Latest news with #CyprusMuseum
Miami Herald
08-05-2025
- General
- Miami Herald
Ancient sanctuary honoring Apollo lost for 140 years in Cyprus. It's been found
Nearly one and a half centuries ago, a German researcher ventured outside the ancient town of Tamassos in Cyprus. The archaeologist was in a remote valley in 1885 when he discovered ancient ruins that would come to be known as 'one of the most spectacular finds of his time,' according to an April 28 news release and Facebook post from the Cyprus Department of Antiquities and the Deputy Ministry of Culture. There was a 'richly furnished' sanctuary, built to honor the god Apollo, officials said. 'It was furnished with a lavish abundance of votive statues numbering in the hundreds, some of which were of colossal dimensions,' according to the release. But the archaeologist was hasty, careless and imprecise, officials said, and after an excavator worked through the site, its location was lost to time — until now. German archaeologists returned to the area in 2021 hoping to find the sanctuary again, but they were unsuccessful until the 2024 excavation season, according to the release. Then, two dug trenches revealed the location of the sanctuary, and meticulous excavations could begin, officials said. Archaeologists found the walls of the courtyard complete with more than 100 statue bases, according to the release. 'It was a surprising realization that not only the pedestals for votive statues were found in the 19th century backfill, but also vast quantities of statue fragments themselves,' officials said. 'Apparently, in 1885, they were not recognized as artifacts in the rush.' Newly discovered statue pieces appear to match statues already discovered and now housed in the Cyprus Museum and the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto, according to the release. There is also a completely new kind of statue that was previously unknown from the site. 'The discovery of clearly larger-than-life feet, for example, means that the existence of colossal male limestone figures from archaic times can now be proven,' officials said. They also uncovered marbled glass beads and Egyptian amulets made from a glazed ceramic, according to the release. Inscribed bases found within the sanctuary show 'that the sanctuary played an important role not only in archaic times (seventh and sixth centuries B.C.), but also after the end of the royal period,' officials said. There was a time of expansion, according to the release, where the courtyard was built next to an offering room, likely used for banquets. The recent finds 'fundamentally expand our knowledge of this sacred place,' officials said. The site is in central Cyprus, an island nation south of Turkey in the Mediterranean Sea.
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Archaeologists Were Searching For a Lost Sanctuary—and Re-Discovered a Treasure Trove of Ancient Statues
After its original discovery in 1885, an ancient statue sanctuary in Cyprus was subsequently covered in sand and lost to time yet again. However, a recent archaeological effort rediscovered the sanctuary, and uncovered historical finds from the seventh century B.C. Statue fragments found buried in the sand can now complete statues on display in museums in Cyprus and Canada. A team of German archaeologists recently uncovered an ancient statue sanctuary in Cyprus dedicated to Apollo. Known as Frangissa (due to its location in the remote Frangissa Valley), the site was originally discovered in 1885 but was subsequently covered in sand and lost once again. The archaeologists on this team not only rediscovered the Frangissa site, but excavated it, exposing the walls of the dedication courtyard and over 100 statue bases. The site features hundreds of statutes—some shockingly large—and the remnants of some of those have been found for the first time, according to a translated statement from the Cyprus Department of Antiquities and the Deputy Ministry of Culture. The team also recovered statue fragments not cataloged in the 1880s, some of which will help complete partial statues taken from the site and displayed in the Cyprus Museum and the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto, restoring those statues to their original design. Additionally, the team found entirely new types of statutes previously unknown to have existed in Frangissa. 'The discovery of clearly larger-than-life feet, for example, means that the existence of colossal male limestone figures from archaic times can now be proven,' according to the statement. 'Such larger-than-life figures were previously only known here in Frangissa made from terracotta, including the famous 'Colossus of Tamassos' in the Cyprus Museum exhibition.' The site also contained marbled glass beads and Egyptian amulets made of faience—materials that show cultural exchanges. 'A preliminary evaluation of the finds showed that the area had been in use since the Iron Age and was used throughout the archaic, the classics, and Hellenism,' according to a statement from the University of Frankfurt. The inscriptions on the bases of two statues help tell that story. One features local Cypro-Syllabic characters, while the other refers to the Ptolemies—the Hellenistic rulers of Egypt who also controlled Cyprus at one time—in Greek. The inscriptions show that the sanctuary was not only popular during the seventh and sixth centuries B.C., but through the end of the royal period. 'In fact,' the Cyprus statement said, 'the place of worship even underwent an explicit expansion phase during this time, which can be seen in the architecture.' During the expansion, a peristyle courtyard—likely used for banquets—was built next to the votive offering room, highlighting how the site evolved to serve as both a religious and social center. Other marquis finds in the sanctuary include small chariots, horsemen, and warrior figures made of terracotta, as well as large-format hollow terracottas that could be as big as life-size. Limestone statues also feature horses and riders on horses. While the larger pieces were captured by German researcher Max Ohnefalsch-Richter in 1885—and have ended up in museums in Canada, the United States, Great Britain, Ireland, Cyprus, and possibly even Russia—numerous fragments of limestone figures and large-format terracottas were left behind. 'It was a surprising realization that not only the pedestals for votive statues were found in the 19th-century backfill, but also vast quantities of statue fragments themselves,' according to the Cyprus statement. 'Apparently, in 1885, in the rush to find impressive discoveries, they were not recognized as artifacts.' Luckily, today, we see them for the treasures they are. You Might Also Like
