Stalled restoration project of Panagia Theoskepasti in Paphos

The restoration and archaeological excavation project at Panagia Theoskepasti in Kato Paphos remains incomplete due to prolonged stagnation. Initially, the Church opposed the inclusion of the southern part of the site in the project, but an agreement was later reached between the Paphos Municipality and the Department of Antiquities following intervention by the suspended Mayor of Paphos. Under the arrangement, the Department of Antiquities oversaw excavations via an external archaeologist, while the Municipality provided labor, machinery, and support. Key works were conducted in July and September-October 2025, but operations ceased in February 2026. The suspension of the project followed political developments in Paphos in February 2026 and the retirement of the former Municipal Secretary, which disrupted communication between the parties. Despite the current halt, authorities have confirmed that the findings, including the structural buttresses of the church, will not be reburied but preserved as an archaeological site. A new meeting is expected to renegotiate terms and restart the project. The site is a UNESCO-listed cultural monument.