Dutch royal couple wraps state visit with tour of Choirokoitia archaeological site (Pics & video)

The royal couple of the Netherlands visited on Wednesday the archaeological site of Choirokoitia (Neolithic Settlement), where they also had the opportunity to be informed about the excavations being carried out in the site of Palloures in Chloraka, Paphos, by the University of Leiden.

King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima were welcomed at the archaeological site by the Deputy Minister of Culture, Vasiliki Kassianidou, and the Director of the Department of Antiquities Giorgos Georgiou, who gave them a tour of Choirokoitia and answered several of their questions, including those about erosion problems in the area.

In statements following the royal couple's visit, Kassianidou expressed the satisfaction of the Deputy Ministry of Culture that "the archaeological site of Choirokoitia, which is one of the three archaeological sites in Cyprus which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was included in the King and Queen's programme."

Kassianidou emphasised the significance of Choirokoitia as an important archaeological site. She expressed optimism that the royal couple's visit would spark greater public interest in the archaeological site.

Regarding the royal couple's engagement with the site, Kassianidou noted that they showed genuine interest and asked numerous questions. Their interest extended beyond the historical and archaeological aspects to include practical matters such as site management, she noted. She explained that as a World Heritage Site, Choirokoitia must adhere to specific standards for maintenance, particularly due to its location on a steep slope.

She shared that King Willem-Alexander expressed interest in challenges related to the erosion caused by rain. The royal couple also inquired about the site's interpretation, social stratification, and the ongoing excavations conducted by Leiden University in Paphos.

Kassianidou added that an archaeologist from Leiden University, now working at the University of Cyprus, accompanied them during the visit. This archaeologist provided insights into the excavations at Chloraka-Palloures, which prompted many questions from the royal couple about this specific archaeological site.

The Deputy Minister of Culture highlighted the strong academic connection between Cyprus and the Netherlands, noting that many Cypriots study in Dutch institutions specialising, among others, in fine arts, music, cinema, and archaeology. She added that numerous University of Cyprus students pursue postgraduate studies in the Netherlands, emphasising the desire to maintain and further strengthen this collaboration.

Before departing, Queen Máxima of the Netherlands signed the visitor's book at the archaeological site of Choirokoitia. In her message, she expressed gratitude for the visit, writing: "Thank you very much for the interesting visit, for showing us Cyprus and the cooperation with Leiden University."