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- Ελληνικά
A working visit to the Limassol District was made by the Deputy Minister of Culture, Dr.Vasiliki Kassianidou
The aim of the visit was to discuss with the competent officials of the Department of Antiquities issues concerning, among others, the upgrading and staffing of the Limassol and Episkopi Museums and the extension of their opening hours. The Deputy Minister of Culture visited the ancient port and the archaeological site of Amathus this morning, with the aim of upgrading the visitors' experience at the site. She then visited various burial monuments brought to light by rescue excavations by the Department of Antiquities in the area of Amathus, followed by a visit to the Limassol District Archaeological Museum and the Limassol Diocesan Museum. Finally, he visited the Community of Erimi to follow the progress of the rescue excavations.
In her statements to reporters, she said that the Limassol Archaeological Museum "has huge treasures, many new finds from the excavations made by the Department of Antiquities in the area of Amathus and elsewhere."
"It needs upgrading to display all the new finds that have come to light from new archaeological sites throughout the district," she said. She added that the museum is located in the core of the city and she believes it should remain there.
The museum, the Deputy Minister indicated, needs upgrading "so that the new finds can be displayed through a new museological study."
"There was a primary study done a few years ago, but it is outdated due to the findings and new trends," the Deputy Minister said.
She added that the aim is to create rooms of an educational nature, with information for visitors, pictorial material about the excavations and the sites. "A museum, of course, is the place not only for exhibition, but also for the work of both archaeologists and conservators," the Deputy Minister of Culture continued. So, she explained, it must have spaces where they can work and study the material.
Asked by a journalist whether the space of the museum is small, the Deputy Minister said that the museum has the potential to grow. The museum itself, she added, is also part of the architectural heritage. "We should not forget the modern architectural heritage," she noted, since it too has its own history. Asked about the time of implementation, the Deputy Minister noted that the relevant study needs to be done, to be included in the budget and the goal is to be implemented gradually.
To another question about the opening hours of museums, Dr. Kassianidou replied that actions have already been taken and several monuments operate on Sundays. Referring specifically to the Archaeological Museum of the Limassol District, she informed that it remains closed on weekends, but noted that the aim is to extend its opening hours soon.
She informed that a study has been prepared by the Department of Antiquities on the staff required in order to extend the opening hours.
He stated that the archaeological site of Amathus combines a unique experience of archaeological and natural wealth. "It is one of the few parts of the Limassol area where the actual landscape is preserved," he said. She then said that a management plan has already been drawn up, which aims to make the site more attractive to visitors through routes and information material.
We need to upgrade the archaeological sites and this is what we discussed today, along with personnel issues, the Deputy Culture Minister said, adding that in Episkopi she will visit the museum "which also needs upgrading and maintenance." Subsequently, she informed that she will go to the community of Erimi to be informed about the progress of the rescue excavations carried out by the Department of Antiquities in various pieces "belonging to private individuals who want to exploit them".
(Ephys/NYAN/MS)
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