Restoration work to start on Ayios Panteleimon monastery

THE Technical Committee on Cultural Heritage, the European Commission and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) announced on Friday the commencement of conservation works to Ayios Panteleimonas monastery in Myrtou.

Until 1974, the monastery, which is believed to have been founded around 1600 A.D, was one of the most important pilgrimage sites on the island.

The contract for the conservation works was signed on Friday between UNDP and the contractor. The total cost of the project, which is fully funded by the European Union, is around €726,000, the announcement said.

“Works are expected to last 11 months and shall be completed by the end of summer 2016,” it said.

It added that the project will focus on the conservation of the church, the removal of dangerous collapsed portions and consolidation of the monastic buildings, as well as rain water management at the site, and upgrading of the courtyard.

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