Peace and Freedom Museum Tour – History Under Open Sky

Discover a defining chapter of the island’s recent past on our private Peace and Freedom Museum Tour. We travel to the northern coast near Kyrenia, close to where Turkish troops first landed on 20 July 1974.

Along the way, the journey introduces a Cyprus still shaped by the conflict. Meanwhile, the coastal setting connects the exhibitions with the landscape where these events unfolded.

During your visit, explore three distinct areas: Turkish military equipment outdoors, damaged equipment of the Cypriot National Guard, and indoor museum displays. In addition, you can board the landing ship and look inside.

Throughout the tour, we distinguish historical events from the museum’s Turkish and Turkish Cypriot perspective. Above all, there is time to examine the exhibits, ask questions and reflect on this complex chapter of Cyprus’ history.

The 1974 Invasion – History at the Landing Site

On 20 July 1974, Turkish troops landed on the coast west of Kyrenia, five days after the Greek-backed coup against President Makarios. Today, the Peace and Freedom Museum presents these events primarily from a Turkish and Turkish Cypriot perspective, commemorating the operation as a liberation. During our visit, we place this interpretation within the wider conflict and acknowledge the suffering of both communities. Furthermore, the nearby coastline helps visitors understand the location’s strategic importance during the landings.

Turkish Military Equipment – Aircraft, Armour and a Landing Ship

First, we explore the large outdoor exhibition of Turkish military equipment. A jet, helicopter, tank and a landing ship illustrate different aspects of military operations by air, land and sea.

In addition, you can board the landing ship and explore its interior. Moving through the vessel gives a different impression of its size and layout than viewing it from the shore.

Meanwhile, the surrounding displays offer time to examine individual details and take photographs. Throughout this area, there is also room for questions as you explore.

Damaged Equipment of the Cypriot National Guard

Next, a separate outdoor area presents damaged and abandoned military equipment of the Cypriot National Guard. These exhibits show another side of the fighting and its material consequences.

Unlike the Turkish equipment displayed nearby, these vehicles and weapons are presented as captured enemy equipment. Consequently, the contrast also reveals how the museum communicates its account of the conflict.

Here, we take time to consider both the objects themselves and the language used to describe them.

Inside the Museum – Uniforms, Weapons and Personal Stories

Finally, we enter the museum building, where uniforms, weapons, photographs and personal belongings bring individual experiences into focus. Maps and historical displays also explain the museum’s account of the events before and during 1974.

Within these rooms, remembrance and military history appear closely connected. In particular, the presentation honours Turkish soldiers and Turkish Cypriot fighters.

Together, the three exhibition areas offer an opportunity to examine how the conflict is remembered in northern Cyprus. Throughout your visit, our approach remains respectful, with time to observe, reflect and ask questions.

Optional Tour Upgrade – Kyrenia Old Town & Harbour Castle

You can upgrade your Peace and Freedom Museum Tour to include Kyrenia’s old town and harbour castle. After the museum visit, stroll through the narrow streets, enjoy the historic harbour and explore the imposing castle overlooking the sea.

The upgrade extends this tour by approximately 1.5 hours and costs €100 per vehicle, whether you book for one, two, three or four guests.

Please select the upgrade when booking, so we can reserve the additional time. Alternatively, you may ask during the tour, but availability cannot be guaranteed.

Peace and Freedom Museum – Media Library & Info Library

For a first impression, explore our Media Library, featuring photographs of the outdoor displays, landing ship and museum exhibits. Meanwhile, the images help you recognise the three areas included in your visit.

In addition, our Info Library provides background on the location and its connection with 1974. There, you can read more about the historical context and the perspective presented by the museum.

Please note about your Peace and Freedom Museum tour:

• We will pick you up to your Peace and Freedom Museum at your hotel or arrange a meeting point with you.
• The tour then takes you across the crossing point to the Peace and Freedom Museum, without rush or pressure from other guests. Please remember to bring your passport.
• Pick-Up-Time to your Peace and Freedom Museum tour at your hotel about 8:30.
• All in all, the tour lasts between 4.5 and 6,5 hours, it depends on the tour you choose
• This Peace and Freedom Museum Tour is only for you and your family, partner or friends that you book in.

Our special service for you:

We will be happy to pick you up from your hotel free of charge if you are staying in the Agia Napa – Protaras – Paralimni region, in Larnaca Destrict or in Nicosia
(e.g. Oroklini – Pyla – Livadia – Larnaca City). Pick up is also possible for more distant routes, but we will then charge a small surcharge.

Check the weather before your Cyprus adventure

View the official forecast for the coast, mountains and inland areas.

View the Cyprus Weather Forecast

Book Your Private Peace and Freedom Museum Tour

We are happy to accept your Peace and Freedom Museum Tour booking by email. Or book now using our online booking form. We will take care of the rest and look forward to seeing you.

Tags:
1974 Cyprus history tour, Kyrenia harbour castle visit, Kyrenia old town tour, North Cyprus museum tour, open air military museum Cyprus, Peace and Freedom Museum Cyprus, Peace and Freedom Museum gallery, private history tour Cyprus