Bee & Embroidery Museum, Kato Drys: An Insight into Past Cyprus

If you are looking for somewhere to escape the heat, or want to learn more about the Cypriot culture, the Larnaka district village of Kato Drys (which means ‘lower oak’) has a comprehensive museum dedicated to the old way of life and traditional industries and pastimes.

Despite its name of ‘Bee & Embroidery Museum’, this four-room complex in an old 300-year-old house features many aspects of the villager’s daily lives. In addition to learning everything about bees and beekeeping, visitors can also see how wine and Zivania are made during the grape harvest season. The museum exhibits over 1000 items including old farming and household equipment and furniture.

In an additional neoclassic house (built in 1937), a rich collection of traditional lace and embroidery (Lefkaritika) dating back to 1880 is exhibited, along with various heritage artefacts. There are even some old souvenirs the owner’s grandfather brought back from his trips to the UK to sell his lace, including collector’s items from the coronations of King George and Queen Elizabeth.

The museum also sells its produce such as honey and products made of honey, olives, wine and carobs. Visitors can also enjoy a coffee in the inner courtyard or the orchard.

The museum is open daily except Thursdays, all year round.

For further details, please contact: 99 892677