Finds of significant archaeological value were brought to light by the renovation works carried out during this period. According to the Elder George Ioannou, in an attempt to excavate a ditch, the bulldozer excavated a base of a capital about 80 cm in diameter, which was located at a shallow depth from the ground.
He was immediately called to the area responsible for the excavation work at the Holy Temple of the Transfiguration, Archaeological Officer A 'of the Department of Antiquities, Byzantinologist, Mr. George Filotheou, who pointed out the important value of the historical heritage in the surrounding area of Agia Thekla. He confirmed to Father Georgios that the Department of Antiquities will take care of the beginning of the works for the excavation of the entire precinct of the church in order to highlight the archeological findings that are known to exist in the area.
According to information, it is believed that the colonnade, due to its size, belongs to a large early Christian church, which was built in the area. According to the Byzantine scholar, Mr. Filotheou, this area, as well as the whole of Sotira, is scattered with ancient monuments, which the Department of Antiquities will bring to the surface.
Agia Thekla is a chapel located a few kilometers south of Sotira on the border between Ayia Napa and Sotira. It is believed that there was an ancient settlement or cemetery in this place. To the west of the chapel there are indications that quarries were operating. The catacomb of Agia Thekli, (it is not a catacomb with the literal meaning of the word,) is a cave or tomb carved in stone. It is believed that in 1571 the Turkish General Piele Pasha landed there with an army and marched against Famagusta where he helped General Mustafa in the siege of the city.
The renovation works
In 2014, the Church of the Savior decided to proceed with the renovation of the chapel-landmark of the coastal area of Sotira, which is administratively located within the borders of Ayia Napa, but in the consciousness of the inhabitants of Sotira, is an integral part of the village, since the older ones still remember the borders of Sotira reaching a little further west of the current water park. The entire area in which the chapel is built belongs to the church of the Savior, which also undertakes the performance of services.
The work focuses on the renovation of the interior of the church, as well as its exterior, as well as the construction of a small warehouse further south to store important items. At the same time, the bell tower was demolished and a new one was erected. The works were planned to continue in the outer part of the enclosure with the creation of paving and the construction of a toilet building. Nevertheless, the plans for paving were postponed, as archaeological excavations will begin soon.
SotiraNews