The longstanding neglect of a 19th-century windmill in the Exo Vrysi area has sparked public outcry, with Paphos mayor Phedonas Phedonos openly criticising the Department of Antiquities for its inaction.

In a video posted on Friday, the mayor expressed frustration over what he perceives as the department’s indifference towards preserving local heritage. The video, which can be viewed here, captured his pointed remarks and ignited widespread debate.

The windmill, built in 1882 by Othonas Trechakis, son of Dimitrios Trechakis, the Greek consul in Cyprus during the Ottoman era, has been closed for over 15 years, awaiting much-needed restoration. Once an essential fixture of daily life, the windmill was instrumental in milling wheat, extracting oil, and processing other agricultural produce, playing a pivotal role in the local economy of the time.

Speaking to Cyprus Mail, Phedonos said he had approached the Department of Antiquities four to five times, repeatedly appealing for its restoration, emphasising the potential for it to become a significant cultural attraction.

“This windmill is not just a structure, it’s a chapter of our city’s history,” he said.

“It stands as a symbol of the ingenuity and resilience of our ancestors. The department’s refusal to act shows they don’t care about preserving our heritage.”

The mayor’s frustration stems from repeated dismissals by the Department of Antiquities, which argued that restoring the windmill is a complex and challenging project. However, Phedonos remains unconvinced, stressing that the structure’s historical significance warrants immediate action.

The windmill’s story has been documented by Lia Constantinou, a local historian whose work has shed light on Paphos’ past. Thanks to her efforts, the site has been recognised as a symbol of the city’s transformation, from a landscape filled with carob, almond, and olive orchards to the urban sprawl seen today.

The Cyprus Mail’s attempts to obtain a comment from the Department of Antiquities were unsuccessful, but later on Friday Phedonos told the newspaper that Dr Giorgos Georgiou, the department director, had contacted him directly, committing to initiate the windmill’s restoration after years of inaction.

“It’s about time they took responsibility,” the mayor remarked.

“We owe it to future generations to preserve this piece of history.”

With restoration now on the horizon, residents and visitors alike hope to soon see the windmill reopened, not merely as a tourist attraction but as a testament to Paphos’ rich and multifaceted heritage.