Metro
21-04-2025
- Metro
Europe's sunniest city is an ‘underappreciated jewel' — with flights from £66
Sunglasses, suncream, and a crucial bit of dopamine. Looking for a getaway where you're pretty much guaranteed a bit of sun? The sunniest capital cities in Europe have been named. Taking the top spot is Nicosia in Cyprus, where there's an impressive 3,388 hours of sunshine per year, equal to around 140 days. That certainly beats London. Famous for its sparkling waters, architectural marvels and incredibly friendly locals, Valletta in Malta was crowned second place with 3,030 hours of glorious sunshine each year. With its iconic trams, stunning tiled streets and frankly delicious Pastéis de Nata, Lisbon in Portugal came third. There's no scrimping on the rays here either, with approximately 2,828 hours annually, according to a new study. Thinking about booking a holiday to Nicosia? Here's everything you need to know, from things to do, to how to get there and even when to go to soak up as much heat as possible. Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. Nicosia, which is also known as Lefkosia and Lefkoşa, is the last divided capital city in the world. Referencing the colour of the pen used by the United Nations to draw between the different territories, the Green Line has remained in place since 1963, and was extended significantly in 1974. To this day, it separates Greek Cypriot communities from Turkish Cypriots. When it comes to visiting Nicosia as a tourist, it's possible to travel between both sides of the city. There are multiple checkpoints dotted around Nicosia – with one on Ledra Street and another on Markou Drakou – and passports are checked by both Greek and Turkish forces. If history's your thing, the Cyprus Museum is a must-see. It's the oldest and largest in the country and displays one of the world's most extensive collections of Cypriot antiquities, from pottery to jewellery and coins. If you enter the Republic of Cyprus through the north (flying into Ercan Airport, for example), guidance from Gov UK warns that 'authorities will consider you to have entered illegally.' For this, you could be fined for illegal entry, refused entry to or exit from the Republic of Cyprus, and prevented from crossing back into the north of Cyprus. With this in mind, it's best to fly into Larnaca Airport and then travel to the north afterwards. There's also the Leventis Municipal Museum, which tells Cyprus's history through ceramics, maps, and posters. Fancy a bit of modern art? You'll find all that and more at the Nicosia Municipal Arts Centre – which is found inside an old power station. It was even given the Europa Nostra award in 1994 for its impressive restoration. Built in 1572, the Büyük Han is considered to be one of the best-preserved examples of Ottoman architecture. Since it was renovated in the 1990s, it's now bustling with an old city vibe, home to a number of cafes, including Sedirhan. Craft workshops are also hosted inside the small rooms that once served as sleeping quarters when the Han, which means inn, operated as one. And at the centre of it all lies the courtyard with an Islamic prayer centre (known as a mescit), featuring six pillars and a fountain. This particular design is incredibly rare, and there are only two others in Turkey. The Selimiye Mosque is one of North Nicosia's most prominent landmarks, and can be seen from the south of the city. Its history dates back to the 13th century, and before it was converted from a Roman Catholic Cathedral into a mosque in 1570 following the Ottoman invasion, it was known as the Cathedral of Saint Sophia. Posting on Reddit, Nicosia local @Rhomaios previously described Nicosia as 'heads and shoulders' above the rest of Cyprus in terms of 'historical and cultural monuments.' 'The walls of Nicosia are an underappreciated jewel of historical significance,' they penned on the r/Cyprus Subreddit, adding that the food is both 'affordable' and has a 'good variety of cuisines.' @Keroline14 added that they appreciate Nicosia for its 'choice,' and in their opinion, there are 'almost no tourists which is great because places are almost never overcrowded.' And in @JuryBasic2356's view, Nicosia is the 'most authentic Cypriot city' as 'the amount of history that you can witness here is uncontested.' Travelling from London? The easiest way to get to Nicosia is to fly directly from Gatwick. More Trending The journey time to Larnaka International Airport is around 4 hours and 35 minutes, and there are currently flights available departing on May 30 for £66 return. There are also routes from Gatwick operated by both easyJet and TUI, while British Airways flies out of Heathrow. We're spoilt for choice, really. Thinking about maximising that vitamin D? You're best off visiting Nicosia in either July or August, which tend to be the hottest months of the year in Cyprus, typically reaching temperatures of 26C. Best get that suncream packed. If you're looking for some off-season sun, the mercury tends to hit a balmy 16C in April and 19C in May, while September and October remain warm with highs of 24C and 20C. Nicosia, Cyprus Valletta, Malta Lisbon, Portugal Athens, Greece Madrid, Spain. Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: Casa Monti Roma review — Metro checks in to Rome's Pinterest-perfect hotel MORE: 'Gritty' European city gets new direct UK flight – helping us reach Italy's prettiest destination MORE: I'm a picture editor — photos of this magnificent country don't do it justice
