16 archaeological sites in Cyprus will open for free visits on the weekend

On the upcoming weekend, October 4–5, residents and visitors of Cyprus will be able to visit 16 archaeological sites for free as part of the European Heritage Days program. The initiative is organized by the Department of Antiquities and the Deputy Ministry of Culture to draw public attention to the island's historical and cultural heritage.

Among the sites that will be open for free visits are Tamasos, Idalion, Kition, Kalavasos-Tenta, as well as the Royal Chapel of Ayia Katerini in Pyrga. The program is also expected to include other well-known archaeological complexes, including the Neolithic settlement of Chirokitia and several monuments that are usually closed to the public on weekends.

For visitors’ convenience, digital guides providing additional information about the history and cultural value of the monuments will be available at several sites.

European Heritage Days is an annual Europe-wide initiative during which cultural monuments are open for free viewing. Cyprus has participated in the program since 1995, but this year it reached a special scale, including 16 archaeological sites for the first time.

The organizers encourage residents and tourists to take the opportunity to get closer to the island’s rich past and see monuments that are usually inaccessible.