Skip to main content
European Commission logo
Oceans and fisheries

Sea and culture museum: revitalising maritime heritage

An abandoned warehouse was transformed into a modern space to celebrate Cyprus’s maritime heritage through culture, education and digital innovation.

Project
Highlights from the museum interior
© Municipality of Polis Chrysochous

The Municipality of Polis Chrysochous and the Paphos Fisheries Local Action Group (FLAG) transformed a neglected coastal warehouse into a vibrant cultural and educational centre. Set in the fishing village of Latsi, on the northwest coast of Cyprus, the Sea and Culture Museum reconnects the community with over 30 centuries of maritime history. Local historians, archaeologists, educators and digital experts collaborated to design interactive exhibits that blend archaeological treasures with virtual and augmented reality, offering visitors an immersive experience of Cyprus’s seafaring past. 

Once lively only in summer, Latsi now attracts visitors year-round thanks to the Museum. The project revitalised the area by strengthening community pride, engaging youth with their maritime roots while offering opportunities for learning and cultural exchange.

Results

  • Year-round operation boosting sustainable tourism, positioning Latsi as a vibrant cultural destination.
  • Sustainable municipal revenue and regional growth through museum ticket sales and continuous visitor influx.
  • Job creation and skills development supporting the diversification of the local blue economy.
  • Strengthened community identity, intergenerational learning and youth engagement with maritime heritage.

Contact

Neophyta Kyprianou

Name
Neophyta Kyprianou
Organisation
Polis Chrysochus Municipal
Email
neophytaatpolis [dot] org [dot] cy
Phone number
+ 357 26 32 35 27

Evgenios Savva

Name
Evgenios Savva
Organisation
Paphos LAG
Email
esavvaatanetpa [dot] com [dot] cy
Phone number
+357 99 80 80 78