Archaeologists uncover Byzantine structures in the Larnaca district

Between June 15 and July 24, 2026, researchers from the University of Cyprus conducted excavations at Kofinou-Ayios Heraklios and Menoyia-Limnes, revealing significant Byzantine-era structures. The project, led by Dr. Athanasios Vionis and Dr. Doria Nikolaou under the 'Settled and Sacred Landscapes of Cyprus' initiative, uncovered a compact six-column cross-in-square church dating to the 8th–10th centuries AD, alongside storage and workshop areas from the 4th–8th centuries.

Inside the church, archaeologists identified a near-complete floor made of gypsum slabs and evidence of the templon sanctuary screen. Notable finds include curved voussoirs from a dome, a square bay between pilaster pairs, and non-figurative frescoes featuring red and green bands on a white background on the southern wall. A smaller secondary apse was also discovered within the original early Byzantine basilica foundation. These findings provide new insights into religious life, burial practices, and industrial pottery production in the region across the 6th to 16th centuries.

The Department of Antiquities announced the results on October 26, 2026, noting that the confirmation of the dome structure is among the most significant developments for local Byzantine archaeology. The investigation serves as part of ongoing field research into the historical landscapes of the island.