In 1893, with Cyprus under the rule of the British Empire, the school developed into a six-grade secondary school and was recognised by the Greek government as equivalent to secondary schools in Greece. In 1896 it was given its present name “The Pancyprian Gymnasium”.
The Pancyprian Gymnasium has always provided high standards of education and has, for decades, been regarded as a model school in Cyprus and one of the most profound Greek educational institutions. The School has twice been awarded a prize by the Academy of Athens.
Ever since the Turkish and later the British occupation, the school has greatly contributed to the cultural development of the people of Cyprus through a variety of frequent cultural activities. A considerable number of the school’s graduates have distinguished themselves in various fields, such as in Science, Politics, Economy and Culture as well as in the field of religion. Many of its students and graduates voluntarily participated in various liberation movements of the Greek nation in Greece. Furthermore, graduates of the Pancyprian Gymnasium took part in the Cyprus Liberation Struggle (1955-1959) against the British Colonisation. A number of them were also killed during the 1963-1964 fights with the Turks and also during the Turkish invasion in 1974.
A great many of the school graduates have contributed financially to the welfare of its students as well as to scholarships for university studies. Many of them have been declared Benefactors of the school for their various contributions.
Severios Library
This rich library, which lies within the premises of the Pancyprian Gymnasium, owns thousands of volumes of books. It was built in 1949 and the cost was covered by donations, the biggest of which was by Demosthenis Severis family, thus the building was named “Severios Library”.
Collections
The school owns a large collection of items of historical and archaeological value, Natural History collections, paintings and other works of Art, profound archives and fully equipped laboratories.
The Crypt
Underneath the main entrance and the School Hall lies the crypt which is of great importance and interest. According to tradition, it was the safest hiding place for the secret meetings of Archbishop Kyprianos with members of “Philiki Eteria”, the 19th century secret revolutionary organisation in Greece, when they visited Cyprus.
Monuments
Numerous epigrams and inscriptions around the school, as well as various marble monuments in the front garden, are of great interest.
The School Interior
In the entrance hall one can see the portrait of Archbishop Kyprianos, the founder of the school, two marble plaques inscribed with the names of the benefactors as well as other marble plaques with the names of students and graduates who died for their country.
Museums
· Museum of the History of the Pancyprian Gymnasium
Here one can see photographs, costumes, school uniforms, paintings and many other items that witness the long history of the school.
· The Archaeological Museum
Various pots, coins, weapons, marble panels and other items are displayed; all of these were donated by both graduates and friends of the school.
· Museum of Natural History
Here one can see rocks and various species of fauna and flora from Cyprus and other countries.
The Archive of the School
It contains school documents, books, records and material useful for research in the History of Cyprus Education.
The Holy Trinity Chapel
Situated at the back yard of the school, the chapel is dedicated to the patron of the Pancyprian Gymnasium.
Source: Pancyprian Gymnasium
Accreditation: Ministry of Education and Culture
Operation Period: All year round except public holidays. The school is closed during the holiday season (Christmas, Easter and summer months July – August)
Opening Hours: 08:00 – 14:00 Monday – Friday
Facilities: To visit – tour of the school only informed by telephone in advance.
Telephone / Fax: 00357-22466711 / 00357-22430915
Website / Email: www.pancypriangymnasium.ac.cy / pan.gym.nic@cytanet.com.cy
Ticket Price: Free admission
Ticket Fee: –
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