The history of timekeeping and public clocks in Nicosia

On October 25, 2026, Cyprus transitioned to winter time, automatically adjusting clocks back one hour at 04:00. This modern convenience contrasts sharply with historical methods of timekeeping in Nicosia, where synchronization was once a significant challenge. Before digital technology, the city relied on public landmarks and signals to establish a uniform time for its citizens.

Historical records from the State Archives of Cyprus reveal that in December 1881, the government engineer proposed establishing a standardized time for the capital based on the Eastern Telegraph Company. To ensure public compliance, a cannon was fired daily from the Paphos Gate at noon to serve as a time signal. Additionally, the Secretariat building in the Ayioi Omologites area, constructed between 1880 and 1882 by William Williams, became a focal point for timekeeping. Known as the 'Liarta clock,' the public timepiece was installed at the complex around 1936. The site had previously served as the headquarters for the Legislative Council until its dissolution following the 1931 October events.