Eleftheria Square weaves together Nicosia’s rich history with an unwavering optimism for the future. Establishing the square as the city’s primary gathering space, the design creates new connections intended to unite a divided capital. Nicosia’s historic Venetian fortifications separate the old city from its modern districts, while the city’s ‘Green Line’ divides the capital into two disparate communities.
Zaha Hadid Architects envisioned Eleftheria Square as the initial phase of a larger urban plan that could be a catalyst for the reunification of the capital. The design ensures unobstructed views of the Venetian walls, establishing these fortifications as an integral part of Nicosia’s identity, while also transforming previously inaccessible areas of the moat with new civic plazas and gardens.
Future phases could extend these new public spaces within the moat to follow the ancient city walls and encircle Nicosia, creating an orbital park that reconnects the communities of this divided capital.
The square’s upper level bridge meets the surrounding streetscape, connecting with the city’s urban fabric and defining a new public square in the heart of the capital to become an important gateway to the old city.
The bridge and its supporting columns are crafted in concrete, their sculptural forms ensure structural integrity in this seismic region while the base of each column morphs into seating.
The renovation of the square involved archaeological excavations together with works to protect the historic city walls. New stairs and elevators directly connect with the bus terminal in Solomos Square.
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