The Minister of Transport, Communications and Works, Giannis Karousos, stated his satisfaction with the progress of the restoration and promotion of the medieval Monastery of Ayia Napa, which is expected to be completed and inaugurated in the coming months and to add a cultural and ecclesiastical project in the area.
After a visit, accompanied by the Director of the Department of Antiquities Marina Ieronimidou to the Monastery of Ayia Napa, the Mayor of Ayia Napa Christos Zannettou and the Metropolitan of Constantia - Famagusta Vassilios, Mr. Karousos stated that announced by the President of the Republic, noting that the project is very important for both the Department of Antiquities and the Municipality of Ayia Napa.
The Minister of Transport stated that an archeological museum will be created inside the Monastery, which will include several exhibits, including important archaeological finds that have been discovered in the course of the restoration work of the monastery.
Mr. Karousos clarified that the municipality of Ayia Napa operates as a contracting authority on behalf of the Ministry of Transport.
We look forward to completing this important project for the area, he said
Answering a question, the Minister of Transport said that the project is done with 85% subsidy from the state and 15% at the expense of the municipality of Ayia Napa. He pointed out that the Diocese of Constantia also provides assistance, as the project is based on a study prepared by the Diocese.
The Metropolitan of Constantia - Famagusta, the Mayor of Ayia Napa and the Director of the Department of Antiquities characterized the archeological findings found in the Medieval Monastery of Ayia Napa as very important.
In statements after a visit to the Medieval Monastery of Ayia Napa, the Metropolitan of Constantia - Famagusta Vassilios stated that as soon as he settled in the Diocese, his dream was to revive the Monastery. "The dream comes true, not only for the promotion and the importance it has for the whole of Cyprus, but also because there are scholars in the international arena who research the history, archeology, architecture and the relationship of the Monastery with other areas of Cyprus and "from abroad, in order to show the great importance of this area", he said.
The Metropolitan described the Monastery as "a geostrategic area in relation to Palestine, because at that time it was in the vast Latin Kingdom of Armenia, Jerusalem and Cyprus and the radiance of the importance of the Monastery is very great". That is why, he continued, we expect very important results from the research that is being done.
The Director of the Department of Antiquities, Marina Ieronymidou, described as "very important the findings that were found in the Medieval Monastery of Ayia Napa". This project, he continued, "is very important not only for the region, but also for the whole of Cyprus, since the ancient monastery of Ayia Napa has always been a point of reference."
He added that during the excavations in the courtyard of the monastery, for its upgrade and the creation of a museum, "important remains have come to light, which show that during the 16th to 17th century, the katholikon, ie the church of the monastery it was also a cemetery ".
These osteological remains, he continued, "are being investigated in collaboration with the Institute of Genetics, that is, analyzes are being made, which have given us important information. Also, a study is being done to upgrade and promote the spaces, which have been excavated to connect the Museum with the oldest phases of the Monastery, in order to make the appropriate infrastructure, ie shelter and footbridges, so that the space is both archaeological and museum ».
On his part, the Mayor of Ayia Napa Christos Zannettou expressed his gratitude to the Minister of Transport, Communications and Works Giannis Karousos, the Metropolitan of Constantia - Famagusta Vassilios and the Department of Antiquities "for the efforts made to complete the Go".
He also described the project as "very important, because" as he explained "the upgrade and restoration of this monument, gives and will promote even more the point from which the life of Ayia Napa began". This is where the village that is now a large Municipality began to be created, he said.
The Monastery continued "it will add another important element for religious tourism, while it will be an attraction on a pan-Cypriot basis, for those who visit Ayia Napa". The exhibition and museum space, but also all the activities that will be carried out at the Monastery, will be something that will support the tourism industry and not only noted.
The mayor of Ayia Napa also said that "with today's data we see that markets like Russia are growing and at the same time their interest in Christianity and religion is growing, elements that we must promote."