A particularly important cultural moment was experienced by Ayia Napa on Saturday, May 17, 2025, with the visit of a group of Swiss archaeologists to the THALASSA Municipal Museum, which was an excellent opportunity to highlight the rich maritime and cultural tradition of Cyprus.
Visitors had the opportunity to tour the Museum’s permanent collections, focusing in particular on the impressive “Kyrenia II” – a faithful replica of the ancient merchant ship of Kyrenia, which is a point of reference for the island’s maritime history. Equally keen was their interest in the archaeological finds from the Sanctuary of Makronissos, which are permanently housed in the Museum and shed light on aspects of ancient life in the region.
As part of their visit, the Swiss archaeologists also visited the archaeological site of the tombs in Makronissos, which strengthened their understanding of the cultural connections and historical path of the wider region.
The Mayor of Ayia Napa, Mr. Christos Zannetou, stated that "the visit of the Swiss archaeologists is an honor for our city and confirms the important role of the THALASSA Museum as a custodian of the Cypriot cultural heritage."
"Such initiatives," he added, "strengthen international cooperation in the field of archaeology and promote the historical wealth of Ayia Napa beyond the borders of Cyprus. We continue to invest in culture, strengthening the connection of our place with its past and offering quality experiences to our visitors."
“The presence of the Swiss scientists,” he said, “confirms the importance of the THALASSA Municipal Museum as a point of reference for the understanding and promotion of our Cypriot cultural identity, highlighting it as a bridge between the past and the present, between the peoples and our common roots.
