Nicosia city centre was once a symbol of life and activity in Cyprus, especially in the 1980s, 1990s and early 2000s. Strolls along Makariou Street and the surrounding areas attracted not only residents of the capital, but also visitors from all over the island.
In the old days, iconic establishments such as Le Café and Café Da Capo were innovative , creating a new concept of cafes and restaurants, offering unique menus and a special atmosphere. The queues at the entrance testified to their popularity. In addition, the center was home to the first shopping malls – City Plaza and Capital Center on Makariou, as well as Galaxias on one of the neighboring streets. These centers were the forerunners of modern shopping malls, offering residents shops, recreational areas and entertainment for the whole family.
It is impossible not to mention the legendary parties and hangouts of that time: Versus, Zoo, Sfinakia and Martini’s, where people enjoyed moments of absolute carefreeness until the early hours of the morning. Some brands, such as Zara and Marks & Spencer, continue to operate successfully today, reminding us of the heyday.
Over time, the centre of Nicosia has lost its former popularity for a variety of reasons, leading to the closure of many establishments and the desertion of the main streets. However, the desire to restore the centre to its former attractiveness has become a priority for both developers and the authorities.
Modern projects and renovation
Today, the center of Nicosia is undergoing a remarkable transformation thanks to large-scale redevelopment projects. The Makariou-Stasinou-Evagorou area has been given a new lease of life by the renovation of its infrastructure and the emergence of modern buildings. One of these buildings is the Cyfield 360, which is not only the tallest building on the island, but also symbolizes the new look of the capital. Its floors are home to premium restaurants such as Bean Bar and shops of famous brands, including Häagen-Dazs.
Stasikratous Street is also home to innovative projects such as Stasikratous Residences, the second tallest building in Nicosia.
No less impressive is the Downtown Residences project, harmoniously integrated into the architectural landscape of the city. The complex combines innovation and elegance, making it an important part of the renewed center.
Next to the former GSP stadium , the King’s Gardens project is an embodiment of luxury and comfort. This complex offers spacious apartments with modern interiors and well-thought-out infrastructure for residents.
For investors and developers who continue to believe in Nicosia’s potential, the main challenge remains to restore the centre’s status as a prime destination for living, entertainment and leisure. The first results are already evident: the centre is coming alive again thanks to efforts to modernise and renew the urban environment.
Inspired by the successes of past years, Cypriots strive not only to restore the center of Nicosia to its former glory, but also to make it an example of a modern capital with a unique atmosphere and cultural heritage.
