The medieval monastery of Ayia Napa is turning into a museum. According to the Cypriot newspaper “Politis“, Metropolitan Vasilios of Constantia and Ammochostos, on the occasion of the signing of construction contracts, stressed that in about a year it is expected that the museum will be able to host its first visitors.
The rationale of turning the monastery into a museum, he explained, was based on the fact that it is not suitable for monasticism due to being located in the center of Ayia Napa’s tourist area.
“It is an ancient monument and there are no such monuments in the free area of Ammochostos. Thus, it is suitable to become a museum,” he said. The Metropolitan added that the museum will display amphorae that have been granted by the Makarios collection located in the Archdiocese, and icons originating mainly from the occupied areas.
“Our aim is to establish a museum that will serve as an introduction to the history of the region and Cyprus in general, and of the monastery,” the Metropolitan said while he emphasized that apart from the exhibits, the building of the monastery will be enhanced.
For almost ten years, the Metropolis has been working with a team of academics from Berlin who have conducted all of the studies on museum design.
The Metropolitan added that the museum will also be suitable for academic research, and always in cooperation with the Metropolitan Cultural Academy, which is based in the Monastery of Ayia Napa.
Now, as he said, thousands of visitors will learn the culture of Ammochostos and Cyprus. The monastery is one of the most visited monuments so far.
The icon of Ayia Napa gathers a lot of pilgrims especially those coming from Russia, as well as Cypriot believers.
