Casteliotissa

This building was in the area of the second Royal Palace of the Lusignans and some historians believe it was probably the church of the women’s monastery of Santa Clara. In the course of its long history, Casteliotissa has undergone many changes and was subjected to a number of different uses.

It once bore the name of Top Hane, the Turkish term for arsenal or store for artillery ammunition. According to the French historian, Mas Latrie, it was converted into a flourmill in the mid 19th century. Around 1920, it was also used to store oil products. In 1935 the Department of Antiquities took control of the building and completed its restoration. In 1960 it was converted into a Medieval Museum, but due to damp, it once again became a storeroom – this time for archaeological materials. In 1992, the contents were removed, and systematic restoration and maintenance work was carried out, transforming the building into a cultural centre.

Since 1996, Casteliotissa has been a popular venue for exhibitions, concerts, seminars and conferences.