Nestled in the picturesque village of Zoopiyi (Zoopigi), one of the 14 legendary Commandaria wine villages in the Limassol district, the Commandaria Historical Museum stands as a testament to Cyprus’s ancient winemaking heritage. Opening its doors in 2010, this architectural gem was designed by renowned Cypriot architect Yiannis Armeftis and his associates, earning recognition as an outstanding example of contemporary public architecture in Cyprus.
The museum was brought to life through a collaborative effort between the Zoopiyi Community Council and was co-financed equally by national resources and the European Union’s Regional Development Fund. Its creation was inspired by the historic Zoopiyi Commandaria Winery, established in 1940 and still producing wine today, around which the museum’s narrative unfolds.
Visitors embark on a captivating journey through Cyprus’s viticultural history, exploring four thoughtfully curated galleries that showcase the evolution of Commandaria, often called “the wine of kings and the king of wines”, from ancient times through the Roman era, Byzantine period, and Frankish rule. The exhibition features replicas of ancient Cypriot wine vessels, traditional winemaking equipment, and multimedia presentations that bring centuries of wine culture to life.
The museum complex includes original Commandaria reservoirs constructed in 1940 with reinforced concrete and later lined with stainless steel in 2000, where the tradition of this legendary dessert wine continues. Beyond the galleries, visitors can enjoy the Wine Tasting Hall “Oenochoia,” the Conference Hall “Oenorama,” and the Café-Restaurant “Symposium” with its stunning views of the Zoopiyi wine fields from the covered veranda.
As noted by Christakis Nicolaou, community leader of Zoopiyi, the wine’s distinctive notes of honey, raisin, walnut, fig, carob, cinnamon, coffee, and caramel are attributed to Cyprus’s rich volcanic soil, a legacy that has made Commandaria one of the world’s oldest named wines still in production today.
Note: The Museum also features:
- Wine Tasting Hall “Oenochoia” (14 seats at presentation table, 80 standing/Bar)
- Conference Hall/Library “Oenorama” (100 seats, technically equipped)
- Café-Restaurant “Symposium” (open 9:00-22:00 daily)
- Museum Gift Shop (books, replicas, Commandaria and Cypriot wines, local products)
- Educational activities for schools and disabled people
- Access facilities for people with disabilities
- Photography allowed
Admission Prices:
- General: 2€
- Reduced (EU citizens over 65 and non-EU students): 1€
- Free: Schools, visitors under 19 with ID, EU students, free admission card holders, ICOM and ICOMOS members
