The Bedestan at the centre of old Nicosia reopens

to the public after the completion of a five year

EU-funded restoration project

The UNDP Partnership for the Future Programme has completed a five-year-long project on the

originally a 12th century Byzantine church and later used as a covered market place and has thus

incorporated throughout the centuries a variety of architectural restructuring.

The restoration and preservation of the monument is one of a number of initiatives within the wider

framework of the “Rehabilitation of Old Nicosia”, funded by the European Union and implemented by

UNDP Partnership for the Future, reflecting the multicultural life and many historical periods of the city.

importance of cultural heritage preservation. Hence, the restoration project has incorporated an

innovative method of anti-seismic support, vocational training as well as a high quality restorative works

on an international level.

The building will now function as a multicultural venue and exhibition space for the benefit of the

inhabitants of Nicosia and visitors alike.

The study, supervision and works amount to approximately 2 million Euro wholly funded by the

European Union. In addition, EVKAF has also contributed financially to the restoration project.

the research category The Study was aimed at the different phases of the monument's consolidation, its

conservative restoration and its re-insertion into the urban setting.

together with other monuments of cultural heritage will enhance the vision for urban upgrading and

reuse of the walled city.

Media are invited to cover the event. Please contact UNDP Partnership for the Future at the e-mail

below.