It was 2001, that is, 21 whole years ago , when the construction of the new Municipal Hall of Nicosia would begin in the city within the walls, between the Old Electric and the Archdiocese. A project that was completed in 2019 and with it brought huge changes in the area that for years seemed uninhabited and neglected.
Today, of course, the image of the region has changed drastically. Small shops, restaurants, small cafes, welcome hundreds of locals and tourists every day.
However, somewhere in all these places, it is a special, unknown to many, but which is perhaps the only place you will see Nicosia reunited, without outposts and barbed wire. A terrace, which is perhaps the most beautiful part of the capital. The terrace at the new City Hall of Nicosia. Where weddings, events or lectures take place on a frequent basis. Of course, this terrace is something else. An observatory. That was the goal, after all. As if you go up there to see the capital of Cyprus, but also to see the Pentadaktylos, the Pediaios river, but also Agia Sofia and the area of Saragio .. This is how you see a united Nicosia.
Time 5:10
Haramata July 1, time 5:10. Well – well, it wasn't dawn and Antonis – security guard at the new City Hall – was waiting for me, so that we could go see what the historian and archaeologist Anna Maragoushe described on Politis radio, after she had previously visited the famous terrace. Going up to the open event hall of the Municipality, you are first impressed by the layout of the space, since wood dominates all around, while the open ceiling allows the visitor, especially at night, to enjoy events under the starry sky. Of course, you can see the sight by going up the stairs.
Suddenly walking on the square terrace takes your breath away! Nicosia, from end to end, stretches in front of you and you understand, as Mrs. Marangou told me, why it was chosen to be the capital of Cyprus. To the north you see the Pentadaktylos, as a defensive line, as he told me, and on the other hand, along the city, the Pediaios river “unfolds”, especially visible at dawn when the first light of day begins to fall. In fact, if you are a little observant the look will reach up to One Apple! A few meters away, you see Agia Sofia, while to the south you see the towers reminiscent of the new times in Makariou. Right next to the Cathedral of the Apostle Barnabas, and opposite the minarets, which prove the multiculturalism of our city.
The roof that loved Anna
Anna Marangou is one of the people who criticized the construction of the new City Hall in this area, however, since she visited the roof the other day for the presentation of Niki Marangou's book “NICOSSIENSES” which is a tribute to Nicosia, and it is written in Greek, English and Turkish and contains rich photographic material by the well-known photographer Aruna Valtenas, he will tell us that “it is one of the most beautiful places in our city”. And she will continue to explain to us with her own eyes why this terrace is important for anyone who really wants to see what Nicosia is.
We quote what she told us Ms. Marangou:
“Half cities make half people. For me this point is what allows you to see Nicosia from 360o
It is a square space without limits, and with corridors where you walk and discover the real Nicosia. You see the Pentadaktylos, and the Pediaos River, which were the two main reasons for Nicosia becoming the capital of Cyprus. Your vision is free, it really takes your breath away. You don't see half of Nicosia. You see the city united, on one side the minarets, on the other towers, the Cathedral… You see a city without barbed wire. The real Nicosia”.
