Great discomfort prevails among Larnaca stakeholders regarding the snail’s pace of the Department of Antiquities concerning the city’s major archaeological requests. The Larnaca Tourism Development and Promotion Company (ETAP) raised the stagnation of various projects with the Deputy Minister of Culture.
At a meeting held yesterday, Tuesday, in the presence of the President of ETAP, Dinos Lefkaritis, and the Mayor of Larnaca, Andreas Vyras, discomfort was expressed over the stagnation observed in the implementation of the ambitious project for the creation of the Larnaca Archaeological Park, which will include the unification of archaeological sites, the upgrade of the ancient Kition port area, and the showcasing of the mosaic of the Labours of Hercules, which was discovered as far back as 2016.
In a caustic announcement, ETAP states that the issue “has remained stagnant for years” and notes that its representatives “expressed their dissatisfaction, pointing out that, despite repeated efforts and the positive climate that exists at the political level, the persistent refusal of the Department of Antiquities to advance the necessary steps has led to complete inertia.” ETAP further notes “that many of these issues have been discussed for a number of years without any substantial progress, a fact that causes disappointment and concern, as they concern projects of crucial importance for the cultural and tourism development of the area.”
In parallel, the issue of promoting the inclusion of significant cultural landmarks in Larnaca in the UNESCO World Heritage List was also raised with Ms Kassianidou, including the Church of Panagia Angeloktisti, the Larnaca Salt Lake and Hala Sultan Tekke, as well as the Church of Saint Lazarus. Furthermore, the restoration and highlighting of the funerary chapel of Saint Therapon was requested once again. “Unfortunately, complete stagnation is observed regarding these issues too, despite their importance for the promotion of Larnaca’s cultural identity,” ETAP notes.
