In the matter of locating the University of Cyprus in the historic center of Nicosia, an unexpected but strategically important shift has emerged. After the idea of relocating the Faculty of Architecture to the building of the former Faneromeni School effectively reached a dead end, a new scenario appeared. Archbishop Georgios stated that he is ready to give approval for housing the Faculty of History and Archaeology in the historic building. This step could become key to revitalizing the capital’s center, which for a long time has suffered from the outflow of local residents and businesses.
Why the idea of relocating the Faculty of Architecture was abandoned
Initially, the project involving the Faculty of Architecture was seen as logical and prestigious. However, it required the construction of an additional auxiliary building behind the main Faneromeni School structure. Financing this part of the project would have fallen on the state, but the government stated that it was not prepared to take on such expenses. As a result, discussions reached an impasse despite initial support from the Archbishopric.
The key condition put forward by the church from the very beginning was that the project must ensure a real and daily inflow of students into the old city. For this reason, the idea of housing exclusively research units of the university in the building was rejected. Such a format did not solve the task of revitalizing the center and did not create sustainable urban traffic.
The Faculty of History and Archaeology as a compromise
The turning point came after the proposal to relocate the Faculty of History and Archaeology to the Faneromeni School. In terms of the number of students and teaching staff, it is comparable to the Faculty of Architecture, while not requiring the construction of additional buildings. Moreover, the faculty’s specialization itself organically fits into the historical environment of Nicosia and enhances the educational and cultural value of the project. Archbishop Georgios made it clear that he is ready to give the “green light” to this option. This approach will make it possible to combine the interests of the church, the university, and the city.
An informal meeting and a political signal
An important moment in resolving this issue was an informal meeting between the Archbishop and the Rector of the University of Cyprus, Tasos Christofidis, held on January 30 on the sidelines of a public event. The rector himself had previously admitted that he was eagerly awaiting a final decision. And as soon as he received an answer, the university promptly informed Finance Minister Makis Keravnos of the positive developments. In turn, the government confirmed its support for the initiative and proposed creating a joint working group to work out the financial and technical aspects in detail.
Role of the state and the issue of financing
Despite political agreement, the project cannot be implemented without state participation. The reconstruction of the former Faneromeni School building requires significant investment, amounting to millions of euros. These funds are necessary to adapt the historic site to modern educational standards while complying with cultural heritage preservation requirements.
The authorities have already made it clear that they view this project within the context of a broader strategy to revitalize the old city. This is not a one-time investment, but a long-term contribution to the development of Nicosia’s center as an educational and social space.
What the project will bring to the historic center of Nicosia
The relocation of the Faculty of History and Archaeology means the constant presence of around two hundred students within the city walls. This will create stable demand for housing in Nicosia, cafés, shops, and services, which is especially important for an area that has faced economic stagnation for many years.
Beyond the economic effect, the project is capable of changing the social character of the capital’s center. The appearance of youth, an academic environment, and cultural activity will contribute to the formation of new initiatives and the return of life to areas that had been gradually emptying.
It is important to note that the idea of reconstructing the Faneromeni School did not arise out of nowhere. In 2021, a memorandum of cooperation was signed between the state, the Archbishopric, the University of Cyprus, and the Municipality of Nicosia. Under this agreement, the government announced incentives for the construction of student dormitories totaling around 30 million euros, as well as support measures for entrepreneurs in the historic center.
An additional boost to the project may also come from the presence of students from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, who are already studying under joint programs. Taken together, this could increase the number of students in the old city by several hundred people.