The municipality of East Paphos has been officially renamed as the municipality of Ierokipias (Holy Garden), mayor Nicos Palios said on Sunday.

The move follows an official announcement in the government gazette, Palios said, adding that he was informed via a letter from the permanent secretary of the interior ministry.

The new name, he said, reflects the rich cultural history of the municipality.

According to the municipality, its members decided on the name change during a meeting on August 1.

Their decision was communicated to the interior minister and then the Council of Ministers, whose decree saw the decision printed in the government gazette.

The change is name is the first step in highlighting the region’s cultural capital, the Sacred Gardens of Aphrodite, which are located in the area.

It is expected that “will highlight the local advantage of the area, will give momentum to every claim or pursuit of the new municipality and will facilitate it in the implementation of its goals,” Palios said.