Sixteen monuments and archaeological sites across Cyprus will offer free admission to all visitors on 4 and 5 October as part of this year’s European Heritage Days celebrations, the Deputy Ministry of Culture announced.
Visitors will have the opportunity to explore Cyprus’s rich cultural heritage, discovering the island’s unique archaeological sites and engaging directly with its history and culture, the ministry said. They will also be able to experience new digital guides already installed at some locations.
The European Heritage Days, established by the European Union and the Council of Europe, constitute one of the most widely celebrated participatory cultural events in Europe. During the celebration, thousands of monuments and sites open their doors free of charge to the public.
Cyprus has participated since 1995 with various activities coordinated by the Town Planning and Housing Department. However, this year marks the first time the Department of Antiquities has opened archaeological sites and monuments free of charge, following a decision by the Deputy Minister of Culture to honour European Heritage Days in its own distinctive manner.
Several sites normally closed to visitors at weekends will open on 4 and 5 October to allow public access. These include the archaeological sites of Tamassos, Idalion, Kition and Kalavasos-Tenta, as well as the Royal Chapel at Pyrga.
Complete list of participating sites and opening hours (4-5 October)
Nicosia District
- Archaeological site and Royal Tombs of ancient Tamassos, Politiko: 8:30am-4:00pm
- Ancient Idalion, Dali: 10:00am-4:00pm
Larnaca District
- Archaeological site of ancient Kition, Larnaca: 8:30am-4:00pm
- Larnaca Castle, Larnaca: 9:30am-5:00pm
- Royal Chapel, Pyrga: 8:30am-4:00pm
- Neolithic settlement, Choirokoitia: 8:30am-5:00pm
- Neolithic settlement at Tenta site, Kalavasos: 8:30am-4:00pm
Limassol District
- Archaeological site of the ancient city of Amathus, Agios Tychonas: 8:30am-5:00pm
- Limassol Castle, Limassol: 10:00am-5:00pm
- Archaeological site of Kourion, Episkopi: 8:30am-5:00pm
- Sanctuary of Apollo Hylates, Episkopi: 8:30am-5:00pm
- Kolossi Castle, Kolossi: 8:30am-5:00pm
Paphos District
- Paphos Castle, Paphos: 8:30am-5:00pm
- Archaeological site of Nea Paphos (mosaics), Paphos: 8:30am-5:00pm
- Necropolis of Nea Paphos, known as the Tombs of the Kings, Paphos: 8:30am-5:00pm
- Archaeological site and Local Archaeological Museum of Palaepaphos, Kouklia: 8:30am-5:00pm
- Archaeological site of Agios Georgios, Pegeia: 8:30am-4:00pm
