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Shopping in South Cyprus
Lacework
In south part of Cyprus, lacework is a unique sales article and a
distinctive piece of craft, produced primarily at Pano Lefkara and sold in
the tourist resorts. You should be aware, however, of imported Irish laces.
More reliable and affordable is the Lefkara silverware. Very attractive,
colourful, loom-wooven items are also available at Fyti in Paphos district.
In the lower hills of the Troodos lies a tiny village that makes the heart
of the island's lacemaking industry, much of which comes from the cottage
industries. Of the two villages at Lefkara, the upper one (Pano Lefkara)
is more popular because of its handicraft. Lacemaking became a tradition
that is said to have begun with the noblemen of Lusignan and Venetian period.
It is proven that Leonardo da Vinci bought an altarcloth made in Lefkara for
Milan Cathedral in 1481. In summer, the old women and young girls alike make
laces outdoors in groups producing their Lefkaritika, the most beautifully
intricate pieces of lace. They use it for making table cloths, shawls and
napkins and are usually sold at better prices than those offered by the
souvenir shops in the tourist resorts. In Pano Lefkara the visitors can
admire the laces and silverware in the local South Cyprus museum as well.
Traditional Museum of Embroidery
and Silver-Smithing
Address: House of Patsalos, Pano Lefkara
Opening hours:
09.30 - 16.00 Monday to Thursday
10.00 - 16.00 Friday to Saturday
Tel.: 2434 2326
Entrance fee: C£ 0.75
Reed Basketry
The visitor of South Cyprus can find a great variety of basketry, particularly small portable
baskets in decorative shapes. Among other distinctive products is the reed
basketry that can be bought in Paphos district. Of particular interest are the
almost Amerindian-looking bi- or tri-colour circular mats and trays. Many
tavernas have walls decorated with these mats. You can find reed products also
at the central covered markets of Nicosia, Paphos, and Limassol, as well as at
Geroskipou and Liopetri villages. Other taverna-décor staples which can still be
purchased are etched gourds, enriched with designs either painted or burned on.
Ceramics and Pottery
Off junction 11 on the motorway, in Kornos, there is a ceramics centre selling
ornamental throughs, pots for gardening, and huge storage vessels called pithari.
Prices here are affordable, but there is difficulty to get goods home by plane.
For those settled in Cyprus, the centre is the place to come to stock a patio.
There is also a pottery centre at Kofinou further to the south.
Foini Furniture
Foini chairs and stools are famous throughout Cyprus. Once, but no longer
produced by Philippos Kallis, they are beautifully turned, with legs and arms made
from the carefully selected branches of the strawberry tree (Arbutus) with the stringers
of Cyprus oak and woven seats.
For more information see also Traditional Hand Crafts
Optical Goods
High quality sunglasses, contact lenses, spectacle frames, and other optical objects can
be purchased in Cyprus at relatively low prices. Designer spectacles cost half as much as
elsewhere in Europe - bring your prescription or take a new test - and will be ready in 24 hours.
Silver Jewellery and Shoes
When shopping in the South, from some jewellers the foreigners can buy silver and gold pieces,
while shoes, sandals, handbags, belts and wallets as well as other leather goods can be found in
many shops.
Shopping in Cyprus
Shopping in North Cyprus
Shops in South Cyprus
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