Apostolos Kouroupakis
After nearly seven years of construction and setbacks, Nicosia’s historic Famagusta Gate has finally reopened, marking a major milestone for the capital’s cultural scene. The gate, which was closed in 2018 following a flood, has been restored through the combined efforts of the Department of Antiquities, the Department of Public Works, and the Nicosia Municipality, though at times, the project felt like a never-ending ping-pong of responsibilities.
The official reopening took place on Friday, January 9, led by Deputy Minister of Culture Lina Kassianidou, coinciding with Cyprus’ EU Presidency for the first half of 2026, a timing that many suggest may have helped push the project across the finish line.
Next Steps for the Surrounding Area
The reopening of the gate is just the beginning. Plans are underway to renovate the surrounding areas, including the moat, which hosts an outdoor theater and a sculpture park, the Peace Park above the gate, and the “Melina Mercouri” event hall. All these spaces together form the monumental Famagusta Gate complex, which has been recognized with the Europa Nostra medal for European cultural heritage protection. Authorities hope to revitalize the entire site and reintroduce it as a vibrant hub for Nicosia residents and visitors.
A Legacy of Cultural Vision
The article also reflects on the work of Lellos Demetriades and his team in 1981, who transformed Famagusta Gate into a cultural center during much more challenging times. Their efforts left a lasting imprint, remembered by older generations, and the hope is that the current municipal administration will continue this legacy, transforming Nicosia into a bustling, multi-layered cultural capital.
Despite Nicosia being recently named the best European cultural capital in an international ranking, the author stresses that such honors only matter if residents actually feel the impact through accessible and engaging cultural activities.
A Call for Vision and Persistence
The hope is that the Famagusta Gate reopening will inspire both the Nicosia Municipality and the Ministry of Culture to invest in additional critical cultural projects. The article emphasizes that modern cultural engagement has changed: what worked five or ten years ago is no longer enough. Vision, determination, and resources, similar to those shown by Lellos Demetriades and former mayors of Famagusta, are essential for turning cultural infrastructure into meaningful, living spaces.
Deputy Minister Kassianidou stressed in her opening remarks that Famagusta Gate will be used for a variety of purposes. The challenge now is for Nicosia’s municipal authorities and the Department of Antiquities to collaborate effectively, ensuring the city’s cultural assets are fully utilized, rather than falling into outdated models that no longer engage the public.
As the city celebrates this milestone, the underlying message is clear: Nicosia has the tools to cement its status as a vibrant European cultural capital, it just needs vision, ambition, and follow-through.
*Read the Greek version here.
