Join us for a series of urban walks as part of Open House Nicosia 2026, taking place on 18–19 April 2026. Explore the architectural, artistic, and social layers of the city through three unique routes.
Participation is available by pre-booking only. Secure your spot in advance.
(1) Nicosia Architecture Walk
- Timeslots: 18/4 10:30-12:30 (GR), 17:30-19:30 (EN), 19/4 10:30-12:30 (GR)
- Starting point: Former GSP Square
- Prebooking via Visit Nicosia website
Curated by Open House Nicosia, in collaboration with Visit Nicosia, this walk presents Nicosia as an emerging hub of architectural dialogue in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Beginning at the former GSP Square, the route introduces one of the city’s most significant areas of contemporary urban transformation. The walk then continues toward Eleftheria Square, one of the city’s most important modern landmarks and public spaces and the final major project conceived by Zaha Hadid, seamlessly connecting the historic Venetian walls with the modern city. The route then unfolds through the historic centre, passing along Onasagorou Street and Faneromeni Square, before continuing to the Old Municipal Market (CYENS) and the Town Hall, while also highlighting additional landmarks and points of architectural interest along the way, revealing layers of the city’s civic and cultural life, before concluding at the Old Town Hall.
(2) Discovering Chrysaliniotissa’s Workshops Walk
- Timeslots: 18/4 09:45-12:30 (GR), 10:15-13:00 (GR),19/4 09:45-12:30 (GR), 10:15-13:00 (GR)
- Starting point: Ermou Street
- Prebooking via Participation form
The route explores a diverse range of arts, starting with Souzana Petri Crafts, where Souzana revives the ancient Cypriot tradition of ceramics and through a modern lens. Then, Mikaella Kasinou, introduces us to the magical world of stage design, highlighting the delicate balance of art within a space. Next, we visit the Vagabond Handcrafted studio, where Genny creates unique, handmade dolls with love and skill, as if they stepped out of a fairy tale. The exploration of contemporary creations concludes at Studio Kuza, where Elia presents handmade ceramics that blend functionality with high aesthetics.
The walk concludes at the Chrysaliniotissa Craft Centre, an iconic landmark of the area that hosts traditional artisans. There, we meet Kalliopi Taliadorou, who is dedicated to the sacred art of hagiography and the preservation of Byzantine tradition, as well as Simos Simakis, an experienced woodcarver who continues to shape wood with passion and respect for folk heritage.
Ultimately, this journey through Chrysaliniotissa is a tribute to the human hands that keep Nicosia’s soul alive. As you step out of the final studio, you leave with more than just a memory of beautiful objects; you carry with you the stories of a resilient community that continues to carve, mold, and paint its identity into the very fabric of the old city.
(3) From Faneromeni to Büyük Han: An Urban Walk
- Timeslot: 19/4 16:30-19:00 (EN)
- Starting point: Town Hall Square
- Leader: Marios Epameinondas
- Prebooking via Participation form
Focusing on the evolution of the urban landscape, this cross-border walk examines how public squares have historically served as the stage for Nicosia’s social and political life. The route spans both the southern and northern parts of the walled city, inviting participants to observe how shared spaces function within a divided urban context.
Key stops include the symbolic Faneromeni Square and the Archbishopric Square, before crossing to explore the historic St. Sophia Cathedral Square (Selimiye) and the iconic Büyük Han. Through the lens of “Public Space and its Influence on Civic Life”, this walk analyses how architectural voids and gathering points have fostered dialogue, trade, and community interaction throughout the centuries, reflecting the complex, multi-layered soul of Nicosia. Important note: You must bring your ID or passport with you for this walk.