The Museum of Templar Ages, in cooperation with OSMTJ Cyprus and Balticum Ordo Templi, invites residents and visitors of Cyprus to attend the photographic exhibition “Jewels of Occitania: The Cathar Castles” by French photographer Philippe Contal.
The exhibition will be hosted at the Museum of Templar Ages in the village of Pano Arodes and marks a significant cultural event. The photographs will be exhibited in Cyprus for the first time. Previously, the exhibition has been presented in France, Belgium, Spain, and Latvia. It will also be the first international exhibition ever hosted by the Museum of Templar Ages. The exhibition will open on 15 June and remain on display for five months.
The project aims to strengthen cultural ties between Cyprus and France, encourage cooperation in the fields of art and history, and inspire interest in the culture, traditions, heritage, and natural diversity of France. It offers visitors an opportunity to discover remarkable monuments that form an important part of Europe’s historical and cultural legacy.
Created between 2013 and 2016, Philippe Contal’s photographic series reveals the breathtaking landscapes of Occitania in southern France and introduces visitors to the romance and mystery of the Cathar castles. These ancient fortresses once overlooked the lands of the troubadours who celebrated the ideals of courtly love and later witnessed the tragedy of the Albigensian Crusade. Through his lens, Philippe Contal presents these castles from unique and unexpected perspectives. His work invites viewers into a symbolic dialogue between earth and sky, light and shadow, life and eternity.
Thanks to the artist’s distinctive vision and mastery of photography, the exhibition encourages reflection, exploration, and a deeper appreciation of Europe’s historical heritage. The presentation of the exhibition at the Museum of Templar Ages in Pano Arodes offers attentive visitors an opportunity to draw their own connections between the Cathar world and the history of the military religious orders, while highlighting the shared roots and values of European civilization.
According to the organizers:
“All enthusiasts of medieval history and chivalric heritage are invited to embark on a fascinating journey into the world of the mysterious Cathar castles. The Museum of Templar Ages is ready to welcome visitors to an unforgettable encounter with one of the most captivating chapters of European history.”
For further information, please contact the Museum of Templar Ages or OSMTJ Cyprus: +357 95 734595
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