Archaeological sites free for a day

All archaeological sites and monuments operated by the Department of Antiquities will offer free entry on Thursday to mark the UNESCO International Day for Monuments and Sites.

Entrance tickets are normally €8.50.

The day was first celebrated in 1983 following a proposal by the International Council of Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS).

The department said that to celebrate this day, with the aim of raising public awareness about the importance of culture, a different theme is promoted each year.

This year’s theme is “Disasters and Conflicts through the Lens of the Venice Charter”.

The Department of Antiquities’ main event will be the opening by the Deputy Minister of Culture of the Paphos Gate archaeological site, following upgrading and infrastructure works, while other educational events will focus on familiarising young people with cultural heritage.

The Department of Antiquities is also co-organising an event of ICOMOS Cyprus that will take place on April 19 at their premises.

Also, a musical event will take place in Paleapaphos on May 11.