the center.
I truly enjoyed the work that went on. The weaving was done by one person at the time of our visit.
And then a handful of women working in each room from weaving, basket making, embroidery, and pottery making.
I especially thought the traditional clothing and museum-like areas showed the quality and beauty of their handiwork.
Once we walked through each of the rooms, Linus and I made our way to the gift shop. You could really walk away with a lot of great souvenirs from Cypriot culture.
Although you’ll find a lot of the the commercial items on Ledras Street, you can get the crafty handkerchiefs and such here. While I will say that the prices aren’t too great, you may or may not the same quality of the items on Ledras Street.
Stop by to watch traditional Cypriot folk art being made right before your eyes. It’s free and educational for the family.
There are several other handicraft centre locations around Cyprus:
Nicosia – 186 Athalassa Ave. – Tel: 22305024
Larnaca – 6 Cosma Lysioti – Tel: 24304327
Limassol – 25 Themidos – Tel: 25305118
Paphos – 64 Apostolos Pavlos Ave. – Tel: 26306243
