In Nicosia, "Paphos Gate" is now open to visitors

The archaeological site "Paphos Gate" on the western outskirts of the fortified city of Nicosia is now open to visitors. This became possible due to excavations conducted by the Department of Antiquities in this area.

According to Deputy Minister of Culture Vasiliki Cassianidou, the significance of the gates lies in their being one of the main entry points to the walled city of Nicosia.

The Deputy Minister emphasized that the gates held great importance from the Venetian period and during the period of Ottoman rule in Cyprus.

Excavations in this area revealed the base of the Arab Ahmet aqueduct, which "completes another mosaic in the history of this area."

The Deputy Minister added that due to the significance of the findings in this area, the Department of Antiquities conducted research aimed at "designating this place as an experimental museum of Nicosia's history."

"Paphos Gate is now a beloved historical site not only for tourists but also for local residents," added Vasiliki Cassianidou.

The success of the project is "evidence that cooperation between local authorities, competent authorities, and research institutions in Cyprus can lead to the best result for the preservation and popularization of Cyprus' monuments."

Paphos Gate is one of the three entrances to the old city of Nicosia through the Venetian walls, which completely surrounded the city and were built by the renowned engineer Giulio Savorgnano in 1567. The road starts just beyond the gates and leads southwest from Paphos, hence their name.