A contract has been signed in Cyprus for the implementation of a large-scale project to renovate the Kourion Archaeological Park, one of the most famous and popular ancient monuments on the island. Eleftherios Eleftheriou, head of the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Public Works, and Akis Louka, director of the contractor L&S TECHNOMACHINE LTD, signed the documents.
According to the press release, the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Public Works and the Ministry of Culture of Cyprus will supervise all work. The project is estimated to cost €1,294,500, excluding VAT, and will be fully funded by national resources. Implementation will begin at the end of August and last 12 months.
What work will be carried out?
The project includes dismantling old membranes and installing new protective coverings at key points of the archaeological complex and visitor center. These measures are necessary to reliably protect the monuments from moisture, sun exposure, and other adverse climatic influences.
Coverings at iconic sites such as the House of Evstolius, the House of the Gladiators, the House of Achilles, the Baths of Apollo, and the visitor center will be replaced. In addition to installing membranes, the project includes work to reinforce wooden structures, arches, and columns, including elements made of glued laminated timber.
Importance of the project for Cyprus
Kourion is not just an archaeological site; it is a hallmark of cultural tourism in Cyprus. The ancient city's ruins include a theater, Roman houses with mosaics, temples, and public buildings that attract thousands of tourists every year.
Renewing the membranes and strengthening the infrastructure will allow us to:
- Extend the life of the ancient structures;
- Provide extra protection for the mosaics and walls from moisture;
- The complex will be more comfortable and safer for tourists.
This project is part of the Ministry of Culture's broader program to preserve archaeological sites and improve infrastructure, which directly affects the quality of the tourist experience and the development of cultural tourism.
The investment of over €1.3 million is an important step toward preserving Cyprus's cultural heritage. Kourion, an archaeological gem in the Eastern Mediterranean, will receive modern protection, and tourists will enjoy more comfortable conditions while exploring the island's history.
Through such initiatives, Cyprus reaffirms its commitment to caring for its monuments and developing sustainable cultural tourism by combining the protection of antiquities with modern technology.