Greek publication of Levkosia, the Capital of Cyprus

The city of Nicosia has impressed scholars, royals and travellers across centuries. Its buildings, people and everyday scenes have made it into photo books, novels and memoirs and perhaps one of the most well-known publications is that of Louis Salvator.

Levkosia, the Capital of Cyprus, originally titled Levkosia, die Hauptstadt von Cypern is a book written by the young Archduke of Austria and first published around 1881. When Salvator visited the island in 1873, he stayed here for six months living in Nicosia and exploring its streets. His account describes in detail the city, the bazaars, the produce as well as the traditions he saw during his stay.

Now, the well-known publication is presented in Greek for the first time by Fofi Myrianthousi-Neophytou, who based her translation on the Trigraph of London republication of 1983, preserved in the British Library. An event at the Leventis Municipal Museum of Nicosia on January 26 will present this edition.

Director of the AG Leventis Foundation Loukia Loizou Hadjigavriel will talk about the publication and its Greek presentation, inviting all those who wish to discover another side of the history of Nicosia through a nostalgic, age-old walk of its centre. The book will be on sale during the presentation.

In the pages of the book, Nicosia is presented five years before the start of British rule through the romantic gaze of the young Archduke. His comprehensive descriptions of the natural and built environment of the city, its architecture and the habits and customs as well as the occupations of the inhabitants are enlivened with detail and sensitivity in Louis’ drawings of the fine city of the old Levant.

Publication Presentation

Louis Salvator’s Levkosia, the Capital of Cyprus publication presented in Greek. January 26. Leventis Municipal Museum of Nicosia, Nicosia. 7pm. In Greek. Reservations required: 22- 661475. [email protected]