Eleftheria square
Eleftheria square (Πλατεία Ελευθερίας), is the main square in central Nicosia, Cyprus. It forms the intersection of Ledra and Onasagorou streets with Stasinou, Omirou, Kostaki Pantelidi, Konstandinou Palaiologou and Evagorou avenues. Prior to 1974 the centre of city was considered to be Faneromeni Square. The name translates as Freedom square.
Previously the square was called Metaxas square, in reference to the Greek statesman Ioannis Metaxas. It was renamed in 1974, following a competition held at the suggestion of the then Mayor of Nicosia. It is located in the centre of the town below the Venetian walls of the medieval city. Nicosia town hall, located on D’Avila bastion, overlooks the square whilst Ledra Street leads onto its northern side.
The square is usually the focus of various profile activities in the capital. Examples include advertising promotions, political rallies and meetings such as the first meeting of the Occupy Buffer Zone movement on October 15, 2011, and sporting events. Celebrations such as Cyprus's accession to the European Union were also centered around the square. As presently the square is not pedestrianised, when major events take place vehicles are redirected.
In 2005 an architectural competition was announced to redesign the square. This was won by a group led by Zaha Hadid. The proposed plans however, have been heavily criticised by some local designers. In 2009 the initial excavation works revealed archaeological findings that have forced alterations to the original design. As of February 2012, the square has been closed to all traffic following the beginning of the construction of the new square. It is expected to re-open in a year when the first phase is completed.