23.05.2024
Newly opened observatory in the Troodos region is expected to attract new visitors, both local and foreign, eager to explore the fields of astronomy and space.
Construction work was carried out by J. Mantis Constructions Ltd under a contract signed with the Limassol district administration in April 2021 for the construction of infrastructure, supply and installation of stargazing equipment in the village of Agridias .
The project architects are Nikodimos K. Tsolakis and Elena K. Tsolakis from Kyriakos Tsolakis Architects , who designed the building, which has received many international awards.
The observatory will become a pole of attraction for astronomers, observers, scientists, researchers and astronomy enthusiasts from all over the world, Cypriot schools, as well as guests from abroad.
The project further strengthens the astrotourism sector , whose followers are characterized by a high level of education, culture and environmental awareness.
As an alternative form of tourism, the project has the potential to enrich the region’s tourism product by strengthening mountain communities and promoting environmental education and environmental protection.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the President of the Republic emphasized that the government will provide technical support to put the observatory into operation. The goal is to have a contractor selected by September to take over overall management and promote the project as an important landmark for the region.
The project is expected to have a positive impact on the development of the entire region and its ability to complement a number of government measures aimed at creating a renewed tourism policy for the Troodos mountain product , in the context of the National Strategic Development of Troodos and the National Tourism Strategy.
The establishment of the Troodos Observatory is fully consistent with the objectives of both the National Space Strategy 2022-2027 and the Research and Innovation Strategy approved by the Council of Ministers in December 2023.
“The space sector is a new priority for Cyprus in the field of research and technology. Our country has already created a satellite communications and satellite navigation infrastructure through private initiatives,” said Nikos Christodoulides .
Troodos Observatory is one of the main results of the project entitled ” Astro Observation and the Natural Environment – An Alternative Product for the Development and Promotion of Geoparks in the Eastern Mediterranean” with the acronym GEOSTARS, which is being implemented within the framework of the Interreg VA Greece-Cyprus. The cooperation program for 2014-2020 is 85% financed by the EU and 15% by national resources of Greece and Cyprus.
The project began in June 2018 and, following an extension by the Managing Authority, was completed in December 2023 with an initial budget of €2,678,400.
It is noted that the collaborating bodies from Cyprus are the Forestry Department as the lead partner, the Troodos Community Development Company, the Agridis Community Council , the Limassol District Administration and the University of Nicosia Research Foundation. From Greece, the municipality of Sitia , the University of Crete and the Greek Ministry of Tourism are participating in the project .
The focus of the project’s activities is the creation or modernization of stargazing infrastructure in Crete and Cyprus, for example the construction of the Troodos Observatory in the community of Agridis , the creation of an open space for stargazing in the Troodos National Forest Park , the establishment of an Astroschool Sitia and the modernization of the Skinaka Observatory on the summit of Psiloritis .
