Pattichio Municipal Park in Larnaca has officially opened to visitors. After an eight-month delay, residents and visitors to the city now have access to the fully renovated public space.
The park, the largest in Larnaca by area, was handed over to the local municipality several days ago. Work began in October 2023, while implementation of the project was delayed mainly due to changes to the original plan. These changes followed a strong reaction from local residents, who opposed the excessive use of concrete and called for the natural character of the area to be preserved.
What’s new in the renovated park
One of the main new features is a circular elevated pedestrian walkway built around the existing amphitheatre. The route passes through the trees at approximately canopy level, allowing visitors to experience the park from an unusual height.
New viewing platforms overlooking Larnaca Salt Lake have also been created. One of them has already become a popular spot for watching the sunset. In addition, the park now features:
- new walking and cycling routes;
- children’s playground;
- botanical garden with aromatic plants;
- café-restaurant;
- additional information signs;
- new landscaped areas.
In total, two new viewing platforms overlooking the Salt Lake have been created.
Residents and visitors will be able to exercise, socialise, attend cultural events and enjoy views of the Salt Lake and the natural beauty surrounding Pattichio Park from the viewing platforms, Larnaca Municipality said.
Infrastructure
The project also included upgrades to the park’s existing infrastructure. Pedestrian paths, entrance areas, lighting, street furniture and fencing were renovated.
New parking spaces and toilets have also been added. The area has been adapted for pedestrians, cyclists and people with disabilities. Separate improvement works were carried out at the nearby Pattichio Amphitheatre, where new seating was installed. To improve safety, permanent 24-hour security patrols have also been introduced throughout the park. According to Larnaca Mayor Andreas Vyras, the initial feedback from residents and visitors regarding the renovated park has been generally positive.
It was initially reported that the renovation budget would exceed €5 million, but the final cost of the project amounted to €6.6 million. The redevelopment was implemented with co-financing from the European Union under the THALIA 2021–2027 Cohesion Policy Programme.
The park is already open to visitors, while a separate official opening ceremony is expected to take place in October or November, according to the authorities’ plans.