Conservation work begins on historic religious sites in Cyprus

The bicommunal Technical Committee on Cultural Heritage has launched new conservation projects at two historic religious sites in Cyprus. These include the 15th-century Panayia Melandrina church in Kalogrea, Kyrenia district, and the mosque in Kato Arodes, Paphos district. Both initiatives are funded by the European Union and implemented under the guidance of the UNDP.

The work at Panayia Melandrina follows a 2014 emergency intervention that was intended to prevent the collapse of the structure. According to the Greek Cypriot co-chair of the committee, Sotos Ktoris, the previous temporary measures have reached their structural limits after twelve years, necessitating a comprehensive architectural study and current substantial restoration. Simultaneously, the committee has successfully completed the restoration of the Ayios Georgios church and its cemetery in Vokolida on the Karpasia peninsula.

These projects represent ongoing efforts by the committee to preserve cultural heritage across the island. The current focus is on restoring the structural integrity of the sites to ensure their long-term protection, with conservation efforts now moving to the newly identified locations in Kalogrea and Kato Arodes.