**Replica of Ancient Aphrodite of Lefkolla Welcomed to Paralimni**
Paralimni, Cyprus – A significant cultural event took place on Sunday as a replica of the ancient Aphrodite of Lefkolla was officially welcomed to the town of Paralimni. The ceremony, held in Protaras, was attended by Deputy Minister of Culture Clea Papaellinas, who emphasized the importance of this occasion for reconnecting the community with its historical roots.
During her speech, Papaellinas highlighted the symbolic value of the replica, stating, “This is an important moment, of symbolic value and substantial significance for our country.” She clarified, however, that the item being celebrated is a replica, as the original marble head of the Aphrodite of Lefkolla has been housed at the Neues Museum in Berlin for over 150 years.
The Deputy Minister pointed out that while the event does not signify the physical return of the original artifact, it does represent a reconnection with the knowledge, memory, and identity of the region. “We are not celebrating a return today in the narrow sense of the word,” she said, “but we are celebrating something equally substantial: the return of the knowledge, memory and identity of a place to the place itself.”
The initiative to bring the replica to Paralimni was the result of collaborative research conducted by the Paralimni-Dherynia municipality, in partnership with the Neues Museum and Humboldt University of Berlin. This effort underscores the importance of local archaeology and its relevance to the community.
Papaellinas remarked on the significance of the replica, stating that it allows residents to engage with an archaeological find that originates from their own area. “It is a reminder that ancient Lefkolla is not an abstract reference in history books, but part of the land on which Paralimni is built today,” she noted.
The Aphrodite of Lefkolla is depicted wearing a turreted crown, a characteristic also found on ancient coins issued by the kings of Salamis. This detail is not merely decorative; it underscores the historical significance of the Paralimni area in antiquity. “This is not accidental,” Papaellinas explained, highlighting that Lefkolla was a vital part of the ancient Cypriot world, situated within the territory of the kingdom of Salamis.
The Deputy Minister further elaborated on the broader implications of the replica’s arrival, stating that the local history of Paralimni is interconnected with the wider historical narrative of Cyprus. “The local history of Paralimni, in other words, is not a small, isolated history. It is an integral part of the wider history of Cyprus,” she concluded.
The event marks a renewed interest in the cultural heritage of the region and serves as a reminder of the rich history that underpins modern Paralimni. As residents and visitors alike engage with the replica, it is hoped that this initiative will foster a deeper appreciation for the area's archaeological significance and its contributions to Cypriot history.