Mediaeval Hall of Kasteliotissa TIMELESS VENUES Cyprus carried the restoration of the monument with the aim of converting it into a Cultural Centre. Since its inauguration on 5 December 1995, the Mediaeval Hall of Kastelliotissa has served as a venue for cultural events. Agiou Marona Street, Pyli Pafou (Pafos Gate) Tel: +357 22 865889 Mediaeval Hall of Kasteliotissa Located right opposite Pafos Gate, Kasteliotissa Hall dates back to the Mediaeval period, probably around the 14th century. The first mention of this name was made by Stephane Lusignan, referring to one of the churches that existed in Lefkosia in his time, the church of Santa Clara, which was called Kasteliotissa. According to Lusignan, this church was built on the site of a castle that was demolished by the Knight Templars during the siege of Lefkosia in 1192. Although no definitive information regarding the hall’s original function has come to light, its architectural style, in combination with excavation findings, it seems that it was once an integral part of a large and impressive building complex, possibly the Lusignan palace. This palace was demolished by the Venetians, along with the Frankish Walls and numerous monasteries and churches, to make way for the new city fortifications, whose construction began in 1567. Over the centuries, the hall served various purposes: during the Venetian and Ottoman periods, it was used as an armoury, while in 1847, the French historian Louis de Mas Latrie recorded that the hall formed part of artillery barracks, which was converted into a flour mill. From 1901 to 1936, Kasteliotissa Hall was used as a petroleum storage facility. In 1936, it was brought under the control of the Department of Antiquities of Cyprus, which declared it an Ancient Monument of the First Schedule. In 1960, it was turned into a Mediaeval Museum. From 1987–1988, the Department of Antiquities of the Republic of Photos: Stefanos Kouratzis
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTUzMzM1NQ==