Lakatameia Municipality

Lakatameia Municipality is situated on the southwestern outskirts of Greater Nicosia and comprises of three Municipal Quarters: Lakatameia, Tseri, and Anthoupoli. The Municipal Council is composed of the Mayor, three Deputy Mayors, and 27 Municipal Councilors.

The three Quarters of the Municipality are prime examples of areas that combine historical heritage, social cohesion, and modern infrastructure, making the Municipality an attractive destination for young couples and families. Significant residential investments, a plethora of shops and shopping centers, a traditional market (Laiki Agora), and extensive infrastructure projects have contributed to the area’s upgrade. Emphasis has been given on public spaces, with parks, green areas, squares, cultural and sports facilities enhancing the quality of life of the residents.

Education and cultural activities are also placed high on the agenda, as they have proven to be fundamental pillars of the community and strengthen residents’ connection to their town and its traditions, while simultaneously contributing to the shaping of a modern and progressive society.

Lakatameia  Quarter:

Lakatameia is a town with a rich history. While there is no concrete archaeological evidence of an ancient settlement at its present location, it is likely that agricultural communities existed there, supplying Nicosia with agricultural products from the medieval period onwards.

The Turkish invasion of 1974 brought about significant changes to Lakatameia, as it received a large influx of refugees, resulting in a dramatic increase in its population and transformed it, from a small agricultural community, into a large urban area.

The origin of the name Lakatameia is a subject of speculation, with theories based on limited or vague sources, as well as retrospective interpretations of the area’s historical context. One popular theory suggests that Lakatameia originated from the ancient Spartan name Lakedemon, which, over time, evolved during the Lusignan period into its current form. However, a more probable origin is linked to the numerous “alakatia” (traditional water-lifting devices) that were once an important part of the region’s agricultural life. Given the area’s abundance of shallow underground water, these devices were essential for irrigation during the summer months.

The Pedieos River, which flows through the land for 5 kilometers, is the main natural feature of Lakatameia.

Tseri Quarter:

Tseri possesses a unique identity. Evolving from a traditional agricultural community, it has transformed into a bustling area with a thriving economy and significant urban development.

According to the Great Cypriot Encyclopedia (1989 edition), Tseri derives its name from the word “tzierin” (wax) due to the abundance of bees that produced honey and wax in the area. Other theories suggest that the name originated from the toponym “Xeri”, which preceded “Tseri” and is believed to have come from the lack of water resources that historically characterized the region.

The area is famous for its local products, such as olive oil produced from the numerous olive trees found there. In 2019, Tseri successfully included the olive tree (cultivation, products, uses) in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List.

Synoikismos Anthoupolis Quarter:

Synoikismos Anthoupolis was created after the Turkish invasion of 1974 to accommodate refugees from 101 occupied villages of Cyprus.

The construction of the settlement was completed in two phases, in 1976 and 1980. Despite the uniformity in architecture, the well-maintained yards and the blooming gardens give it a distinctive character.

Synoikismos Anthoupolis serves as a model of resilience, with reconstruction and improvement projects enhancing the quality of life of its residents.

New Lakatameia Municipality: A Shared History, A Shared Vision!

Lakatameia Municipality continuously strives to adapt to the challenges of the modern era. With a vision to create a community where the citizens’ needs are met, a community that’s modern, adaptable, and puts people first.

Municipal Infrastructure Projects:

Municipal Amphitheater

The Municipal Amphitheater was the first major project undertaken and designed after Lakatameia became a municipality.

It was inaugured in 1994 and it has a seating capacity of 1,600 people. Since its construction, it has served as the cultural center of Lakatameia during the summer months. Theatrical performances, music and dance events, film screenings, and various festive occasions bring thousands of residents and visitors to the amphitheater, offering them both intellectual stimulation and the joy of coming together.

Municipal Exhibition Hall

Beneath the stands of the Amphitheater, with an excellent use of the space, the Municipal Exhibition Hall was constructed and has been operating since 1996. Equipped with modern facilities for an exhibition space, it hosts exhibitions of paintings and other visual arts, lectures, and various other activities.

 Sports Facilities

 Lakatameia Municipality has a variety of sports facilities, including 7 basketball courts, a skate park, a cycling track, social sports areas, a municipal swimming pool, and a footsall field, offering residents a wide range of sports activities. Notably, the social sports area which is located next to the cycling track, features exercise equipment, calisthenics equipment, and workout equipment specifically designed for wheelchair users and individuals with mobility challenges, as well as picnic tables with board games. Furthermore, an architectural and structural design has been completed in order to transform the municipal stadium of Lakatameia into a multi-sports complex.

Health Center

As a result of long-standing efforts by the municipal authorities, a health center has been constructed and is now operational, providing primary healthcare services. A new floor was added to the health center in 2015, further enhancing primary healthcare services The Cyprus Ambulance Service Headquarter, is also stationed there.

