In a packed event hall of the Paralimni - Deryneia Municipal Hall, the presentation of the Archaeological Routes of the Paralimni Municipal District took place, which are curated by Dr. Angelos Smagas in collaboration with the Municipality.
Dr. Smagas analyzed the proposed routes in both the urban core and the tourist zone of Paralimni, while presenting important elements from the prehistoric and ancient history of the area. Of particular interest was his reference to findings from the classical period, several of which are currently exhibited in well-known archaeological museums abroad.
In his greeting, the Mayor of Paralimni-Dheryneia, Mr. George Nikolettos, expressed his gratitude to Mr. Smagas for his passion, deep knowledge and timeless dedication to the promotion and preservation of the cultural heritage of the place. He emphasized that this important work will form the basis for the printed and digital edition of the Archaeological Routes, through which useful guides for the public will be created.
The Mayor also mentioned that as part of the information campaign "I Know My City", events dedicated to cultural heritage monuments and archaeological walks will be organized at regular intervals.
A special moment of the event was the first public display of the colossal bust of the goddess Aphrodite, with a tower-shaped crown, as the city's protector. This impressive work was found in the Protaras area in the 19th century by the notorious antiquities smuggler Luigi Palma di Cesnola, and today adorns the Neues Museum in Berlin.
As part of the event, the original recipe “Aphrodite's Crown” was presented, a special cake with halloumi and Protaras fig, which combines tradition with taste and highlights the local products of the Municipality.
Finally, it was noted that the recording and presentation of Archaeological Routes will continue gradually in all Municipal Districts of the Municipality of Paralimni - Deryneia, as part of an overall effort to highlight the long history and cultural wealth of the region.
