Deputy Minister of Culture Vasiliki Kassianidou visited the Kourion Archaeological Site on Thursday, where extensive infrastructure upgrade works have recently been completed. The improvements aim to enhance the visitor experience and accessibility for persons with disabilities, while conservation works on protective shelters and mosaics are ongoing.
Infrastructure upgrades and conservation works
Following her visit, the Deputy Minister stated that Kourion is the second most visited archaeological site in Cyprus after Paphos, welcoming tens of thousands of visitors each year, including tourists, school groups and large summer audiences for performances at the ancient theatre.
She noted that during 2025, significant resources were allocated for the site’s upgrade, both in terms of staffing and budget. Priority was given to the protection of the monument through the replacement of membranes covering shelters that protect mosaics and other archaeological remains. These works are currently under way and are expected to be completed in the coming months.
Theatre facilities and technical upgrades
According to the Deputy Minister, the site’s electrical infrastructure was upgraded and new lighting was installed at the ancient theatre, allowing for improved use during the summer performance season. Dressing rooms for actors and musicians were also renovated and upgraded.
Visitor centre renovation and investment cost
The largest project involved the full renovation of the Visitor Centre, including the creation of a new retail area, a lecture hall and new covered rest areas. New sanitary facilities were also constructed. The total cost of the project amounted to approximately €3.5 million.
She underlined that conservation of mosaics and archaeological remains by the Department of Antiquities is carried out on a continuous basis.
Digital guides and visitor information
The Deputy Minister also recalled that Kourion is among the first five archaeological sites where the Deputy Ministry of Culture installed digital guides, with QR codes at key locations providing visitors with additional information.
Use of the site during the Cyprus EU Presidency
Responding to a question on the use of the site for events during the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union, she said that in May the site will host the Coreper I group from Brussels. Visits to Kourion have also been included in the programme of excursions that ministries may select as part of the numerous informal councils scheduled during the presidency.
Security measures and staffing needs
On the issue of security at archaeological sites, the Deputy Minister stressed that the need for additional site guards remains a priority, given the size of archaeological areas. She said the Deputy Ministry is working on this issue in cooperation with the new Director General and the Director of the Department of Antiquities.
She added that other security measures are also being examined, including the use of modern surveillance technologies. The Deputy Ministry plans to cooperate with Centres of Excellence that possess the required expertise to deploy security systems that do not require lighting and are non intrusive to the site.
She emphasised that antiquities trafficking is not only a criminal offence but also a serious destruction of Cyprus’s cultural heritage.
Accessibility for persons with disabilities
Addressing accessibility, the Deputy Minister noted that archaeological sites vary in how easily they can be accessed. At Kourion, pedestrian bridges and specific access points are available for persons with disabilities.
She said that during 2025, sanitary facilities for spectators with disabilities were constructed at the upgraded theatre dressing room area. During performances, a special wooden surface is installed to allow wheelchair users to attend events.
She also stated that the Deputy Ministry of Culture has developed cooperation with AbleBook to conduct a study with recommendations for further improving accessibility at cultural sites. Accessibility, she said, is the Deputy Ministry’s top priority. Braille signage has also been installed on site to ensure access for visitors with visual impairments.
Ongoing management and public access
With respect for the historical value of each monument, the Department of Antiquities continues to ensure that archaeological sites are preserved and promoted in a way that serves both scientific research and society at large. Through coordinated efforts between the Department of Antiquities and the Deputy Ministry of Culture, the archaeological site of Kourion is ready to welcome visitors and offer an enhanced visitor experience.