Lakatameia Multifunctional Center

Located next to the health center, the Multifunctional center serves as a center for recreation, creative activities, and care for the elderly, as well as a center for the protection and engagement of school-aged children attending Lakatameia schools. The Administrative Council of the Multifunctional Center is presided by the Mayor, with the participation of members of the Municipal Council and members of Lakatameia Community Council.

Tseri Multifunctional Elderly Care Center

The Tseri Multifunctional Elderly Care Center was constructed by Tseri Municipality, the Department of Social Services of the Ministry of Labor and Social Insurance, and contributions from the Ministry of the Interior, the Nicosia Regional Development Company, the Tseri Ecclesiastical Committee, the Archdiocese, and local residents. It operates as an elderly care center, under the management of the Tseri Community Council. The center also houses the Tseri Outpatient Clinic, which operates nowadays twice a week.

Environment and Parks

Lakatameia has 1,200 green spaces, covering a total area of 950,000 square meters. The Municipality continuously strives, within its financial capabilities and available resources, to maintain and upgrade existing parks and green spaces, as well as to create new ones. Lakatameia plants 3,000 trees and establishes 20 new green spaces annually. Additionally, systematic tree-planting initiatives are carried out in collaboration with organized groups and volunteers in public green areas.

A prominent feature of the municipality’s parks is the Linear Park along the Pedieos River. The creation of a pedestrian path, a cycling path, and a special path for pedestrians with dogs, along with extensive planting along the riverbed, adds a unique character to the city. Within this extensive ecological zone, the Municipality has created spaces that enhance the quality of open areas so that they are also points of social outdoor recreation where the public, especially young people, can spend their free time creatively. The Municipality is carefully planning and scheduling the creation of projects in collaboration with the neighboring municipalities of Nicosia and Strovolos, such as the Environmental Education Center on the western bank of the river.

The Agios Georgios park, which houses the Municipal Amphitheater, a playground, and a cafe, holds a significant place among the parks. Playgrounds and cafes can also be found in the Glafkos Clerides Park (Alexandrou Panagouli Street, Archangelos), Michalis Sophocleous Park (Pedieos Street – K. Lakatameia), and the park at 70 Filias Street in Tseri. In addition to the parks mentioned above, there are 22 other large parks with playgrounds in Lakatameia Municipality. All the playground equipment is inspected and certified according to relevant EU standards.

There are also 50 smaller playgrounds that have emerged from the land division process. The Municipality assumes responsibility for the maintenance of these areas, only when they are handed over to the public (i.e., with the issuance of a Final Approval Certificate).

Another significant project was the creation of a park for dogs. Located next to the Pedieos Linear Park (near the THOI Lakatameia stadium), the park is accessible from both the pedestrian path and Akadimias Street. It is a well-maintained area where dog owners can take their pets and let them play freely in a safe fenced area of 2,500 square meters.

The Municipality is continually striving to provide its citizens with parks and green spaces that meet their expectations, with the sole request that these spaces be protected by visitors.

Lifelong Learning / Culture

Lakatameia Open School

Lakatameia Open School has been operating in Lakatameia Municipality since 2009 and is funded by the Ministry of Education and Culture. The Open School serves the purpose of lifelong learning and simultaneously creates the conditions for the maximum utilization of school facilities for educational, recreational, cultural, and other activities for both children and adult citizens.

Beyond developing cultural activities, the Open School strengthens and tightens the bonds and relationships between citizens, simultaneously providing everyone with the opportunity to make the best use of their free time, while also promoting cooperation, collectivism, and all the values that are cultivated and promoted through healthy and beneficial activities.

The Lakatameia Open School is one of the largest in Cyprus, with the participation of over 2,000 citizens, and its programs are carried out during the morning, afternoon, and evening hours, in order to meet the needs of Lakatameia’s citizens.

Municipal Library

The Lakatameia Municipal Library operates in a suitably designed and equipped space within the building that houses the Municipal Services at 11 Protis Apriliou Street in Lakatameia, while there is also a branch in the building of the old Elenio Primary School, in the Tseri quarter.

The library operates as a reading space and a lending library. Membership is open to anyone who wishes to join by presenting their ID card. Children can also become members when accompanied by an adult.

As part of the Municipal Library, a Reading Club has been operating on a regular basis since June 2013.

Museum of History and Cultural Heritage

The Museum of History and Cultural Heritage of Lakatameia Municipality is located in the traditional core of the Agia Paraskevi parish. The space housing the museum is a traditional house built in 1922.

The museum aims to preserve, study, and highlight the history and cultural heritage of Lakatameia. Through the exhibits, an attempt is made to recreate the life of Cypriot society in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Culture Clubs

Since its establishment, Lakatameia Municipality has recognized that, in order to enhance the sense of community and cultural enrichment of residents, they should be actively involved.  The Municipality has actively encouraged the participation of citizens in shared activities that not only bring them together but also contribute to the creation of a vibrant cultural scene.

With this vision in mind, various cultural groups have been established, including a Folklore Group, the Lakatameia Municipal Choir, the Tseri Quarter Choir, the Municipal Philharmonic Orchestra and a Photography Club.

More information about Lakatameia Municipality can be found on its website at www.lakatameia.org.cy