It is a gate that will be opened in many different ways during the Cyprus EU Presidency, was the culture deputy minister's meaning during a speech at the inauguration of the renovated Venetian monument in the walled city of Nicosia.
Vasiliki Kassianidou briefly referred to the historical significance of the gate, as well as renovation work. The area closed down as a cultural centre in 2018 when it flooded following torrential rains.
Renovation and maintenance programmes by the department of antiquities came at a cost of a million euro, as Kassianidou described the monument as 'an integral part of the historic urban personality and architecture of Nicosia'.
The goal here, as she said, is to essentially reconnect the space with the modern culture and social life of the capital as a leaving and breathing public centre, in the city's historic centre.
'Showcasing the cultural heritage of Nicosia is of vital importance in maintaining its historical value, particularly at a time when Cyprus finds itself at the nucleus of European interest after taking up the EU Presidency which will see thousands visit its capital', Kassianidou noted.
During the six month Presidency stint, the Famagusta Gate will host a number of functions and will be utilised in many different ways.
The revonation planning, as the culture deputy minister further said, was in full respect of the need for the least possible intervention and maintaining the authenticity and integrity of the document, while at the same time, removing previous inappropriate additions, always keeping in mind historical value and maintenance safeguards for future generations.
'The Christodoulides government systematically invests in major investment work that showcase the cultural heritage of the country and promote museum and archaeological sites attendance,' Kassianidou added, noting that safeguarding this heritage is a collective responsibility.|
Noting the historical richness of the capital, the culture deputy minister referred to the walled city where visitors have the opportunity to marvel at the revamped Famagusta Gate and find out more about one of the most significant examples of medieval forticifation architecture, signifying the strategic importance and role of Nicosia in the Eastern Mediterranean during the Middle Ages.
Antiquities Department Director Yiorgos Yeorgiou said that renovation work on Famagusta Gate was launched in February 2019, with the goal being to fully restore the stone and wooden parts of the structure, with this purpose fully achieved by 2023.
The goal of upgrading sound, air conditioning infrastructures, facilities and amenities is still under way, partially concluded.
'Work on the monument has also improved our knowledge on many of its aspects', he added.