The Department of Antiquities, as the state body responsible for the preservation of the monuments and cultural heritage of the place, began the conservation of the monument in 2019, which after 1981, when it had been converted into a cultural centre of the Municipality of Nicosia, had not received any substantial conservation and was now presenting serious problems, especially after the flood of 2018.

The Ephorate of Monuments of the Department of Antiquities, with its specialised craftsmen, stonemasons and conservators, worked systematically and preserved the monument with the care it deserves. The maintenance and restoration of the Famagusta Gate, a project with a total cost of almost EUR1 million, included, in addition to the maintenance of the masonry and the restoration of the monument to its original form by removing modern interventions, the maintenance of the monumental doors, the construction of a new floor, the complete upgrade of the outdated electrical installations and the installation of lighting in a way that highlights the monument without disturbing its authenticity.

At the same time, its outdoor area at the moat site was appropriately designed, while the construction of new sanitary facilities is planned for this year, in collaboration with the Deputy Ministry of Culture and the technical services of the Municipality of Nicosia, with whom the Department of Antiquities collaborated closely on the entire project.

The government systematically invests in important infrastructure projects aimed at highlighting our cultural heritage, increasing visitor numbers to museums, monuments and archaeological sites, as well as improving the overall visitor experience, and the Famagusta Gate project is part of this broader framework.

Vasiliki Kassianidou, deputy minister of culture, Cyprus, in her speech, referred to the importance of reconnecting the Famagusta Gate monument with the contemporary cultural and social life of Nicosia, as a vibrant public space in the historic centre of the city. Kassianidou stated, “The planning of the renovation of the gate was carried out with absolute respect for the principles of minimal intervention, preserving the authenticity and integrity of the monument, while restoring previous inappropriate additions.”

It was stressed that the promotion of Nicosia's cultural heritage is a matter of key importance for the Deputy Ministry of Culture, as is the preservation and promotion of the city's historical value, especially at a time when Cyprus is at the centre of European interest with the assumption of the Presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU) and the reception of thousands of visitors. For this reason, he added, the Famagusta Gate will be utilized in various ways by the state machinery during the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU.

In closing, Kassianidou warmly thanked the Municipality of Nicosia for the impeccable and kind cooperation in the entire project of restoring the Gate and stated that the Deputy Ministry and the Municipality share a common vision that aims to reintegrate the Famagusta Gate into the cultural events of our country, offering an upgraded cultural attraction in the life of the city of Nicosia.

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