- Eleftheria square
Eleftheria square (Greek:πλατεία Ελευθερίας) is a major square in central
Nicosia ,Cyprus . It forms the intersection of Ledra and Onasagorou streets with Stasinou, Omirou, Kostaki Pantelidi, Konstandinou Palaiologou and Evagorou avenues.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. cite web|url=http://www.nicosia.org.cy/pdf/EnglishFull.pdf |title=Architectural Competition for redesigning and landscaping Eleftheria Square and the surrounding area |accessdate=2008-03-31 |date=2005 |format=pdf |publisher=Municipality 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 high profile activities in the capital. Examples include advertising promotions, political rallies and sporting events. [cite news | first=Duby | last=Miller | coauthors= | title=Troodos Rally leg one summary | date=2003-11-01 | publisher= | url =http://www.motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=141514&FS=FIA-RALLY | work =Motorsport.com | pages = | accessdate = 2008-03-31 | language = ] Celebrations such as Cyprus's accession to the EU were also centered around the square. [cite news | first= | last= | coauthors= | title=Cypriots celebrate EU accession. | date=01-MAY-04 | publisher=Cyprus News Agency | url =http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-21215983_ITM | work =Europe Intelligence Wire | pages = | accessdate = 2008-03-30 | language = ] The square is not pedestrianised but when major events take place vehicles are redirected.Eleftheria square was not part of the original construction of the Venetian walls. It first took the form of a bridge constructed during the British occupation of Cyprus at the end of the 19th Century. As the city expanded out of the medieval walls wooden bridges were constructed to facilitate transport. The original wooden bridge (erected in 1882) was then replaced with a solid concrete one, which survives to date. cite web|url=http://www.nicosia.org.cy/pdf/EnglishFull.pdf |title=Architectural Competition for redesigning and landscaping Eleftheria Square and the surrounding area |accessdate=2008-03-31 |date=2005 |format=pdf |publisher=Municipality of Nicosia ]
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