The Deputy Minister of Culture and officials of the Deputy Ministry visited archaeological sites in the city and province of Paphos today, in order to inspect recently completed projects. Lina Kassianidou also visited the Cultural Village of Lemba.
The Deputy Minister visited the archaeological site of Agia Kyriaki and the Column of the Apostle Paul in order to inspect the site after the completion of the redevelopment and upgrading works of the wider area.
The works included, among other things, the reconstruction and maintenance of the pedestrian bridges that pass over the antiquities, which had been built earlier and needed immediate restoration, as well as the construction of pedestrian walkways and the installation of information signs and weatherproof structures for the antiquities.
This is a major project of the Department of Antiquities, which was completed in 2025, as part of a wider program for the upgrading of archaeological sites and monuments, in view of the presidency of the Republic of Cyprus in the Council of the European Union.
The Deputy Minister expressed her absolute satisfaction with the improvements achieved, stressing that the main issue was the further protection of the antiquities, their promotion and the accessibility of visitors during their tour of the area, in order for this important site to be ready for the visits that will take place here, during the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU.
The Deputy Minister stated that the total cost of the project amounted to €700,000 and that in 2026 new projects are planned in Nea Paphos, as well as in the Tombs of the Kings, starting with the improvement of the entrance and visitor service infrastructure.
The archaeological site of Chrysopolitissa, Agia Kyriaki and the Column of the Apostle Paul is part of the wider archaeological park of Kato Paphos that has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. It is one of the most important monuments in Cyprus.
It is worth noting that the rich geometric decoration of the mosaic floors of the Basilica dates back to around the 4th and 6th centuries AD. In its central aisle, three unique visual scenes representing Christian allegories are preserved.
After the destruction of the Basilica, a Byzantine church was built on the site in the 11th century. This was followed by a second church dating back to around 1500 AD, which still operates today as the Anglican Church of Paphos. North of the Basilica there are the ruins of a Gothic church built around 1300 AD and destroyed in 1600 AD.
The Director of the Department of Antiquities, Giorgos Georgiou, also spoke about the importance of the visual integration of the site with the museum of the Municipality of Paphos, dedicated to the Apostle Paul, under construction, stressing that this connection enhances the overall narrative of the area. Regarding the canopies, he noted that this is a timeless and international challenge, as any modern intervention in an archaeological site requires delicate handling and an interdisciplinary approach. He acknowledged that there are delays, assuring, however, that the competent services are working to find the best solution.
The Cultural Village of Lempa is in the final stage
L. Kassianidou, accompanied by the leadership of the Department of Antiquities and officials of the Deputy Ministry, also visited the Cultural Village of Lemba, which was recently completed with an expenditure of more than €4 million. As he stated, the building part has been completed and the process is at the stage of evaluating the offers for the management and operation of the space.
The Deputy Minister of Culture announced that tomorrow the proposals for the operation and management of the space will be presented by the interested bidders. The contractor of the project will be selected for a 10-year management of the site, with the right to renew for another five, he clarified.
The Deputy Minister described the project as "wonderful", reminding that its implementation began by the Ministry of Education before the establishment of the Deputy Ministry of Culture, expressing the expectation that it will soon open its gates to the public.
