The Pancyprian Gymnasium Museums, Nicosia

The Pancyprian Gymnasium was founded in 1812 by Archbishop Kyprianos at a time when Cyprus was still under Ottoman rule. It was originally called the Hellenic School and is the oldest high school still in operation on the island. The school was expanded in 1893 to incorporate a lyceum when Cyprus was under British rule and changed its name to its current one in 1896. In tribute to the school's contribution to education the Cyprus Post office issued a commemorative stamp in 1993.GroundsIt is located opposite the archbishopric within the walls of the old city of Nicosia. The original building was destroyed in a fire in 1920 and parts of the school were completely rebuilt in neoclassical style. Of particular historical interest is the crypt of the school located beneath the main entrance. This is where Archbishop Kyprianos was said to have held secret meetings with representatives of the Philiki Etairia in the early 19th century. The school also incorporates a substantial collection of artifacts, art and books. The Severios Library which opened in 1949 holds over 60,000 manuscripts.Through benevolent donations the school has become very wealthy. On an educational level it is highly regarded and considered a model school. Many influential figures have studied and taught here.Notable former pupils Archbishop Makarios, past president of Cyprus, former student Tassos Papadopoulos, past president of Cyprus Costas Clerides, attorney general of Cyprus Glafkos Clerides, past president of Cyprus Petros Clerides, former attorney general of Cyprus Vassos Lyssarides, politician and leader of the Socialist Party Christopher A. Pissarides, Noble Prize-winning economist Athos Petrou, physics professor, University at Buffalo

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