The Lefkara Museum of Traditional Embroidery and Silversmith Work is a cultural gem in the historic House of Patsalos. This museum was established in 1988 after the Department of Antiquities acquired and restored the house, thanks to a donation from Stelios Ioannou.
The Patsalos family's prominence began in the mid-19th century with Michalis Patsalos, who founded the family's estate. The family was involved in various trades, including producing the famous Lefkara lace, metal tools, and pottery. They also contributed to local education by running public and private schools and a music school. The family was essential to the local government and the community's social development.
What to See
The museum showcases the rich tradition of Lefkara lace (Lefkaritika) and silversmithing, which have been significant to the village’s heritvillage's ground floor features displays of traditional village life, including a rural-type dining room and storeroom with large jars and agricultural tools. The upper floor has three rooms furnished to reflect a grand Lefkara house from the 19th and early 20th centuries, complete with traditional costumes, jewellery, silverwork, and an extensive collection of Lefkara embroidery.
A separate building within the museum complex includes a reconstruction of a blacksmith’s blacksmith's, which is complete with original tools and authentic sound effects, offering a vivid glimpse into the traditional crafts of the village.
Visiting Information
- Opening Hours:
- Winter (September 16 - April 15): Daily from 08:30 to 16:00
- Summer (April 16 - September 15): Daily from 09:30 to 17:00
- Admission Fee: €2.50
- Contact: +357 24 34 23 26
- Accessibility: The museum is not wheelchair accessible and is closed on certain public holidays.
Patronage and Support
The museum is maintained under the patronage of the Department of Antiquities of Cyprus and showcases items that highlight the cultural and historical significance of Lefkara’s traLefkara'scrafts.
This guide will introduce us to Larnaca and Lefkara, a seaside city and mountain village revealing Cyprus's essence. Larnaca is an ancient city with a rich history of Greeks and Turks, where the Church of Saint Lazarus—one of the most important sanctuaries of the Orthodox world—coexists with the Mosque of Umm Haram, the fourth most significant mosque in the Muslim world.
We will stroll through the streets of Larnaca, admire the murals, and experience the charm of this Mediterranean city undergoing renewal.
Next, we will visit perhaps the most famous village in Cyprus—Lefkara, renowned for its unique embroidery and silver craftsmanship traditions, and the church that houses a relic of the True Cross on which Jesus was crucified. Beyond these significant historical sites and events, you will be captivated by the charm of Cyprus, its peaceful nooks, enduring traditions, and serene atmosphere.
Cyprus is embodied in its mountain villages, where its heart and soul reside.
Don't be afraid to get lost in new places!
