A landmark building in Nicosia, located at the corner of Arnaldas and Stassinos Avenue, was demolished on Friday night, sparking a wave of anger and sadness among locals and architecture enthusiasts.

The demolition, captured on video and shared widely on social media, has drawn sharp criticism from those who see it as a tragic loss for the city’s architectural heritage.

The video, posted by Orestis Matsas on Facebook, quickly gained traction, with many expressing their dismay at the destruction of a building that had been part of the city’s identity for decades.

In his post, Matsas lamented: “Development, best man! Corner of Stassinos and Arnaldas, in the centre of Nicosia. On Friday night, no one can react. Is this once beautiful house not preserved? If not, why?”
He further criticised the ongoing trend of demolishing historic buildings to make way for modern developments.

“We constantly see these beautiful buildings being demolished, which are an integral part of our architectural heritage. Instead of preserving them, finding creative uses for them, and incorporating them into the fabric of the city, we tear them down. For what? To build parking lots? It hurts my soul,” Matsas said.

The building, formerly home to merchant Thrasyvoulos Tryphon, was a prime example of 1930s architecture. Designed by renowned architect Odysseas Tsangaridis, the structure featured a distinctive semicircular protruding wing, evoking the stern of a ship. Clad in chiselled limestone and topped with a flat reinforced concrete roof, the building represented a key moment in Cyprus’ architectural evolution.
Marios Epaminondas, an architectural expert, offered his thoughts under Matsas’ post.

“It’s done. The Thrasyvoulos Tryphonos house had as its dominant feature the semicircular protruding wing in the maritime modern style. Architect Odysseas Tsangaridis created a result of high aesthetic quality with simple lines. The building was clad in chiselled limestone, a hallmark of 1930s Cypriot architecture. It was a significant loss yesterday, Friday, January 31,” he wrote.

For many, the demolition symbolises the broader challenges facing Nicosia’s historic character. Patroklos Demetriou, a resident, shared his feelings: “I lived in Arnaldas for two years. I saw this house every day. Yesterday, I passed by and saw where they were demolishing it. What a shame.”

The demolition has sparked a wider conversation about the preservation of Nicosia’s architectural heritage. Critics argue that the city’s growing urbanisation is putting its historic buildings at risk in favour of modernisation and commercial development.

However, in the same area the old Anastasiades clinic, also located on Arnaldas street near Makarios avenue, is being renovated into a boutique hotel. Renovation work has already begun, with crews clearing the premises for the new project. Unlike the Tryphon house, the Anastasiades clinic will not be demolished, and the planned renovation offers a chance for the building to remain a part of the city’s landscape.

While some view this renovation as a step forward in preserving Nicosia’s past, others worry it may be too little, too late. The loss of the Tryphon house serves as a painful reminder of the ongoing tension between development and heritage conservation in the city.

Video courtesy of Orestis Matsas