Nicosia has won the European Heritage Award / Europa Nostra 2025 for the restoration and adaptive reuse of the Old Municipal Market. The award ceremony took place at the CYENS Centre of Excellence, now housed in the historic building and serving as its new “heart.”
At the event, a commemorative Europa Nostra plaque was unveiled, symbolizing international recognition and respect for Nicosia’s efforts in cultural heritage preservation. The award was initially presented in October in Brussels by representatives of the European Commission and Europa Nostra, who highlighted the Old Municipal Market as an exemplary case of modernizing historic structures without compromising their cultural value.
Reviving the Heart of a Divided City
Nicosia Mayor Charalambos Proutsos emphasized that the award recognizes not only architectural achievements but also the collective effort to breathe new life into the city center. Located in the historic part of the capital, the Old Municipal Market demonstrates that cultural heritage can unite people and inspire collaborative creativity.
Proutsos noted that the building now serves as a platform for cooperation between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots — including researchers, artists, entrepreneurs, and scientists.
“Innovation knows no borders. This project is the result of faith in collaboration, reimagining, and a shared vision of the future,” said Proutsos, expressing special gratitude to the project architect Yorgos Tsangaridis, who played a key role in its realization.
From Goods Market to ‘Ideas Market’
CYENS CEO Yorgos Chrysanthou recalled that the building, designed over 60 years ago by pioneering architect Stavros Ikonomou, once served as a center of trade and social interaction. After the division of Cyprus in 1974, the market fell into disrepair. Today, it has been transformed into a modern hub for science, technology, culture, and creativity.
The project architect presented the long-term restoration concept, detailing the challenges of preserving the building’s historic structure while integrating contemporary functionality. Through innovative approaches, the project not only retained the original architectural character but also breathed new life into the space.
A Symbol of Cultural Unity and Innovation
Europa Nostra Vice-President Andrulla Vasiliou congratulated Nicosia’s municipality and all project participants, noting that the renovation of the Old Municipal Market is a unique example of combining cultural heritage with innovative technologies and social inclusion principles.
The project, valued at approximately €5 million, was implemented under the THALIA – Social Cohesion program, co-financed by the European Union. Today, CYENS functions as a collaborative platform where academic and creative communities, startups, research centers, and civic initiatives intersect, shaping a new cultural and technological landscape in the capital.
Nicosia — A City Connecting Past and Future
The comprehensive renovation of the Old Municipal Market is more than an architectural project. It is a symbol of unity, renewal, and sustainable development, reflecting the spirit of modern Nicosia. Initiatives like this strengthen the city’s position on Europe’s cultural map, demonstrating that heritage preservation and innovation can go hand in hand.