Paralimni mayor says finds indicate possibility of Aphrodite’s sanctuary

Excavations near a chapel in Protaras have brought to light archaeological finds that may indicate ruins of a sanctuary of Aphrodite, according to Paralimni Mayor Theodoros Pyrillis.

These are being reviewed by the department of antiquities and if confirmed would indicate that Paralimni’s history dates to pre-Christian times, he said.

In a post on Facebook, Pyrillis said that the excavations in the Panayiotissa chapel area revealed important archaeological finds which are being examined by the antiquities department.

These may testify to the existence of a sanctuary to Aphrodite Akraia in the area, as well as the fact that Paralimni’s history dates to pre-Christian times, he said.

“After my own field research in the area of Protaras, findings were discovered that occur strong indications for the location of ‘Aphrodite Akraia’ sanctuary,” he wrote.

Pyrillis said that in the coming days there would be a review and excavation by the department of antiquities.

“The above very important news for our town started to unfold after the discovery of significant antiquities in the area of the holy church of Panayiotissa,” he added.

There was no immediate comment from the antiquities department.