The award was presented by the International Confederation ‘The Phoenicians' Route of the Council of Europe’, and specifically, in the category ‘Innovative and creative enhancement of a cultural/archaeological site’.

Elena Tanou, president, Phoenicians’ Route Confederation, accepted the award on behalf of the two local organisations at a ceremony held in Sicily, Italy. The award was then received in Cyprus by the presidents of LTB and ONEK, along with Larnaca’s Mayor, in a modest ceremony that took place on November 10 at the Ancient Port of Kition archaeological site in central Larnaca.

It is important to note that this is the first time in Cyprus that ancient ruins have been virtually restored in 3D, and the award is the culmination of a series of joint initiatives between LTB and ONEK that concern digital upgrades of important monuments of the wider Larnaca region.

This particular project presents the 3D virtual restoration of the Ancient Port of Kition in five chronological phases: from 900 BC until 300 BC. A special software programme was used to combine historically accurate data from archaeological findings and studies of the French Archaeological Mission of Kition with virtual reality equipment, allowing viewers to see the ancient port and the surrounding area as it was 2,500 years ago in 3D format.

This ground-breaking and interactive experience transports viewers back in time, offering a previously unavailable opportunity to see the triremes (ancient vessels); the ship ramps and how vessels were towed on them; the sanctuary, and the workshops around the port. It is also significant that the finds unearthed at the archaeological site were integrated into the 3D video, allowing the user to see them in a 360° format and access information about them.