The Liberty Monument Travel Guide

The Liberty Monument, or Eleftheria Monument, is a significant landmark in Nicosia, Cyprus, embodying the island's arduous journey to independence. Erected in 1973, the monument honors the EOKA fighters who fought against British colonial rule from 1955 to 1959. Their goal was to achieve union with Greece.Designed by sculptor Ioannis Notaras, the monument features seventeen bronze statues arranged on a white marble pyramid. The statue at the apex represents liberty, pointing towards the sky as a symbol of hope. Below, two EOKA fighters are shown breaking chains to open a prison gate, releasing Cypriot peasants, soldiers, priests, and women who yearned for freedom.The monument is located on the historic Podocattaro Bastion, part of the well-preserved Venetian Walls that encircle the old city. This location adds to the monument's historical significance, connecting the struggle for independence with Nicosia's rich past. The Liberty Monument serves as a gathering place for commemorative events and national celebrations. It is a place where history comes alive, inviting visitors to reflect on the meaning of freedom and the importance of preserving peace.