The thematic route "Aphrodite" in the community of Ineia was selected among the 25 best projects for the European Prize for Public Space 2024, announced the Ministry of Interior. The project was implemented by the Paphos District Administration as part of the Cyprus Recovery and Resilience Plan.

According to the Ministry, the project stood out among 297 submissions from 30 countries, confirming the high quality and innovation of the intervention in public urban space.

"The 'Aphrodite' thematic route is an excellent example of preserving and showcasing the cultural heritage of Cyprus, while simultaneously providing an upgraded public space for the community of Ineia," the statement added.

The European Prize for Public Space, organized biennially by the Centre of Contemporary Culture of Barcelona (CCCB), aims to recognize and promote projects that create, recover, and improve public spaces in European cities.

This distinction highlights the value of public urban space as an open and accessible area for all citizens, fostering social cohesion and the cultural identity of cities.

It was further noted that the Public Space Prize differs from other initiatives, as it does not focus solely on architects or large-scale urban projects. Instead, it emphasizes improving the daily lives of citizens, recognizing that interventions, whether large or small, aim to upgrade public spaces.

The selection of the "Aphrodite" thematic route among the 25 best projects reflects both the European dimension of the project and its contribution to preserving cultural heritage and promoting local identity. This recognition also demonstrates the efforts of the Paphos District Administration to promote sustainable urban development and social well-being through the utilization of public spaces.

The participation of this project in the competition and its distinction strengthens the country's position as a pioneer in the field of public architecture and urban planning, the announcement concluded.