The manor house stands as one of the most significant remaining structures from the 18th century in Lefkosia (Nicosia). It underwent restoration by the Department of Antiquities to serve as the Cyprus Ethnological Museum, and in 1988, it was honored with the prestigious 'Europa Nostra' award.
Constructed in 1793 using local bloc-cut sandstone, this two-story building once belonged to Hatzigeorgakis Kornesios, the prominent Dragoman of Cyprus. Tragically, he was executed by the Ottomans in 1809.
The architectural layout of the building takes the form of the Greek letter Pi, encircling a central garden with a fountain and a private bathhouse (hamam) consisting of three rooms. On the ground floor, you'll find the servants' quarters and the kitchen. A roofed wooden staircase with a stone base leads from the courtyard to the entrance hall on the first floor. From there, the official reception room and living areas are connected to the reception hall. The eastern wing's official reception room stands out due to its exceptional wood carvings, gilded adornments, and painted decorations, reminiscent of similar rooms found in many mansions throughout the Ottoman Empire.
The role of Dragoman emerged in Cyprus during the Ottoman rule, acting as intermediaries between high-ranking military officials (Pasha) and the occupied population. They held significant political influence, second only to the Pasha. However, the position was abolished in 1821 during the Greek War of Independence.
Ethnographic Museums
