Eleftheria Square — Attraction in Nicosia

Eleftheria Square in Nicosia is not just a public space—it’s a conversation between past and future, structure and void, city and citizen. Designed by the late Zaha Hadid, this ambitious project has stirred both admiration and debate, but one thing is certain: it leaves no one indifferent.

Set against the backdrop of the medieval Venetian walls, the square is a sculptural intervention that redefines the city’s center. Flowing concrete forms rise from the ground like ribbons, guiding movement organically while carving out minimalist seating, water features, and green zones. The design isn’t trying to blend in—it’s making a statement. And for lovers of contemporary architecture, it’s a must-see.

Designers will appreciate the way Hadid’s signature fluidity is adapted here to an urban scale. There’s a cinematic rhythm to the space—everything unfolds gradually as you walk through it. The layering of levels, the interplay of light and shadow, the contrast between raw concrete and the organic geometry—it’s a masterclass in spatial choreography.

Is it perfect? No. The heat in summer can be intense due to the expansive surfaces, and some locals still question its stark modernity. But for architects and designers, it’s a rare opportunity to experience Hadid’s urban vision in a setting charged with historical weight.

Whether you come to sketch, photograph, or simply reflect on the evolution of civic space, Eleftheria Square offers an experience that’s as much intellectual as it is visual. Highly recommended for anyone passionate about design and public...

Would be a nice spot if it wasn’t for the guard whistling out KIDS from the playground for no reason at all. (Edit: Apparently the kids LOOKED too old for the guard; and it is strictly forbidden for anyone over 12 years old to use the playground even if it is almost completely empty (there were only like three smaller kids there) since there are no shadows in the heat. Also the guys smoking joints right next to the guard didn’t seem to bother him a lot. But the kids who want to play on the playground built from taxpayer money? That’s a big no-no! Seriously Nicosia?) Also you can’t step on those few teeny-tiny grass patches otherwise God knows what might happen. Otherwise the design of the square with its fountains and the somewhat small green patches looks quite nice, there are also a few cafés, a toilet and a parking nearby. Maybe there could be less concrete and more trees but it’s a nice and modern square overall (right next to the old city walls) that looks...

Place is awesome. Will suggest only to go at night, since during night you will experience cold breeze fresh air, lightning all over the square, water fountains with colourful lights, and flora and fauna embedded in lights. Worth visiting and enjoying the night views.

Back to history: This Eleftheria Square as the city’s primary gathering space, Zaha Hadid Architects’ (ZHA) design creates new connections intended to unite a divided capital. Nicosia’s massive Venetian fortifications separate the old city from its modern districts, while the city’s ‘Green Line’ divides the capital into two disparate communities. I’m big fan of Zaha Hadid works, and this square nice example style...