A section of a large circular walkway around the walls of the old city of Nicosia has been inaugurated.
The official ceremony was attended by the Minister of Transport and Public Works, Alexis Vafeades, and the Mayor of the Cypriot capital, Constantinos Yiorkadjis.
According to the Mayor of Nicosia, the project is part of a wider plan to transform the perimeter of the walls and moat into a green space that will dominate the area.
The reunification of five sections of the moat, for the first time since British rule, will allow every resident and visitor to the capital to enjoy a stroll alongside a historic monument. Nicosia has changed and is making steady progress in many projects that are interrelated and make up the social infrastructure of the city," said Vafeades.
The minister added that it was important to include in the new route a walk to the bust of Doros Loizou, so that new generations have the opportunity to get in touch with history.
It should be remembered that the modernisation of the area around the walls of the Old Town will begin in the autumn of 2022. The implementation of this major project will be carried out by the Cyfield company. All the works are concentrated in the area from the junction of Trikoupi Street, Douro Loizou Bridge and Constantinou Palaiologou Street to Agios Antonios Park and Liberty Square.
According to the plan, the developer has been commissioned to create a new modern pedestrian and cycle path along the walls, which will be connected to the wider network and have lift access to other properties on the hill. The project also includes landscaping along the path, creating viewing platforms, installing benches, stairs and an energy efficient lighting system throughout the area.
The project has a budget of €3.2 million.