Nicosia’s main square
Once upon a time, Nicosia’s Venetian walls were surrounded by a moat, filled with water from the river Pedieos. The walls, in the shape of a circle with 11 bastions, protected the ancient city, which could be accessed only through few gates.
Nowadays, the moat is dried, and the city developed well beyond its walls.
Between the old and the new city, right at the end of the main shopping street, Eleftheria Square represents a bridge between past and present.
It is not only a square but a multi level city space.
The upper part is an uncovered square, while the lower part, where the ancient moat used to be, develops towards the east, going around D’Avila Bastion.
Walking in the lower part of the square you can admire the beautiful Venetian walls, often forgotten in the daily life of the Nicosians. There are fountains, trees, benches, tiny gardens, a small amphitheater, several common spaces.
The debate
The square has a futuristic look that clashes with the ancient walls and historical look of the old city. At night, also thanks to the colorful lights, it seems that a spaceship landed right in the middle of the capital, and merged with its most historical landmarks.
Eleftheria square has been designed by the late archistar’s studio Zaha Hadid Architects, following an international competition launched in 2005. The project was co-financed by the European Structural and Investment Fund, the Republic of Cyprus and the Municipality of Nicosia.
The inauguration finally took place in 2021, after many years of works and some delays.
Several locals complained about the extremely modern look of the square. They claim that it does not represent Cyprus.
However, the same sterile modern look can be seen in the hotels of Famagusta district and most of all, in the Limassol’s skyline, every day more populated of skyscrapers.
The island is looking for modernization, sometimes forgetting about its heritage.
The social space
Since it’s inauguration, Eleftheria square has hosted several events such as festivals, concerts, book fairs, open air cinema nights, gatherings etc.
It is also the starting/ending point of many demonstrations to promote peace, equality, women’s rights, unification of the island, gay pride and many more.
In its daily life, the square is mostly used by foreigners that gather in the benches and walk among the fountains. In general it seems that Cypriots do not make a large use of public spaces.
Does this mean that freedom square (Eleftheria means freedom in Greek) is serving its purpose of giving space and voice to the least free in the society?
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