Cyprus in Miniature

at Tatlisu

By Margaret Sheard……

Since the Minia Kibris opened in July 2015 at Tatlisu, we have intended to visit to see this remarkable exhibition of Cyprus heritage in miniature.  On Sunday we decided to have a ride out to Tatlisu and have lunch on the way.   As we left Ozankoy the heavens opened and it poured with rain so we thought yet again we would have to abandon our plans to see the models.  After another  lovely lunch at Fine Dining in Esentepe the weather had started to improve so we made our way to Tatlisu as planned.

So we finally managed to visit the Minia Kibris (miniature Cyprus) at Tatlisu and were very impressed with this lovely display depicting some of the history and heritage of Cyprus in miniature form.

The site is small but very nicely laid out and the models are really well constructed.  On the site is also the 12^th century church of Panagia Pergminiotissa which has been preserved and also shows exhibits of icons, local flora and other items of days gone by.  There is still a small amount of frescoes to be seen in the church which has a domed cylindrical apse.

The approach to the miniature site has recently been block-paved and there is a large car park with just a short walk to the area of the models and the church.   From the approach road there are 2 paths which lead to sites of the remains of old buildings and we wondered how many people would have lived in this area of the church all those centuries ago.  The site is situated off the main road.  At the roundabout junction for Tatlisu continue straight on and there is a large sign on the right hand side at the entrance road to the site.  The church can be seen from the main road as you approach.  The site is open from 9am to 5pm every day and the entrance fee to the exhibits is 5TL per person.

A great deal of thought has been put into this display of the heritage of Cyprus and it is well worth a visit to see these lovely miniature buildings.