In the heart of Nicosia’s walled city, you’ll find the Cyprus Postal Museum in the charming Laiki Geitonia area. This museum is located on the ground floor of an old two-story mansion and opened in 1981. Its goal is to showcase the rich and fascinating history of Cyprus’s postal services.
The island’s postal history goes back to the 15th century during the Venetian period. This was when postal communications to and from Cyprus were first organized. The Museum tells this long story through a unique collection of stamps and postal items.
Inside the Museum, you’ll see stamps and philatelic materials displayed in chronological order. This includes all historical periods, even during British rule. A highlight is the oldest series of Cypriot stamps featuring Queen Victoria of England, marked with “Cyprus.” There’s also the first purely Cypriot stamp series from 1928, celebrating historical sites and important figures of Cyprus.
Another interesting feature is the “first day of issue” envelopes and stamps from when the Republic of Cyprus was proclaimed in 1960 to today. These items capture key historical events, famous personalities, cultural heritage, monuments, and tourist spots on the island, along with Cyprus’s contribution to global culture.
The Museum also displays how mail security has evolved over the years — from wax seals to modern machines. You’ll find old scales, philatelic books, and magazines that give a complete picture of postal operations.
Useful Information
- Location: Nicosia
- Address: Department of Postal Services, Agiou Savva 3B, Laiki Geitonia
- GPS Coordinates:
- Latitude: 35.17098
- Longitude: 33.363974
- Contact Numbers:
- +357 22 304 711
- +357 22 760 522
- Fax: +357 22 760 733
Opening Hours:
- Monday – Friday: 09:00 – 15:00
- Saturday: 09:00 – 13:00
- Sunday: Closed (visits for organized groups can be arranged)
- Operating Period: All year round
- Closed on public holidays
Admission:
- Free
Please note that operating hours and admission details may change without notice. It’s best to confirm before visiting.
The Cyprus Postal Museum is a small but fascinating cultural space. It’s perfect for anyone wanting to explore a less-known but important part of Cyprus’s history through communication and the written word.
Katerina Christofi
