Ayia Varvara, Cyprus. Planning permission has been awarded for Cyprus’ first crematorium, to be built in the Paphos district village of Ayia Varvara, according to Golden Leaves Cyprus Crematorium. The company said construction is expected to start in September and be completed within 18 months.
Project timeline and purpose
Golden Leaves Cyprus Crematorium described the approval as a milestone in the modernisation of funeral care services in Cyprus and said it will proceed to the next stages of development. The company said the facility will offer an alternative to traditional burial for families choosing cremation.
Services and community demand
The company said the project is expected to address a longstanding need among Cypriot citizens and the island’s international resident community, many of whom have been required to travel abroad for cremation services.
Planned features
Golden Leaves Cyprus Crematorium said the building will include modern ceremony halls, landscaped memorial areas, and cremation systems with advanced filtration and low-emission technology. It added that emphasis will be placed on creating an environment that accommodates all religious and cultural communities.
Design and cost details
The initial plan set the building area at 11,000 square metres, to be constructed from reinforced concrete and bricks over two floors, comprising a basement and a ground floor. The plot allocated to the crematorium was over 455,000 square metres, with the cost estimated at €2.2 million.
Ground-floor layout
The plan foresaw a main entrance and waiting area, three offices for staff, a kitchen, a ceremony area with seating for 70 funeralgoers, and sanitary facilities.
What impact do you think the opening of Cyprus’ first crematorium will have on funeral services on the island?