Projects with a total cost of approximately €3.5 million that substantially change the image and operation of the archaeological site of Kourion were completed in 2025, with an emphasis on the protection of the monuments, the visitor experience and accessibility.
The second most visited archaeological site in Cyprus after Paphos is now entering a new phase of operation. In 2025, significant resources were allocated, both in terms of human resources and budget, to upgrade the infrastructure.
During her visit to the site on Thursday, the Deputy Minister of Culture Lina Kassianidou had the opportunity to see the completion of the basic interventions, as well as the progress of conservation projects that are still in progress.
The central axis of the interventions was the protection of the archaeological remains and mosaics, through the maintenance and replacement of the membranes of the shelters. At the same time, the electrical infrastructure of the space was upgraded, with new lighting in the ancient theater, in order to meet the increased needs of summer performances.
The theater also underwent a complete upgrade of the dressing rooms, which now serve professional actors and musical ensembles, while modern sanitary infrastructure was incorporated, including areas for people with disabilities.
New Visitor Center and digital experience
The largest part of the budget concerned the complete renovation of the Visitor Center, which now has a modern shop, a screening and lecture hall, new covered rest areas and upgraded public service infrastructure.
Kourion is also one of the first archaeological sites in Cyprus where digital guides with QR codes were installed, offering access to additional information at key points of the site, without interventions on the monument.
Important interventions were also made in the field of accessibility for people with disabilities, with pedestrian bridges, selected easy access points, special sanitary facilities in the upgraded dressing rooms for disabled spectators and temporary wooden configurations during performances, so that people in wheelchairs can attend events in the theater. Braille signs have also been placed in the area, so that it is also accessible to people with visual impairments.
At the same time, the safety of archaeological sites remains an open issue. The Deputy Ministry of Culture is examining the strengthening of human resources, but also the use of modern, non-invasive surveillance technologies, in collaboration with Centers of Excellence that have relevant know-how for the use of security systems that do not require lighting.
Lina Kassianidou assured that the priority is to meet the need for more antiquities guards in the archaeological sites of Cyprus.
A place of culture and international promotion
The upgraded archaeological site of Kourion is also part of the planning of actions of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union, with scheduled visits of institutional groups and the possibility of its inclusion in official cultural programs.
In May, the site will host the Coreper I team from Brussels, while visits to Kourion have also been included in the program of excursions that will be able to be chosen by the ministries in the context of the numerous Informal Councils that are planned.
With these interventions, Kourion is not just treated as a visitable monument, but as a living cultural space, where the protection of cultural heritage is combined with the modern visiting experience, education and international promotion.
According to the Deputy Minister of Culture, the protection of monuments and the upgrading of the visitor experience can and must coexist.
