Berengaria legend returns to Troodos, as historic hotel is reborn

Business Top NewsTourismtroodos Berengaria legend returns to Troodos, as historic hotel is reborn Berengaria Relevant News Berengaria legend returns to Troodos, as historic hotel is reborn 22 June 2026 Europe’s crisis of confidence 22 June 2026 AI reshapes global labour market into two distinct paths, rewarding human skills: PwC 2026 AI Jobs Barometer 22 June 2026 Advertorial 22 June 2026 FacebookXWhatsAppEmailPrintViber After decades of abandonment, Cyprus’ iconic mountain hotel undergoes a €35 million restoration aiming to revive its architectural and cultural legacy For most people in Cyprus, Berengaria has long been associated with a short excursion to Prodromos and a walk through the ruins of a once-glamorous hotel. Few would immediately think of its rich history. Instead, the image that comes to mind is that of an abandoned complex: an empty swimming pool, crumbling interiors and exteriors covered in graffiti, a faded reminder of a very different past. Now, after almost half a century of abandonment, Berengaria and the wider Prodromos area appear to be entering a new chapter. There is hope that the region can recover part of its former prestige, a time when distinguished visitors from Cyprus and abroad would make their way up to the Troodos mountains to stay at the historic hotel, bringing both social and economic activity to the wider area. A €35 million effort to revive an icon Left to decay for decades, the legendary hotel is now at the centre of an ambitious restoration project. The investment, led by bbf:, exceeds €35 million and reflects the scale and complexity of the undertaking. The cost is no accident. In theory, a cheaper solution would have been to demolish the existing structure and rebuild it from scratch. Instead, the developers chose a far more demanding path: preserving and restoring the original building while carefully rehabilitating its historic spaces. A restoration that demands respect for history The revival of Berengaria cannot rely on quick fixes. Restoring a building of such historical importance requires detailed study, architectural sensitivity and a deep respect for its identity. The goal is not to replace what once existed, but to build upon it. This is how architects Maria Akkelidou and Marios Economides describe the project, emphasising its status as a listed heritage building deeply embedded in Cyprus’ cultural landscape. Berengaria, they note, is possibly the largest hotel building of its kind in Cyprus designed specifically as a hotel from the outset. Its preservation, therefore, is not optional but essential. Their approach focuses on restoring the building’s typological identity, reconstructing damaged or unsafe sections with care, and preserving its structural core in line with established conservation principles. One of the greatest challenges, they explain, was not only stabilising the structure — affected by corrosion, decay and partial collapses – but also integrating modern hotel infrastructure. Heating, air conditioning, ventilation and electrical systems all had to be inserted into a historic shell without compromising its character. The process, they stress, is a delicate balance between past and present. Not merely a technical intervention, but a dialogue between the original building and the requirements of today. The architects, Maria Akkelidou and Marios Oikonomides, speak to Forbes What architectural approach did you follow for the restoration of such an emblematic and historic building as the Berengaria Hotel? First of all, it is worth saying a few words about the Berengaria Hotel itself. It is a historic and listed building, perhaps the largest listed structure in Cyprus originally designed as a hotel. Its presence in the cultural landscape of Cyprus is particularly significant, as it carries both historical and architectural value. For this reason, its preservation is imperative, as it forms an integral part of the broader mosaic we call the cultural heritage of our country. What does historical value mean? It means that this building embodies an important part of our past. It was constructed at the beginning of the 20th century and reached its peak in the decades that followed, from the 1930s to the 1980s, remaining alive in collective memory, even as a myth or legend. At the same time, it reflects the early stages of tourism and wellness services in Cyprus, as it was the principal mountain resort for the island’s upper class, enjoying a reputation and prestige that extended beyond Cyprus itself. Its architectural value lies in the fact that it represents the first large-scale hotel design in the mountains. It clearly expresses the typology of a hotel building through a “fortress-like” architectural language, reflecting the vision of its designers and builders, their aesthetic preferences, the technological capabilities of the era, as well as the construction know-how of the time, namely the combination of load-bearing masonry and reinforced concrete. From the outset of designing the revival of this historic hotel, our main objectives were the restoration of its typological identity, the careful and faithful reconstruction of damaged or structurally unsafe parts, and the meticulous conservation of the existing structural system, always in line with the principles of restoration and rehabilitation. How did you balance the preservation of the hotel’s original morphological elements with the need to integrate modern functional and technical requirements? The need to preserve the building’s morphological features does not negate the necessity of incorporating modern functional and technical requirements. On the contrary, it is a highly demanding and often inventive process of thinking, analysis and compositional