From 1779 to 1809, the House of Hatzigeorgakis Kornesios belonged to Kornesios, the Great Dragoman of Cyprus, who accumulated his vast wealth through various estates and tax exemptions, and became the most powerful man in Cyprus. The house itself is more beautiful and interesting than the exhibits within. Only one room is set up as mock living quarters, with plush floor cushions and nargileh (water pipes) for smoking. The rest of the mansion is given over to displays of antiques and Ottoman memorabilia.
Kornesios was eventually driven from Cyprus to Istanbul by a peasant revolt in 1804, which was aimed at the ruling classes in general. When he returned from exile five years later, he was accused of treason, his property was confiscated and he was unceremoniously beheaded.
