Section of Nicosia’s Venetian walls collapses (updated)

A section of the Venetian walls encircling Nicosia old town were found collapsed on Tuesday, which authorities in the north attributed to recent heavy rains, saying tenders would be launched for repairs.

A section of the northern part of the Quirini Bastion – on which the complex of buildings housing the ‘presidency’ is situated – collapsed. The ‘presidency’ said the heavy rains and increased humidity had damaged the walls and led to the collapse.

Experts had visited the area and because of its proximity to a nearby much-frequented park, the ‘municipality’ had been called in to take the necessary safety measures.

The situation is being evaluated so that there is no recurrence, it added.

Sections of the walls have previously been damaged but images show that considerable restoration works will be required.

Unite Cyprus Now shared the photo stating: “Our country’s cultural heritage is kept hostage by the political situation on the ground and time is not on our side.”

According to the ‘presidency’, trees and plants have grown in the wall and combined with the dust, threaten its future with the cracks widening every day as the roots grow. Add to this the weight of buildings on the wall, and the need for action becomes even more imperative, it added.

The Cyprus News Agency cited a statement from the ‘tourism ministry’ that it will be inviting tenders for repairs with the aim of restoration work starting as soon as the ground dries.