Conservation works at the Church of Panagia (Virgin Mary) in the the Turkish-occupied village of Lysi, will start soon by the Technical Committee on Cultural Heritage (TCCH), Greek Cypriot co-chairman of the Committee, Sotos Ktoris, said on Sunday. Speaking to the Cyprus News Agency (CNA), he noted that works are expected to be completed by next autumn.

Speaking to CNA, Ktoris said that works are about to begin and will be carried out with the financial contribution of the Lysi Community and of the European Union. He also noted that the project will be implemented under the technical supervision of the UNDP.

According to TCCH, works will include, among other things, fixing broken doorways and large openings, which are in need of repair, addressing issues in relation to dampness, along with repairs in the roof and stone elements that are part of the neo-Gothic church.

Referring to the history of the building, Ktoris said building the Church of Panagia at Lysi started in the late 19th century and was completed in the early 20th century.

Finally, Ktoris said that more announcements will follow regarding the preservation of other monuments.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively.

Source: Parikiaki.com