Politis

EU Allocates €466,400 for Preservation of Cultural Heritage in Famagusta

Published January 21, 2026, 15:22
EU Allocates €466,400 for Preservation of Cultural Heritage in Famagusta

The European Union has allocated €466,400 to support the sustainable preservation of cultural heritage sites in the city of Famagusta, reaffirming its commitment to protecting the shared cultural heritage of Cyprus. The funding is for the delivery of specialized vehicles, machinery, and equipment to the local community, aiming to address the gap in regular maintenance after restoration work. This initiative builds on over a decade of restoration activities funded by the EU and implemented by the Technical Committee on Cultural Heritage (TCCH) in Famagusta. Since 2015, the TCCH has restored significant landmarks, including the Othello Tower, sections of the city walls, churches and mosques, as well as archaeological sites such as Salamis, Kampanopetra, and Agios Epiphanios. The provided equipment will significantly enhance the capacity of local authorities for regular and preventive maintenance, such as vegetation removal or emergency interventions, supporting a more sustainable approach to heritage management. The EU emphasizes that this approach links restoration with long-term preservation and strengthens local responsibility for historical sites. In total, since 2012, the EU has spent €32.5 million on the preservation of cultural heritage under the EU Aid Programme for the Turkish Cypriot community.