They took place on the afternoon of Friday, May 23, 2025, in the central core of Paralimni, a museum adorned with unique and rare historical exhibits from the private collection of Captain E.N. Sergios Sergios Kerkoullas, from the Middle Ages, the Byzantine Period, the Greek Revolution of 1821, the Balkan and two world wars, as well as from the National Liberation Struggle of EOKA 1955-59.
In his speech, the Minister of Defense, Mr. Vasilis Palmas, stated that the new Museum of the Municipality of Paralimni - Deryneia will function as an important center for understanding history and promoting Cypriot culture. He praised the Municipality's commendable initiative and emphasized that the Museum's contribution to the preservation of our cultural heritage is crucial, especially for the young students who will have the opportunity to participate in historical knowledge experientially.
Mr. Palmas noted that the exhibits depict the history of the Nation from the Byzantine period to the EOKA Struggle, with an emphasis on the human being and religious tradition. He emphasized that the Museum is a living vehicle of culture, an educational vehicle and a point of reference for the cultural identity of the place.
In turn, the Mayor of Paralimni-Dheryneia stated that the Museum will be a point of reference for the historical memory and cultural identity of the place. He emphasized that through its creation, the importance of preserving our national heritage is highlighted and the visitor is provided with the opportunity to get to know authentic documents of the history of Cyprus and Hellenism.
The Mayor expressed his warm thanks to the Municipality staff for their contribution to the completion of the project and in particular to Captain Sergis Kerkoullas for the long-term concession of his private collection. He emphasized that the exhibits, of historical and cultural value, compose a unique narrative of the past and confirm the educational role that the Museum is called to play in modern society.
For his part, Mr. Sergiou emphasized the importance of the Museum's existence in terms of preserving our National identity, while thanking the Minister of Defense for his presence at the inauguration and the Mayor and Municipal Council of Paralimni - Deryneia for the opportunity to exhibit the historical relics.
Before the inauguration, a blessing was performed by Metropolitan Vasilios of Constantia and Famagusta, while the event's program was enriched musically by Dimitris and Pantelina Paschalis.
After the greetings, a guided tour of the Museum followed by Mr. Sergis Sergiou Kerkoullas.
It is noted that the Municipal Museum of National History will be open Tuesday - Friday 08:00-13:00 and Saturday 09:00-14:00, while it will be closed on official holidays. The entrance ticket is 3 euros for people over 12 years old, however, by decision of the Municipal Council of Paralimni - Deryneia, entry will be free until August 31, 2025.
For group visits and guided tours, interested parties can contact 23741826, 23819322 or via email at culture@pdm.org.cy
