Yiorkio was built in 1997 by Yiangos Papadopoulos and was one of the most emblematic buildings of the capital. Upon its completion, it became famous not only for its size and luxury but also for the ecological interventions and the developments it offered in shaping the Pedieos River area.
A businessman, Papadopoulos managed to make his dream come true and keep his promise to the people of Nicosia. He said, “People of Nicosia will drink coffee in a beautiful green area while enjoying a full river.” He was stubborn and a perfectionist, which delayed both the completion and the operation of the Yiorkio Residence and the Yiorkio Market—the largest shopping centre at that time.
The building consisted of small units with ultra-luxurious suites that looked more like small houses. His purpose was to offer the best and the most exquisite service to his visitors. The products sold in Yiorkio Market were chosen very carefully and with very strict criteria.
One year after the completion of this 14,000,000 Cyprus pounds project, the owner, Yiangos Papadopoulos, died and his daughter, Niki Papadopoulou, took over the care of the residences for the following three years. One morning in 2001, she suddenly announced to the employees that the residences will close permanently and asked everyone to leave the premises.
Since 2008, one of the two towers of the building, the Yiorkio Market, has been used by the Ministry of Health. The other tower has been abandoned since 2001; all of its rooms and public spaces have been vandalised and left to decay over the years. It became a gathering place for drug users and thrill-seekers lighting up campfires in the night.
Researcher Elia Neophytou
Function
1997Luxury residence
2001 Closed
2018 From 2008-part of the building that hosts the Ministry of Health
Ownership
1997 Yiangos Papadopoulos
2001 Niki Papadopoulou, daughter of Yiangos Papadopoulos
2018 Bank of Cyprus, from 2017
Condition
1997 Good
2001 Fair
2018 Poor
Property Management
1997
2001
2018
Form of government
1997 Presidential Republic (Republic of Cyprus)
2001 Presidential Republic (Republic of Cyprus)
2018 Presidential Republic (Republic of Cyprus)
Spatial Planning Agency
1997 Ministry of Interior
2001 Ministry of Interior
2018 Ministry of Interior
Type of heritage and protection
1997 Not recognised as heritage
2001 Not recognised as heritage
2018 Not recognised as heritage
Interview with Harris Fereos
Architect