Maria Eracleous
In the next few months, the completion of the Open Museum of Platres is expected. In an interview with "K," Platres Mayor Panagiotis Papadopoulos disclosed that work has commenced on the exhibition space, serving as the starting point for a historical walk through Platres. In recent days, the Prefect of Limassol conducted the ceremony for laying the foundation stone for the new exhibition area, with an anticipated completion by September. This €330,000 project is financed by funds from the Troodos Development Company, the Limassol District Administration, and the Ministry of Interior.
The project is managed by Paraschos Industrial and encompasses a cafeteria for visitors, a playground, and an event space for hosting community events.
The project's completion brings new perspectives to promoting Platres' history, complementing the existing four sites highlighting personalities and moments from Platres' history, including:
- The Corner of the British Royal Family
Dedicated to Queen Victoria, who chose Platres as the center of administration for Troodos, establishing the infrastructure that attracted investment and highlighted Platres as a unique Mediterranean resort.
- The Corner of George Seferis
Starting from the Cultural Centre of Platres, the George Seferis Corner features a hall dedicated to his name, hosting a unique exhibition on George Seferis as a Man and a Poet.
- The Corner of King Farouk of Egypt and the First Investors from Egypt
Recognizing the families Skyrianides and Kypriotis, founders of the Royal Resort of Platres, which King Farouq of Egypt visited in 1944. In 1946, he chose Platres again as a base to explore the entire island.
- The Corner of Daphne du Maurier, Author of "Rebecca"
Alongside the open museum, this corner commemorates the renowned author, contributing to the broader effort to showcase moments from Platres' history.
Simultaneously, progress is being made on the Lodge project initiative, working in conjunction with the open museum. This entrepreneurship program supports small businesses in the area and aims to create souvenirs based on moments from Platres' history.
The initiative is part of a broader effort to attract tourists and increase tourism to Platres and the Troodos mountain areas in general.
[This article was translated from its Greek original and may have been edited for brevity]