One of the actions proposed by Nicosia within them Action Plan for the HUB-IN project, was the design and implementation of walking routes/promenades within the walled city, also known as Heritage Walks, aimed at promoting neighborhood pride for residents and visitors alike. The action kicked-started on March 1st, and completed in mid-June 2024. 10 Heritage Walks run within that period, counting 50 routes in total, and about 1000 participants.
Data from a short questionnaire participants had to complete during registration showed that 1. there is insufficient knowledge about Nicosia's history and culture [~ 600 know very little about it], 2. people visit the area sporadically during the year [~ 600 visit the area a few times per year], and 3. walking in the area is limited [~ 400 walk in the area a few times per year] largely because of constraints, such as narrow pavements, heat wave, and lack of adequate infrastructure.
These results came as no surprise for the national representatives of the project - Nicosia Municipality and the Cyprus Energy Agency. It proved that this initiative was very much needed to reconnect residents to the historic area of their city. The aim was that, through these walks, the different cultural and creative elements of both tangible and intangible heritage of the city's historic urban area would be highlighted, increasing its attractiveness and hopefully leading to increased visits and enhanced use of soft mobility/active travel.
The results of the follow-up questionnaire, as well as the love the public showed to the Walks, are strong evidence that the implementation of such an initiative was much needed for Nicosia. About 100 participants completed the optional post-evaluation form, with the majority living in the city outside of the walls (91). The results of that survey confirm that the perception the people had for Nicosia and its cultural heritage has changed positively thanks to the Walks, and their pride has increased dramatically. Another conclusion drawn from that survey, is that the Walks indeed enhanced city-visiting and promoted social engagement. Furthermore, about 50 respondents said they would stay at home if it wasn't for them walk(s). Same percentage said they joined the walk(s) with their partner, child(ren) or friend(s).
Interesting insights from the survey also include that the majority of those registered to the Walks joined in search for some personal entertainment (57), awareness-raising about the city and its culture (47), personal relaxation (45), admiration of local architecture (40), and quality time with family/friends (38). A high percentage also stated that the Walks motivated them to participate in more local initiatives (59), dive deeper in Nicosia's history and culture (56), visit the city within the walls more often (37), support local businesses and artists (34) [which it happened in some extent during the walks, according to the survey], and interact further with the local community (32) while developing synergies.
The overall experience was beyond expectations for both, the organizers and the public. People have already requested new walks in autumn to discover other aspects of Nicosia's heritage. What they do not know yet is that the Municipality plans to embed the Walks in its Digital Twin in a digital form supported with audiovisual material to enable anyone who visits the historic urban area to navigate themselves and discover the patchwork of culture the city is gifted with.
To learn more about Nicosia's HUB-IN, please click here.
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