Famagusta:Restoration works on the frescoes and the wooden carved iconostasis of the historic Monastery of the Apostle Varnavas in Engomi, Famagusta, have been completed.

According to Cyprus News Agency, Dr. Sotos Ktoris, Greek Cypriot Co-Chair of the Technical Committee on Cultural Heritage, stated that maintenance and waterproofing works of the roof were also completed to protect the monument from moisture and deterioration.

The frescoes, created by the monk brothers Chariton, Stefanos, and Varnavas in the early 20th century, depict scenes from ecclesiastical tradition related to the Apostle Varnavas and the Church of Cyprus's autocephaly. The restoration project was co-financed by the European Union and implemented under the supervision of the UNDP.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, following Turkey's invasion and occupation of its northern third, leading to the destruction of many historical and religious monuments. The latest UN-led peace negotiations in Crans-Montana in July 2017 ended without resolution.