Commemorative postage stamp series of the Republic of Cyprus depicting 'Kyrenia II' in front of Paphos Medieval castle

Commemorative postage stamp series of the Republic of Cyprus depicting 'Kyrenia II' in front of Paphos Medieval castle

Αναμνηστική σειρά γραμματοσήμων της Κυπριακής Δημοκρατίας που απεικονίζει το πλοίο 'Κερύνεια ΙΙ' εμπρός απο το Μεσαιωνικό κάστρο της Πάφου

antiquities (object genre)

castles (fortifications)

coastal fortifications

fortifications

forts

monuments

World Heritage Sites

airmail stamps

philately

postage stamps

historic building

The story of this sailing ship, christened 'Kyrenia II', began when the original of which it is a replica set sail some 2,400 years ago, and on a fateful voyage sank off the coast of Kyrenia. It was not until 1965 that a diver accidentally came across the wreck. Its timbers were carbon dated to 388 B.C. and its cargo of olives and almonds to 288 B.C. The Department of Antiquities classified it as an archaeological treasure and the American Institute of Nautical Archaeology was approached to help raise and preserve it. This was done and it now lies preserved in Kyrenia castle. 'Kyrenia II', a full-sized model of the original was built by the Hellenic Institute for the Preservation of Nautical Tradition, at Perama in 1982. It was not an easy task as traditional rather than modern tools were used and the builders wanted to replicate ancient Greek shipbuilding methods to ensure authenticity. 'Kyrenia II' was launched in 1985. The journey to the Statue of Liberty's Centenary Celebrations in 1986 was made possible in the safety of a containership.
An ocean crossing was not deemed possible but it did sail into New York. It also sailed to Greece and back even though at times it had to be towed. It also made trips to Hamburg and Expo 92 in Seville, and was on show at various locations in Greece. Its final resting place is planned to be the Museum of Nautical History at Ayia Napa in Cyprus.

Cyprus Post, Republic of Cyprus

Κυπριακά Ταχυδρομεία, Κυπριακή Δημοκρατία

Cyprus Post, Republic of Cyprus

Κυπριακά Ταχυδρομεία, Κυπριακή Δημοκρατία

Library of Cyprus University of Technology

Digital Heritage Research Lab of Cyprus University of Technology

1987.10.03

Designer: Y. Pantsopoulos

Photograph of Paphos Castle (14th century)
Photograph of the Castle, Paphos, Cyprus (1940-1965)
Photograph of the Castle, Paphos, Cyprus (1940-1965)
Photograph of the Castle and the port of Paphos
Photograph of the Medieval Fort, Paphos, Cyprus
Postcard, Fortress of Paphos, Cyprus (1936)
Postcard, Paphos Catle and Harbour, Cyprus (1953)
Postage stamp of Paphos Castle, ΕuropaVisit Cyprus, Commemorative Issue (2012)
Postage stamp of Paphos Castle, Europa Castles (2017)
Postage stamp of Kyrenia II in front of Paphos Castle (1984)
Paphos castle

tiff

el

en

IMAGE

1987-KYRENIA II-5C

34.75364, 32.40697

Aspioti - Elka, Athens

34.75364, 32.40697

Frankish (1191-1489)

Venetian (1489-1571)

Ottoman (1571-1878)

British (1878-1960)

Modern (1960-2008)