Last night, in Protaras, a special page was written in the history and culture of the Municipality of Paralimni - Deryneia.
After approximately 2.500 years, the head of Aphrodite of Lefkolla symbolically returned to the place where it was created, displayed and worshipped, once again facing the sea of Protaras, through a scientifically accurate replica.
According to the Municipality of Paralimni-Dheryneia, this return is an important moment for our place and for the promotion of our cultural heritage, but also a symbolic reminder of the historical path of Cyprus.
Last night became a reality through a great international collaboration between the Municipality of Paralimni - Deryneia with the New Museum of Berlin and the Humboldt University of Berlin.
The contribution of Dr. Stefan Schmidt, Professor of Archaeology at the Humboldt University of Berlin, and his scientific team was decisive, who worked with high expertise, scientific precision and respect for the original for the digital impression and reconstruction of the head.
The presence of the Deputy Minister of Culture, on behalf of the Government and the President of the Republic of Cyprus, was also a particular honor, confirming the importance of promoting and protecting our cultural heritage.
The presence of Port Police and National Guard vessels also gave a special tone to the ceremony, symbolically framing the return of Aphrodite to the sea of Protaras.
The Aphrodite of Lefkolla is not just an archaeological find. It is a tangible evidence of the historical continuity of our place. It reminds us that behind the beaches, the light and the modern tourist development of Protaras lies a place with a history of thousands of years, deep roots and a significant cultural heritage.
Its symbolic return opens a new cycle of research, knowledge and cultural promotion for ancient Lefkolla, Protaras and the entire Municipality of Paralimni - Deryneia.
Because our cultural heritage does not only belong to the past.
It belongs to the present and is a legacy for future generations.
