Restoration of St. Paraskevi Church in Famagusta Completed

The restoration of St. Paraskevi Church in Famagusta has been successfully completed. The project was funded by the European Union and carried out by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

According to Sotos Ktoris, co-chair of the bicommunal Technical Committee on Cultural Heritage, the church was built in five different phases between the 16th and 20th centuries. The final phase included the construction of the bell tower and a renovation that gave the church its neoclassical appearance.

"Apart from the earliest phase, of which only the apse of the sanctuary remains, the church was plastered during every stage of construction since it was built with irregular stones," explained Sotos Ktoris.

The restoration project has prevented the church from falling into ruin, ensuring that this cultural landmark remains a part of Cyprus' shared heritage.

"Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots are sending a strong message that reconciliation is not just an abstract idea but a reality—built stone by stone, monument by monument—through mutual respect, sincere cooperation, and a shared vision," said the co-chair of the Technical Committee on Cultural Heritage.

Earlier this month, restoration work was also completed on a mosque in the village of Alaminos, located in Larnaca District.