The ‘Virtual Larnaka’ series of projects offers interactive and digital cultural experiences that allow the region’s traditions to be presented in modern ways.

In 2023, the number of attractions accessible virtually continued to expand in-line with the demands of the tech-savvy tourist, with more planned in 2024.

Larnaka Virtual Museums

The award-winning Larnaka Virtual Museums platform offers virtual tours of the region’s museums with enriched audio-visual content and bonus material. The museums can be toured at home or whilst at the physical premises to create a hybrid experience with a ‘digital tour guide’.

In 2023 the number of museums reached 15 with the addition of three new museums:

Local Rural Museum of Kato Drys: this village museum showcases daily life in bygone times through a traditional home with the different rooms furnished and equipped as they used to be.

Ecclesiastical Museum of the Saints Constantine and Helen, Tochni: the quaint museum sits within the grounds of the Church of the Saints Constantine and Helen - unique for its bridge setting - and is a religious treasure trove. Most of the pieces are attributed to the 17th century Hagiographer, Loukas Tochnitis.

Costas Argyrou Museum: located in Mazotos, the museum dedicated to the works of local artist and sculpturer Costas Argyrou was renovated and reopened in November 2023. The acclaimed artist worked with stone, wood and mosaic.

Larnaka 360° Cultural Walk

The existing virtual guide of Larnaka city in 3D was completely revamped in 2023, creating a highly comprehensive and interactive virtual tour of the city centre, parallel promenade and surrounding areas, which are filled with cultural treasures, natural attractions, archaeological wonders and other sights. 

Visitors can use the virtual guide in preparation for what they would like to see and do during their visit, or whilst touring as a virtual ‘tour guide’. 

Included is detailed information for each attraction, ariel views and bonus audio-visual material such as linking to the Larnaka Storytelling Statues and Larnaka Virtual Museums platforms. Start your tour here!

3D Archaeological Reconstructions

The historically accurate virtual reconstruction of archaeological landmarks is another project within the 'Virtual Larnaka' series. The latest in the series is the virtual reconstruction of the ruins of the Church of the Holy Cross in Tochni village, bringing this historical building back to life based on meticulous studies. 

The gothic church's ruins are located opposite the Church of the Saints Constantine and Helen and connected to Saint Helen's passage from Cyprus. An ornate, leather-bound gospel from the church (16th century) is now housed in the Church of the Saints Constantine and Helen.

The video is the third in the series, alongside the Ancient Port of Kition Virtual Reconstruction and the Kalavasos-Tenta Archaeological Site - Virtual Reconstruction. Watch it on YouTube here.