Replica of Aphrodite of Lefkolla unveiled in Protaras

On Sunday, September 13, 2026, a ceremony was held in Protaras, Cyprus, to mark the symbolic return of the Aphrodite of Lefkolla to her place of origin. The event featured the unveiling of a scientifically accurate, life-sized replica of the ancient marble head, which originally dates back to the 4th century B.C. The original artifact was discovered in the region in the 19th century and subsequently taken by Luigi Palma di Cesnola; it is currently housed in the Neues Museum in Berlin.

The initiative to bring the replica to the Xistaria peninsula was led by the Municipality of Paralimni-Dherynia, supported by the Cypriot Deputy Ministry of Culture, the Neues Museum, and Humboldt University of Berlin. Deputy Minister of Culture Clea Papaellinas stated that while this is not the physical return of the original sculpture, the project restores the local community’s historical memory and identity. The ceremony served as the culmination of an extensive effort to reconnect the region with its archaeological heritage, following a scientific seminar held earlier that day.