Each era has left its unique mark on Cyprus' rich history. Thousands of buildings, from ancient to modern skyscrapers, make up the country's architectural heritage. With their help it is possible to assess the degree of development of construction technologies in a given period. The most unique objects are always subjected to the scrutiny of scholars and specialists and undergo comprehensive evaluation. This blog presents a selection of Cypriot buildings that feature in the world's architectural rankings.
The Oval, Limassol
The Oval is a 75m high modern office centre located in the Neapolis district, close to the sea. The project, with its unusual oval shape, was designed and built by one of Cyprus' leading developers, Cybarco, in collaboration with Atkins. The shape of The Oval was inspired by large coastal pebbles and the architects used state-of-the-art software in the design process. The complex's double-curved shell is made of durable concrete, combined with a steel frame and clad in approximately 10,000 aluminium panels.
The open floor plan allows offices to be arranged to maximise sea views and access to natural light. The office centre offers a conference room, fitness centre, café, underground parking and a landscaped park around the perimeter.
A number of shops, restaurants and other services are within walking distance. The Oval is the first high-rise building in Cyprus to use geothermal energy and has been awarded a Class A Energy Efficiency Certificate.
Properties for sale in The Oval
Ayia Napa Monastery
In the east of Cyprus lies one of the most revered Christian sanctuaries - the Monastery of Ayia Napa. The origin of its name is inextricably linked to the icon of the Virgin Mary of Ayia Napa, which translates from Greek as the Virgin of the Holy Forest. In ancient times the area of Famagusta was covered with dense vegetation. The first mention of the monastery dates back to the second half of the 14th century - the era of Venetian rule in Cyprus. According to legend, a hunter and his dog were walking through the woods when they found a cave and entered it, where they discovered an icon of the Virgin Mary. When the locals heard about the discovery of the holy place, they began to visit it and built a chapel here. In the XVI century Cyprus came under the influence of the Ottoman Empire, when the monastery, untouched by the colonisers, became a refuge and a spiritual symbol of the nation. It should be noted that at various times the cells of the monastery served as a refuge for both women and men, but historians are still unable to find the reason why the church was abandoned in 1758.
In the middle of the 18th century, a village grew up around the monastery, whose first inhabitants were immigrants from Thessaloniki who had left their homeland because of the plague. During this period, the monastery was thoroughly renovated and its property was transferred to the local peasants. After the establishment of British rule in 1878, Ayia Napa became a permanent parish attended by people from other parts of the island. In the 50s of the last century, extensive restoration work was carried out in order to preserve all the historic buildings. During the reign of Archbishop Makarios III of the Cypriot Orthodox Church, the monastery served as an ecumenical centre, uniting the parishes of Cyprus and the Middle East.
For reference, ecumenism is a movement to bring together and unite different Christian denominations.
Due to the constant influx of parishioners, a new church was built southwest of the monastery in the 90s. At present there is a museum on the site and after the revival of the Holy Metropolis of Constantia Ammohostos (Famagusta) in 2007, the monastery came under its administration. Throughout the year it hosts masses and religious festivals, the most important of which is the Birthday of the Virgin Mary. The Monastery of Ayia Napa is a truly gracious place where every parishioner can find solace and peace of mind.
Ayia Napa Monastery on the map
White Walls, Nicosia
The White Walls, also known as Tower 25, is a skyscraper located in the central part of Nicosia. Designed by the famous architect Jean Nouvel, the 62-metre high building is recognised as one of the main landmarks of the Cypriot capital due to its distinctive and unique design. The main façade of the building has full-length balconies, while others are marked by pixelated patterns of 40x40cm square voids that serve as windows and ventilation openings in the hot climate.
The first 6 floors are occupied by Ernst & Young offices, then there are 7 floors of apartments and a 2-storey penthouse with swimming pool offering beautiful panoramic views of Nicosia. Within walking distance is the central Eleftheria Square, recently redeveloped by the equally renowned architect Zaha Hadid. In 2016, White Walls was recognised as Europe's best high-rise building, beating 132 competitors. Its modern, innovative design and integration into the urban environment make it an architectural landmark in the capital's surroundings.
Agia Kyriaki Church, Paphos
The Church of Agia Kyriaki was built by the Catholic Diocese of Paphos in 1500 on the site of a Byzantine basilica destroyed during the Arab raids on the island. The interior architecture of the church, whose roof is crowned by an octagonal lantern, has 3 naves with columns. During the following centuries, the church of Agia Kyriaki underwent a number of changes, especially at the turn of the XIX century, when a bell tower was added. In the courtyard there is the famous column of St Paul, to which he was tied by the Romans who invaded Cyprus. As a punishment for preaching Christianity, St Paul received 39 lashes.
In 1987, Metropolitan Chrysostomos of Paphos gave the church to a Catholic parish, and since then the Anglican and Lutheran Diocese of Cyprus has served here. On special occasions, such as the Feast of Apostles Peter and Paul, Orthodox rites can be observed in the church. Excavations in the area have uncovered the remains of a Byzantine basilica and an ancient Roman forum, which serve as the foundations of the religious building. Like the ancient city of Paphos, the church of Agia Kyriaki is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today it is a true symbol of Christianity, a centre of religious pilgrimage and one of the most visited architectural monuments in Cyprus.
Agia Kyriaki Chrysopolitissa in the map
Limassol Blu Marine, Limassol
Blu Marine is a comfortable residential complex located next to the Limassol Marina in the western part of the city. The master plan of the project was the result of the cooperation between the British companies Benoy and Buro Happold, and was implemented "in stone" by the famous Cypriot developer Leptos Group. The complex is currently under construction. When completed, it will consist of three buildings, two of which will be residential: 'Poseidon', 33 storeys high, and the 30-storey 'Zeus', which offers a beautiful view of the Mediterranean.
Inside the buildings there will be apartments ranging from one to five bedrooms, finished with top-quality ecological materials. At the base of the towers is a 9 metre high podium with a fitness centre, spa, car park, bistro, restaurant and a luxurious 50 metre panoramic swimming pool. The complex, which offers its residents world-class 24-hour services, is surrounded by green landscaping. Blu Marine has won numerous architectural awards, including the European Property Awards 2021.
Leptos Limassol Blu Marine on the map
Properties for sale in the Blu Marine project
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