The Pancyprian Gymnasium (Greek: Παγκύπριον Γυμνάσιον, romanized: Pankýprion Gymnásion), is the oldest still operational high school in Cyprus, founded in 1812.
History
In the location of the current school, an older school existed, established in 1753 known as Ellinomouseion (Greek: Ελληνιμουσείον).[1]
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 of Nicosia (Greek: Ελληνική Σχολή Λευκωσίας) and is the oldest high school in operation on the island. The first principal of the Gymnasium in 1893 was Delios Ioannis.[2] The school was expanded in 1893, by the initiative of Archbishop Sophronius III, to incorporate a lyceum when Cyprus was under British rule, therefore making it equal to Greekhigh schools, deeming its students eligible to study at the University of Athens.
In 1894 aside from the secondary school, a school for primary school teachers was founded, the Didaskaleio (Greek: Διδασκάλειο). In 1896 it changed its name to its current one.[3]
Honorary statue to the students-warrior of the Gymnasium in the Greek Independence War
In tribute to the school's contribution to education the Cyprus Post office issued a commemorative stamp in 1993.[4]
Grounds
It 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.
Entrance to the Severios Library
The school also incorporates a substantial collection of artifacts, art and books. The Severios Library which opened in 1949 holds over 60,000 manuscripts.[5]
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 alumni
Honorary Plaque to the alumni, Christopher A. Pissarides
^Comment - Our president cannot distinguish myth from reality. (Cyprus Mail archive article - Sunday, July 10, 2005)"Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2007-09-30. Retrieved 2006-12-18.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
