This summer, Cypriots and tourists will have another good reason to visit the Troodos mountains.
At the beginning of the summer, a new observatory will open its doors to visitors.
Remember that the project was officially completed back in 2024, but was not open to the public due to a long search for a maintenance company. The contractor has finally been found. During the tender process, it was decided that this important infrastructure project would be entrusted to two companies: Troodos Area Communities Development Company LTD and 1010 Cosmos Ltd (a joint venture between ANET and 1010 Cosmos Ltd).
This means that there are no longer any obstacles to the opening of a new Cypriot attraction. According to the diakivernisi.gov.cy portal, this happy event will take place at the end of May 2025. This news was also confirmed by sources in the administration of the President of Cyprus, who said that infrastructure improvements around the observatory building are currently being completed. This includes the construction of an access road and pavements.
It should be noted that the construction of the observatory will be completed in May 2024. The President of Cyprus, Nicos Christodoulides, was present at the ceremony to mark this important event. From the outside, the building resembles a spaceship, with a mirrored dome 5.6 metres high. Its design was inspired by the iconic Star Wars franchise.
The observatory is located at an altitude of 1.200 metres, near the villages of Agridia and Khandria (near Agros). The site was chosen because of the low level of light pollution that affects stargazing, as well as the low humidity. More than 200 cloudless Cypriot nights a year will allow astronomers to observe the stars without interference.
The architectural design of the project was developed by Helena Tsolakis in collaboration with her brother Nicodemus. Their idea is for the observatory to look like a spaceship that has just landed and is ready to take off. The building houses two main telescopes: a 20-inch astronomical telescope and a telescope for observing the sun. The total cost of the project was €1.77 million, of which €348,000 was spent on astronomical equipment.
It is worth mentioning that the Cyprus Observatory recently won the first prize at the World Architecture Festival (WAF) 2024 in Singapore, in the category of completed projects (Civic & Community). The new observatory is expected to attract scientists, researchers and astronomy enthusiasts from all over the world, as well as becoming a centre of attraction for all schools in Cyprus.