Historic Church Restoration Completed in a Mixed Village in Cyprus

The restoration of Timios Prodromos Church in Lapatos, Famagusta District, has been successfully completed. The project was funded by the European Union and carried out by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

According to Sotos Ktoris, co-chair of the Bicommunal Technical Committee on Cultural Heritage, the Church of Saint John the Baptist (Timios Prodromos) is located in Lapatos (Bogaziçi), a village situated between Lefkoniko (Geçitkale) and Trikomo (İskele).

Historically, Lapatos was a mixed village, home to both Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots. During the intercommunal violence of 1963-1964, it temporarily served as a shelter for displaced Turkish Cypriots.

The Greek Cypriot population left the village in August 1974. Today, its residents include Turkish Cypriots and Turkish settlers.

This restoration is part of ongoing efforts to preserve Cyprus’ multicultural heritage. Earlier in March, restoration work was also completed on a mosque in Alaminos, Larnaca District, and the Church of Saint Paraskevi in Famagusta.