NICOSIA – Photos: @TCCHCyprus
Greek Cypriot co-chair of the bicommunal Technical Committee on Cultural Heritage, Sotos Ktoris, announced on January 28, through the social media, the completion of conservation works in two more churches-monuments of religious and cultural heritage in Cyprus.
Ktoris said that works were completed at Agios Georgios Church in Genagra, in Mesaoria, noting that this is a 15th century monument with an older cave-church where support and conservation works were also carried out. “Moreover, part of the fresco of the Christ Pantocrator at the dome of the church was preserved,” he added.
He further noted that “the preserved Panagia Kyra church, outside Turkish Cypriot village Livadia, one of the most significant monuments of Karpasia has been delivered”.
Earlier this month, the Technical Committee on Cultural Heritage completed emergency interventions at Agia Marina – Ayios Theodoros Ruin church in Kormakitis; the project is fully funded by the European Union and implemented by UNDP in partnership with the Technical Committee on Cultural Heritage.
The emergency project, which began in August 2021, included the conservation of frescoes and historic plasters, the construction of a new altar, consolidation of the church walls and fencing works around the perimeter of the church.
In a short amount of time, the emergency interventions not only conserved the church for many years to come, but they also revealed stunning mosaics including a scene depicting the legend of St. Theodoros, to whom the church was dedicated to back in the 12th century.
Meanwhile conservation works have begun at Agios Georgios church in the Famagusta Area; the project is co-funded by local donors and implemented within the framework of the TCCH, with financial support of the European Union.
The church of Agios Georgios was built in the late 19th century entirely from stones and is a strong example of the period’s architecture.
The conservation works, which are planned to be completed within 8 months, will address the deteriorated parts of the roof with lime mortar. Stone replacement and new stone carving will be done to strengthen the structure. The consolidation works will carry out with the complete site cleaning and will replace weathered metal, iron and wooden parts. New doors, windows, a new bell and mechanism as well as a new lighting system will be procured for the church.
