Cyprus Perfumery Theme Park: the history of ancient perfumery in the Republic of Cyprus

Cyprus Perfumery Theme Park is an open-air theme park in the Republic of Cyprus dedicated to the history of perfumery. It is based on archaeological finds in Pyrgos/Mavroraki, where in 2003 one of the world's oldest known perfume workshops, dating back to around 2000 BC, was discovered.

• History of the discovery
• Why it matters
• How perfume was made in ancient times
• The park today
• Visit and cost
• Frequently asked questions

History of the discovery

The archaeological complex of Pyrgos/Mavroraki is located near Limassol and dates to the Bronze Age. Excavations at this site began in 1998.

In 2003, Italian archaeologist Maria Rosaria Belgiorno and her team discovered a production complex that included rooms and equipment for various crafts.

Among the finds were:

• clay vessels and containers;
• heating devices;
• traces of oils and organic substances;
• traces of aromatic plants.

Laboratory analysis showed that some of these objects were used to produce aromatic oils, which made it possible to speak of an ancient perfume workshop.

Why it matters

The complex dates back to around 2000 BC, which makes it about 4,000 years old. This makes it one of the oldest known production sites associated with the making of fragrances. At the beginning of the second millennium BC, perfumes were already being produced in Cyprus from wild plants of the Troodos Mountains.

The finds also showed that the following were developing simultaneously at this site:

• metallurgy;
• winemaking;
• olive processing;
• weaving.

This testifies to the high level of technological development in the region during the Bronze Age.

How perfume was made in ancient times

Research has shown that the inhabitants used local plants and oils to create fragrances.

The reconstructions mention:

• laurel;
• myrtle;
• rosemary;
• lavender;
• anise;
• cinnamon.

Olive or almond oil was used as a base. The plants were heated and infused, after which aromatic blends were obtained.

Based on archaeological data, scientists were able to recreate several fragrances using Bronze Age technologies. This led to the experimental reconstruction of the Mystiko fragrance — «Secret». It was created by Maria-Rosaria Belgiorno and Yannoula Lazarou, using wild plants from the Troodos Mountains and olive oil. The composition was an attempt to convey not the exact formula of ancient perfumes, but the very principle of Cypriot perfumery: local herbs, a natural oil base, and technologies known thousands of years ago.

The park today

Cyprus Perfumery Theme Park is located between the villages of Flasou and Koraou in the Nicosia region. It is not an archaeological site, but a reconstruction and educational center created on the basis of scientific data.

The park features:

• a reconstructed ancient perfume laboratory;
• demonstrations of fragrance production technologies;
• areas with aromatic plants;
• interactive spaces;
• the opportunity to create your own perfume.

The main format of a visit is guided tours, during which the processes of perfume making in ancient times are explained.

Visit and cost

The park operates by prior appointment at +35799644237 and is not always available for open visits.

Approximate prices:

Additional activities, such as creating your own fragrance, may be charged separately.

The visit usually lasts from 1.5 to 3 hours.

Frequently asked questions

Is this a real archaeological site?

No. It is a reconstruction based on archaeological finds in Pyrgos/Mavroraki.

When was the ancient perfume workshop discovered?

The key finds were made in 2003.

Can you make your own perfume?

Yes, some programs include interactive activities.

Do you need to book a visit?

Yes, advance booking is usually required.

Why is this place considered important?

Because one of the world's oldest known production sites of aromatic oils was discovered here.