The Folk Art Museum of Geroskipou is housed in the historically significant traditional 18th-century residence known as the “House of Hadjismith”.

It belonged to Andreas Zymboulakis, a wealthy and educated man who served as the consular agent of England in Paphos and as a supplier to the British fleet.

The name Hadjismith derives, on the one hand, from the family’s close relations with the English admiral Sir Sidney Smith and, on the other, from the fact that a member of the family had made a pilgrimage to the Holy Land and, according to custom, thereby added the prefix “Hadji” to his surname.

The “House of Hadjismith” is a large traditional mansion that originally formed a complex of buildings larger than the one that survives today. It was conserved and restored by the Department of Antiquities and has operated as a Folk Art Museum since 1978.

Through these objects, everyday life, the various agricultural activities and the traditional trades are reflected, along with the different expressions of folk art in Cyprus during the period of Ottoman rule and up until the mid-20th century.

Some areas of the house have been arranged to recreate the classic rooms of a traditional rural home. Other areas present the traditional handicraft and professional activities, as well as certain customs, such as the ancient Greek custom of the “pastos” (curing/preserving). In this way, the objects are not simply displayed as exhibits; rather, an effort is made to place them within their context so that they can be understood by the visitor.

The museum is closed to the public on the following public holidays: 1 January, 6 January, 25 March, Green Monday, 1 April, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, Easter Sunday, Easter Monday, 1 May, Pentecost Monday (Holy Spirit), 15 August, 1 October, 28 October, 24 December, 25 December, 26 December.

Opening period: All year round

Facilities: The site is not accessible for wheelchair users. There are toilet facilities, a car park, and a bookshop selling books and cards. An information leaflet about the museum is provided free of charge in Greek and English.

Folk Art Museum, Geroskipou

Telephone 26306216
Opening hours

Winter schedule (16/9 – 15/4)
Monday – Sunday: 8.30 – 16.00

Summer schedule (16/4 – 15/9)
Monday – Sunday: 9.30 – 17.00
Admission: 2.50 euro; free for children up to 14

Ticket purchase: At the museum entrance.
Accessibility The site is not accessible for people using a wheelchair.
Geroskipou Folk Art Museum. Source: Department of Antiquities, Republic of Cyprus

District: Paphos

Address: 7-9 Athinon Str., P.C. 8201, Geroskipou, Paphos

Accreditation: Department of Antiquities, Cyprus

Source: Department of Antiquities, Republic of Cyprus