New excavation at 13th century Carmelite church in Kato Polemidia
The antiquities department has announced the completion of the second season of excavations at the 13th century church ‘Panayia Karmiotissa’ in Kato Polemidia.
From historical sources the site is believed to be first established by the Carmelites in Cyprus during the 13th century. However, the existing church, according to architectural references, is estimated to have been built during the 14th century.
In this year’s continuation of the 2023 excavations several layers from the 13th century were investigated. These included the northern terraces and behind the church chevet – the apse giving access to chapels at the back of the high altar. Underneath, a limestone floor was revealed, under which there is evidence of a possible water distribution system.
Inside the pit behind the church chevet 20 buried bodies were uncovered, which were carefully exhumed. At least five phases of burial were identified, one of them reached by the creation of a flight of stairs underneath the church chevet. This element suggests the existence of underground structures.
In the upper layers, many fragments of wall paintings including letters and clothing patterns have been recovered.
The project is the result of three years of close collaboration between the Eratosthenes Centre of Excellence and the CNRS Laboratoire d’archéologie médiévale et moderne en Méditerranée. The research team consists of Dr Margot Hoffelt, Dr Andreas Nicolaides, Dr Kyriacos Themistocleous and Dr Andreas Anayiotos.