The House of Hadjigeorgakis Kornesios

The House of Hadjigeorgakis Kornesios is the most important example of urban architecture of the last century of Ottoman domination that survives in old Lefkosia. It is situated near the Archbishopric, in the neighbourhood of Saint Antonios, where the wealthy notables of the Greek community traditionally used to live.

The Archontiko (mansion) of Hadjigeorgakis Kornesios is the house where the dragoman Hadjigeorgakis Kornesios and his family lived between 1793 and 1808.

The dragoman acted as interpreter between the Christian population and the Ottoman governor.

The house consists of three wings around an inner courtyard surrounded by a portico. The main entrance is located on the north side and is bordered by two rooms. The oblong hall in the east wing on the ground floor was probably used as a stable and led to a secondary courtyard. The kitchen, the bathroom, two storerooms and the stairway that led to the upper floor were in the west wing. Of the many rooms on the first floor, the most important were the room with the family's religious relics and the room where the family welcomed guests (ondas). This room preserves much of its original painted decoration. The large central hall has a closed balcony projecting above the main entrance of the house.

The building was awarded the Europa Nostra Award in 1988.

Operating Hours:

Monday & Sunday closed

Tuesday, Thursday & Friday 08:30 - 15:30 Wednesday 08:30 - 17:00

Saturday: 09:30 - 15:30

Closed on Public Holidays

Operating Period: All year round

Entrance Fee: 1,70 Euro

Accessibility: Non wheelchair accessible.