FAMAGUSTA GATE
Famagusta Gate is the largest and most impressive of the three gates of the walls of Nicosia. Built in 1567 by the Venetians according to Savorgnano’s model of the Zorzi Gate of Candia in Heraclion, Crete, it served travelers entering and leaving the city from the east of the island. The outer entrance is a simple gateway, situated just under the Caraffa bastion, which leads into a long passageway through the walls to the much larger and more impressive inner gateway. Midway along the passageway is a cuola in the roof, which provided somewhat meager illumination and was a place where food vendors would wait for weary travelers. During British Colonial times, the spacious rooms of the gate served as a warehouse for fuel and other materials. Even though a gradual process of preservation was carried out from 1934 to 1981, humidity problems prevailed, and the Gate fell into disuse until its renovation in 1981 and redevelopment as a cultural centre.
SOCIAL AND CULTURAL CENTRE (FORMER OLD PEOPLE’S HOUSE)
This historic building is located on top of the Venetian walls next to Famagusta Gate. It is adjoined to the west by part of the old aqueduct of the city, which dates back to 18th century. This building consisting of two oblong single-storey structures with gabled roofs, has recently been restored by NMP to serve both as a day care unit for the elderly and as a cultural centre.
MELINA MERCOURI CULTURAL CENTRE
During British Colonial times, the hall served as a warehouse for fuel and other materials. In 1985, the cultural department of the Nicosia Municipality renovated the Hall and converted it into an Arts workshop. Ten years later, the Hall was redeveloped as a cultural centre and was renamed Melina Mercouri Cultural Hall in memory of the distinguished world known Greek actress and singer during the European Cultural Month in Nicosia. It was inaugurated by the Mayor of Athens Demetris L. Avraamopoulos under the auspices of the Mayor of Nicosia Lellos Demetriades on September 16, 1995.