Newsroom
History buffs and curious families will get a rare chance to explore Cyprus’ rich past this weekend...for free.
The Deputy Ministry of Culture and the Department of Antiquities announced that 16 monuments and archaeological sites across the island will open their doors without charge on Oct. 4 and 5 as part of the European Heritage Days celebrations.
Among them are several places normally closed on weekends, including the ancient sites of Tamasos, Idalion, Kition, and Kalavasos-Tenta, as well as the Royal Chapel at Pyrga.
Officials said the aim is to encourage people to reconnect with the island’s cultural roots and collective memory. Visitors will also be able to try out new digital guides recently installed at some locations.
The European Heritage Days, launched by the European Union and the Council of Europe, are among the most widely celebrated cultural events on the continent, with thousands of monuments across Europe opening for free every year. Cyprus has been part of the program since 1995, but this is the first time the Antiquities Department itself is leading the charge, offering broad access to sites as a gesture of cultural pride.
“Cultural heritage belongs to everyone, and these sites tell our shared story,” the announcement said, inviting the public to step into Cyprus’ ancient history this weekend.
