Polish Heritage Days 2023
25.05.2023
As part of the Polish Heritage Days 2023, traditionally celebrated in May, we remind you about the achievements of Polish archaeological missions, whose almost 60-year presence on the island is the best example of Polish contribution to cultural life of Cyprus and has a special meaning for the relations between the two countries.
Polish archaeologists have been present in Paphos continuously since 1965. Initially, the research work was carried out by a mission from the University of Warsaw under the leadership of prof. Kazimierz Michałowski, and since 2011 a mission from the Jagiellonian University has joined under the leadership of prof. Ewdoksja Papuci-Władyka, supported by experts from the Warsaw University of Technology. Years of researches conducted by Polish scientists resulted in the discovery of such famous buildings as Theseus' Villa or Aion's House, and joint Polish and Cypriot research contributed significantly to inscribing the town of Paphos on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The Polish mission is the longest operating foreign archaeological expedition in Paphos. The achievements of Polish archaeologists and the need to continue and deepen Polish-Cypriot cooperation resulted in the idea of establishing the Polish Research Centre (Research Station) in the city of Paphos. The project is in progress.
As part of this year's celebrations of the Polish Heritage Days, the Ambassador of the Republic of Poland to the Republic of Cyprus, Mrs Irena Lichnerowicz-Augustyn met with the Mayor of Paphos, Mr. Phedonas Phedonos, whom she thanked for the years of cooperation, support and commitment to the development and strengthening of Polish-Cypriot bilateral relations. After the meeting the Ambassador, together with Professor Ewdoksia Papuci-Władyka, visited the archaeological site in Kato Paphos.