design—a process of technical and aesthetic invention—which could be described as a dialectical coexistence between the existing historic fabric and the imprint of the contemporary era on its “body”. Which architectural elements of the original Berengaria do you consider to be the “soul” of the building and therefore essential to highlight in the new project? As mentioned earlier, the typological identity of the building had to be preserved, as it defines both its structure and the articulation of its spatial units: open-plan, unified spaces accommodating communal functions on the ground floor, and rooms arranged along central corridors on the upper floors. At the same time, the building’s “fortress-like” typology is retained—a compact stone-built shell dominated by solid massing, with relatively small, elongated openings and windows. Also of particular importance are the central tower and the external carved stonework of the main entrance, which leads the visitor into the reception hall—a double-height space with a characteristic monumental staircase that welcomes those entering the building. On either side of the staircase, two large fireplaces were revealed during conservation works. These had previously been covered by earlier interventions in the building. They are symmetrically placed opposite each other and will be conserved and brought back into use. What were the greatest architectural challenges arising from the building’s existing condition and how did they influence the final design? The building’s stone shell had suffered severe erosion and deterioration, while parts of it had collapsed. Many reinforced concrete elements, such as lintels, connecting beams and slabs, had also been affected by corrosion and carbonation and required replacement with new, structurally sound components. At the same time, large sections of the external masonry needed to be re-founded. One of the greatest design and technical challenges was—and remains—the modernisation of the building through the integration of mechanical and electrical systems, such as air conditioning, heating, fresh air supply and electrical installations, all of which are essential for the hotel’s reopening with the level of comfort expected by today’s visitor. Consequently, designing and incorporating these “foreign” infrastructures into the original building, while keeping its historic envelope almost intact, represents one of the most demanding aspects of the project. How does the new architectural identity of the Berengaria connect with the natural landscape of Prodromos and the area’s distinctive history? The existing building was constructed using the main natural materials available in the area, namely the local Troodos stone, as well as the then-modern technology of reinforced concrete, which—importantly—was applied entirely manually by dozens of local workers. The rough grey stone and exposed concrete blend harmoniously with the texture of the black pine trunks that dominate the surrounding forested landscape, jointly shaping the identity of the mountainous Prodromos area. The building’s dominant presence at the top of the hill resembles a fortress or stronghold overlooking the landscape, without however imposing on or overwhelming it. The new face of Berengaria – what the project will include The revived Berengaria is not simply another hotel, but an integrated hospitality and residential project embedded in the natural environment of Prodromos. The project provides for the development of modern hospitality infrastructure, as well as the construction of apartments and villas in the wider surrounding area. More specifically, according to the design, the project will include a five-star boutique hotel with around 30 rooms and suites, restaurants and bars, as well as a wellness area with a luxury spa and indoor and outdoor swimming pools. At the same time, a gym, relaxation and wellness areas, as well as residences and tourist apartments will be developed within the wider complex, together with villas and private homes that will be integrated into the mountain landscape. The philosophy of the project, as reflected in the design, is based on integrating the development into the natural environment of Troodos, with respect for both the landscape and the hotel’s historic identity. As Andronikos Spyrou, Senior Project Manager at bbf:, notes, the philosophy of the project is based on respecting Berengaria’s historic identity and integrating it into the natural environment of Troodos, with modern solutions that do not alter the character of the building. According to the schedule, interior renovation works and the new developments began in early 2026, with the aim of completing the project within 2029. The total investment amounts to €35 million. It should be recalled that the revival of the listed Berengaria is being carried out by the bbf: Group, in collaboration with Thanos Hotels & Resorts, which will also undertake the operation of the hotel complex. Berengaria returns as a landmark for rural Cyprus Andronikos Spyrou, Senior Project Manager at bbf:, speaks about the restoration of the historic hotel, the technical challenges of the project and the vision for the new era of Prodromos by 2029. What is the core philosophy behind the restoration of the historic Berengaria hotel, and how are you seeking to balance the preservation of its authenticity with the needs of a modern project? The core philosophy behind the restoration of the historic Berengaria hotel is to create a 5-star hotel that will offer all the comforts of a modern hotel unit while, at the same time, respecting the history of the hotel and the surrounding area of the development. The balance between preserving authenticity and meeting the needs of a modern project is achieved through the smart and careful adoption of modern solutions and materials. For example, this includes heating and cooling the hotel spaces while preserving the original aesthetic and appearance of the building, both externally and internally; the use of repair and construction materials and methods that have the approval and agreement of the Department of Town Planning and Housing, Conservation Branch; and so on. What have been the biggest technical or other challenges you have faced so far in restoring such an emblematic building, which had also been abandoned for years? The biggest challenges we have faced to date are: • The repair of the existing masonry walls, which had either collapsed or had serious cracks.