Filenews 16 October 2022 - by Dora Christodoulou
The finding that the archaeological treasures of Pafos record the highest tourist visits by far, compared to those in the other provinces, prompts the actors of the province to "invest" in the post-pandemic era even more in the archaeological component. In this context, in parallel with the works for the unification and further promotion of the archaeological sites of Kato Pafos, the planning for the improvement and promotion of another site that will essentially be a "miniature" of the world-class archaeological park of Kato Pafos is in progress: It is the archaeological site of Agios Georgios in Peyia.
The archaeological site of Agios Georgios in Peyia is located in one of the most popular picnic and pilgrimage sites of Pafos. However, unlike the neighbouring temple, the fishing shelter, the famous Geronissos and the fish taverns of the area, this archaeological site remains "hidden" from the vast majority of visitors to the area.
The journey of "F" to the enchanting Agios Georgios of Pegeia and the west coast of Akamas, reveals a rare archaeological treasure that, however, "cries" from the beginning for serious problems of protection from the weather. Confirmed by people of the area, the first thing that becomes apparent as soon as you pass the traditional small building that functions as a ticket office and information room, is that wonderful floors with mosaics remain prey to the weather conditions and especially to the saltiness of the sea.
As a result, a large part of the mosaics have already been damaged, elsewhere they have faded, in some places the mosaics have left their place, while the protective ropes are unfortunately not a deterrent for visitors to jump over them and walk undisturbed on them!
"While there is still time, at least, a makeshift canopy should be installed to protect them from the sun and rains," say Pegeia officials. "Since sandblasting and saltiness of the sea cannot be dealt with, let us at least take care of what is easy and cheap to do."
The situation at the archaeological site of Agios Georgios in Peyia immediately shows that it needs interventions at the level of daily care. The trees in the area, although they look freshly pruned and cleaned, however, it is obvious that they cause problems, since in some parts of the fenced area they "embrace" antiquities or press walls. Constant exposure to weather phenomena and inadequate maintenance, according to complaints, also contribute to the detachment of plasters and other materials from parts of the walls within the fenced area.
Less important for the protection and promotion of antiquities in Agios Georgios in Peyia, but significant financial "bleeding" and unacceptable omission of promotion, is the incomplete signage for the archaeological site. The first signage for the existence of an archaeological site to be visited is presented to the visitor just outside the... entrance building to the archaeological site.
"It is a pity that there are days when the archaeological site of Peyia counts only 10 or 12 entrance tickets. Such an important venue, to have a revenue of €25 or 30, is heartbreaking."
Speaking to "F", the mayor of Peyia, Marinos Lambrou, stressed that the Municipal Authority has long submitted its plans for the promotion, protection and exploitation of the archaeological site and despite their freezing during the two years of the pandemic, it will continue to work towards this goal, with the aim of implementing such a project of cultural development and promotion of the area as soon as possible. It is a place that, although it lacks promotion and advertising compared to the archaeological treasures of Kato Pafos, nevertheless does not fall short of the importance of archaeological findings and impressive images for the visitor, he pointed out.
"We have worked systematically since our election, in order for the current situation to change soon", he said characteristically, "so that the thousands of visitors of the enchanting area of Agios Georgios are not satisfied with the picturesque harbour, the church that dominates the area and the fish taverns, but have a complete picture of the archaeological importance of the area.
The protection and promotion of the archaeological site in Agios Georgios was a primary move with the election of the current Municipal Council. Immediately after our election, we sent a relevant letter to the Department of Antiquities on the need to protect, highlight and exploit the archaeological treasures of this area and already a few days ago I sent a new letter to accelerate the procedures after the pandemic".
Three early Christian basilicas
Between 1952 and 1955, the Department of Antiquities excavated in the area three early Christian basilicas and a bath, dating to the 6th century AD. Excavations continued in the period 1992-98 by the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and the archaeological mission of the Ministry of Culture of Greece since 1999. During these excavations it became clear that in Agios Georgios there was, during the Roman and early Christian years, a large unfortified settlement, which developed especially during the period of Justinian (527-565 AD).
The centre of the settlement is occupied by a large complex of buildings that includes the large three-aisled basilica A, which has appendages on its north side and a peristotic atrium with a baptistery on the west. A smaller three-aisled basilica with a transept is attached to the north side of the baptistery. To the west of the complex there is a large two-storey building, built in the type of Greco-Roman house, which is believed to be the episcopal church.
Due to its location, at the westernmost tip of the island and in the middle of the sea road between Alexandria and Rhodes, this settlement was the first stop of the convoy that transported wheat from Egypt to Constantinople. This explains many of the special characteristics of the settlement, emphasize the officials of the Department of Antiquities.
