For the first time in Cyprus, ancient ruins, specifically of the Ancient Port of Kiti in Larnaca, are virtually restored in three-dimensional form, even receiving international distinction from the Confederation of the Council of Europe.
An announcement of the Larnaca Tourism Development and Promotion Company (ETAP) states that "the Company and the Cyprus Youth Organization (ONEK) were awarded for their joint project concerning the three-dimensional Virtual Restoration of the Ancient Port of Kiti (Ancient Port of Kition 3D Virtual Reconstruction). The international distinction was awarded by the International Confederation "The Phoenicians` Route" of the Council of Europe and specifically in the category "Innovative and creative enhancement of a cultural / archaeological site".
The award was received in Sicily on behalf of the two Organizations by the President of the Confederation The Phoenicians' Route Elena Tanou who presented it to the Presidents of ONEK, ETAP Larnaca and the Mayor of Larnaca, in a ceremony held on Wednesday, November 10 Ancient Port of Kiti.
According to the announcement "It is noteworthy that for the first time in Cyprus ancient ruins are virtually restored in three-dimensional form. This award is the culmination of a series of joint initiatives of ETAP Larnaca and ONEK concerning digital upgrades of important monuments of the Larnaca Region, while the project concerns the three-dimensional virtual restoration of the ancient port of Kiti in five chronological phases, from 900 BC. until 300 BC ".
It is noted that for the implementation of the project "The archeological findings and studies of the French archeological mission were utilized, in order to create a software program which in combination with the virtual reality equipment to enable the user to see in three dimensions the ancient port and the surrounding area exactly as it was before 2.500 thousands of years".
It is, it is said, "for a whole interactive and innovative experience that travels back in time giving the user the opportunity to see the ramps and towing of ships on them, the triremes, the sanctuary and the workshops located around the port.
It is also important that "archaeological finds found at the archeological site were integrated into the 360D video, so that the user can see them in XNUMX ° format and learn information about them. It is noted that the international distinction coincides with the resumption of excavations - after many years - in the area of the ancient port, by the French Archaeological Mission, thus giving the impetus for the gradual creation of the new Larnaca Archaeological Park.
At During the award ceremony, the President of ETAP Larnaca Dinos Lefkaritis stated that "the distinction honors our city and country internationally, highlighting the modern way in which we present our rich history and culture."
The President of the Youth Organization, Kleanthis Koutsoftas, stated that "the project and this important award are a concrete example of how technology can be used in collaboration with other scientific disciplines, to offer innovative solutions and experiences."
For his part, the Mayor of Larnaca, Andreas Vyras "He praised the excellent result, stated that through such synergies we can create modern projects like this, that will attract not only tourists but locals to our archeological sites."
The President of the International Confederation of Phoenicians' Route Elena Tanou "said she was proud of the cooperation developed by ETAP Larnaca and ONEK and that won this unique award which places Cyprus on the road of the Phoenicians».
According to the announcement "Special mention during the modest ceremony was made to the collaborators Sabine Fourier, Andrea Lordo and Odysseas Kontovourkis who offered their consulting services on a non-profit basis, to Dimitris Ktoridis and Anastasia Kakkouris for their great contribution, as well as to the inspirers of the project. Warm thanks were expressed to the Ministry of Tourism and the Municipality of Larnaca for the continuous support, to the Larnaca Chamber of Commerce and Industry (EVEL) as well as to the Department of Antiquities for the valuable guidance ".
The video is available on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=48Q_QSgNCvo&t=15s and on Facebook https://fb.watch/98DL5DHFCR/ while in three-dimensional form with the special equipment one can see it in its space Youth Makerspace Larnaka which is housed in the historic building of the former house of the Prefect.