Ancient CyprusAncient Cyprus

Field photograph·Csn0225

Ayia Sophia, Nicosia

Interior of Ayia Sophia, Nicosia, showing tall columns and ribbed vaults rising to pointed arches
Photograph: John Lindros, Swedish Cyprus Expedition, 1927–31. Medelhavsmuseet, Stockholm, Csn0225. Public domain (CC0).

Description

The photograph, mounted on a dark card with a printed caption below, shows the interior of a church with rows of tall cylindrical columns, each with a broad capital, supporting ribbed vaults. A carved wooden pulpit stands on the right beside a flag with a crescent and star, and lamps hang on wires among the columns. The floor is bare and empty.

Other scan of this record (1)

  • Interior of Ayia Sophia church in Nicosia, with tall pillars, ribbed vaults and a wooden pulpit on the right.
Description, scan 2
A grey-toned photograph of a church interior with tall round pillars rising to ribbed vaults over the nave and side aisles. Hanging lamps and wires cross the space, and on the right a wooden pulpit-like structure with stairs stands beside a flag bearing a crescent and star. A printed text panel is mounted beneath the photograph on a dark card.

English, as on the record

AYIA SOPHIA, NICOSIA. "Among the buildings the chief is St. Sofia. This was the Cathedral Church, in which the Kings of Cyprus were crowned. The plan comprises three great aisles, the style is Gothic. It contains many sepulchral stones of the house of Lusignan, and of other old Cypriots and noble Venetians." Abbé Mariti-1760-1767 (Travels through Cyprus). (Image is from "Cyprus Calendar" which was published at least 1950-1954. Copies can be seen for example on website for The Centre of Visual Arts and Research (CVAR)).

English, as on the record

AYIA SOPHIA, NICOSIA. "Among the buildings the chief is St. Sofia. This was the Cathedral Church, in which the Kings of Cyprus were crowned. The plan comprises three great aisles, the style is Gothic. It contains many sepulchral stones of the house of Lusignan, and of other old Cypriots and noble Venetians." Abbé Mariti-1760-1767 (Travels through Cyprus). (Image is from "Cyprus Calendar" which was published at least 1950-1954. Copies can be seen for example on website for The Centre of Visual Arts and Research (CVAR)).