Press Releases

18 April was established in 1983 by UNESCO as the International Day for Monuments and Sites, following a proposal by the International Council of Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS). To celebrate this important day, with the ultimate aim of raising awareness in society about the importance of culture, a different theme is promoted each year, which becomes an occasion for the organization of events and various actions, with the participation of citizens.

Within the general guidelines of ICOMOS International, the Department of Antiquities celebrates this year's day under the theme "Cultural Heritage in a Changing World", which allows for the organization of a wide range of events. These events are planned at monuments and sites where the environment and the use of natural resources have been of key importance, while particular emphasis has been placed on familiarizing young people with cultural heritage. In this context, many of the planned events involve the participation of young people from all levels of education (Elementary, Middle School, High School, Technical Schools, Public and Private Schools and University).

The Department of Antiquities, in the framework of the International Day of Monuments and Sites, will organize the following events in all Districts. 

• Easter Tuesday - April 18

Free entrance to Archaeological Sites and Monuments of the Department of Antiquities for all visitors.

• Easter Wednesday –19 April in Polis Chrysochous – 11:00

Archaeological site of Marion-Arsinoe

Guided tour (in Greek) for the public by Archaeological Officer A΄ Dr. Efstathios Raptou.

• Tuesday – 25 April in Lefkosia (Nicosia) – 10:00

Archaeological site of Palaion Demarcheion

Guided tour (in Greek) for the public by Archaeological Officer Α΄ Ms. Chrysanthi Kounnou.

• Tuesday – 25 April in Politiko

Archaeological site of Tamassos and new excavations in Politiko.

Educational activity with students of Tamassos Regional Primary School.

• Wednesday – 26 April in Lefkosia (Nicosia) – 10:00

Archaeological site of Ledroi (Hill of Agios Georgios - PASYDY)

Discussion with students of the University of Cyprus on the management of archaeological sites.

• Wednesday – 26 April in Lemesos (Limassol) – 10:00

Archaeological site of Amathous

Guided tour (in Greek) for the public by the Archaeological Officer Mr. Ioannis Violaris.

• Wednesday - 26 April in Agia Napa

Medieval Aqueduct and Monastery of Agia Napa

Educational activities with students of the Technical School of Paralimni and with students of the Primary School of Agia Napa.

• Thursday – 27 April in Larnaka

Remains of Abu Bekir urban Aqueduct in “Kamares”

Educational activity with students of Zenon Primary School.

• Thursday – 27 April in Lemesos (Limassol)

Archaeological site of Kourion

Educational activity with Cypriot and foreign students from Pallouriotissa High School in the framework of the Erasmus program.

• Thursday - 27 April in Letympou

Church of Saints Kyrikos and Iouliti

Educational activity with students of the Primary School of Polemi.

• Friday - 28 April in Larnaka

Remains of Abu Bekir urban Aqueduct in “Kamares”

Educational activity with students of Kamares Primary School.

• Friday – 28 April in Larnaka

Larnaka Castle

Educational activity with students of Drosia Primary School entitled “Seek, seek...and you shall find it!”

• Friday – 28 April in Kolossi

Archaeological site and Kolossi Castle

Educational activity with students of “The Island” Private School.

• Friday – 28 April in Polis Chrysochous - 19:00

Cultural Centre of the Municipality of Polis Chrysochou

Lecture (in Greek) open to the public entitled “The work of the Department of Antiquities in Polis Chrysochous. Presentation of the archaeological sites of Marion and Arsinoe”, by the Archaeological Officer A΄, Dr. Efstathios Raptou.

• Saturday – 29 April in Pegeia

Archaeological site of Agios Georgios Pegeias

Educational activity titled “Agios Georgios Pegeias- 10 Educational Workbooks” with students from the Pancyprian Lyceum Larnaca and the Larnaca Makarios III Lyceum. 

• Tuesday - 2 May in Lefkosia (Nicosia)

Archaeological site of Ledroi (Hill of Agios Georgios - PASYDY)

Educational activity with students of the Agia Varvara District High School and then with students of the Archbishop Makarios III High School (Platy).

• Tuesday – 2 May in Pafos

UNESCO Archaeological Site of Kato Pafos – 11:00

Main event for the International Day of Monuments and Sites 2023. Inauguration of the project focusing on upgrading the infrastructure of the site by the Minister of Transport, Communications and Works. The event includes a photo exhibition and music from the Music School of Pafos.

EP/ECHR