• The excavation and construction of foundation beams beneath the existing stone-built walls without causing damage to the building.• The completion of the reconstruction of the pitched roof of the listed building, including the steel frame, and the installation of the new pitched tiled roof. Andronikos Spyrou, senior project manager, bbf Which elements of Berengaria’s original identity were considered essential to preserve and highlight through the restoration project? The elements of the building’s original identity that were considered essential to highlight through the repair and restoration works of the hotel are: • The external masonry.• The restoration of the pitched roof and the installation of a new tiled roof, which appears to have existed on the building based on period photographs.• The repair of the stone arch around the hotel’s main entrance.• The repair of the imposing central staircase that dominates the entrance to the building.• The repair, restoration and highlighting of the five existing fireplaces that were present on the hotel’s ground floor. Some of these had been sealed, and we uncovered and repaired them. Some had been completely removed, with only the chimneys remaining, while others existed but were damaged. All of them have been repaired so that they comply with the Fire Service’s fire safety requirements.• The use of wooden floors in several areas of the hotel, something that appears to have existed in the building originally, based on archive photographs.• The restoration of the existing floors in the areas where they had been preserved until today. How is the reopening of Berengaria expected to affect the Prodromos area and mountain Cyprus more broadly, both in terms of tourism and the economy? The reopening of the Berengaria hotel is expected to have a positive impact on the Prodromos area, as well as the wider mountain region, as it is expected to become a pole of attraction for visitors. Taking into account that the community of Prodromos is located very close to Troodos, it is expected to attract visitors who would like to visit the area throughout the year. The development is expected to help showcase the various natural beauties of the area, as well as its historical monuments. The overall Berengaria development combines a modern 5-star hotel unit with private residences in a unique environment, within the forest and next to a Natura 2000 area with which the development borders. The overall development is expected to help the economic revitalisation of the community and the wider area by creating needs for supporting services, as well as employment needs. The operation of the development is expected to provide an incentive for people either to return to the area or to remain in the area and make use of the opportunities that will arise. -What is the project implementation timetable, and what is bbf:’s vision for the new era of Berengaria after the restoration is completed? The timetable for completion of the project is within 2029. The company’s vision for the new era of Berengaria is the completion of a project that constitutes a landmark for the island. Berengaria is a historic building that everyone knows and that everyone is waiting for. The story of the “hotel of kings” Opened in 1931, Berengaria – often referred to as the “hotel of kings” – quickly became one of the most prestigious destinations in the Troodos region. Situated at an altitude of around 1,400–1,450 metres in Prodromos, it was among the first luxury mountain hotels in Cyprus. Its importance goes beyond reputation. It marked the beginning of organised mountain tourism and wellness in Cyprus, serving as a premier retreat for the island’s elite. The hotel’s name is linked to Berengaria of Navarre, who married Richard the Lionheart in Limassol in 1191. This historical reference added to the sense of myth and prestige surrounding the building. The vision behind the hotel belonged to Ioannis G. Ioannidis-Kokkalos, who initiated the architectural plans in 1927. His aim was to create a landmark mountain resort that would place Prodromos on the map as a high-end destination. Over the years, Berengaria hosted receptions, dances and social gatherings, becoming a centre of high society life. Its guest list included figures such as King Farouk of Egypt, Ezer Weizman—later President of Israel—and Archbishop Makarios III, along with other notable personalities including Winston Churchill and Angela Bowie. The decline of the hotel began after major shifts in Cypriot tourism, particularly following the 1974 Turkish invasion and the gradual shift of tourism towards coastal areas. As mountain tourism declined, Berengaria eventually closed its doors in 1984, leaving behind one of Cyprus’ most enduring architectural myths. Subscribe to our Newsletter Latest News Europe’s crisis of confidence AI reshapes global labour market into two distinct paths, rewarding human skills: PwC 2026 AI Jobs Barometer The future won’t be defined by who tried AI first EXPLAINER: Why are Poland and Ukraine at odds about their history? 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