The clock is situated on a vertical column that stands at the entrance to the archaeological park in Kato Paphos.
The project was launched by mayor of Paphos, Phedonas Phedonos, and Sotiris Hadjiminas, who lives and works in Switzerland and who commissioned the project in commemoration of his late wife.
Renowned Paphos based architect and designer, Costas Koutsoftides, created the clock. He was commissioned by Mr. Hadjiminas to design the clock in commemoration of his late wife Erna. It was an idea he had 25 years ago, but at that time the local municipal council rejected his offer, saying that the clock shouldn’t be in the harbour but in town. Costas Koutsoftides created the recognisable vertical element to become a landmark.
The aesthetics are identified with an important archaeological site which hosts prominent Roman villas with amazing mosaics, some of which are described in the column-clock.
Each side of the structure represents one of the four roman villas with the main names of the personalities that appear on the floor of the ancient mosaics. The design and construction took around three months and the inspiration came from the actual remains in the archaeological site.
The column is 7 metres tall and is made of pre-oxidized weathered steel plates that refers to the nearby sea and passing ships. It is illuminated with led strip lights at night-time.
The swiss clock has four faces. Each clock face represents one of the antique houses in the neighbouring Archaeological Park. The clock is electrically powered and time adjustment takes place via a satellite signal, so that the clock can follow the seasonal change of time.
The clock also has a “Lovers Seat” which references the love hymn of Antigone by Sophocles, said the designer. The entire complex is framed by a low skirting that is illuminated at night with blue strip light, and the seat with red.
The beginning of the hymn is cut through on the back rest and the main names of the personalities of the tragedy are located on the seat.
SOURCE: Cyprus Mail news article - (
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