School History

The school is located just across the town hall and the municipal gardens and it is one of the most impressive neo-classical buildings on the Griva Digeni avenue. Its history dates back to 1888 when it was formed as part of the boys-only school of Paphos. Later, in 1905, it was transformed into a six-grade secondary school named “Hellenic Gymnasium of Paphos”, while in 1977 the name was changed to ‘1st Gymnasium of Ethnarch Makarios III’. Since 1983 it has been functioning as a Lyceum under the name “Lyceum A of Ethnarch Makarios III”.

The School is of historic importance since many of its students participated in the Revolutionary act for independence from the British rule in the period 1955-59. One of the most well-known heroic figures who left school to contribute to the national struggles was Evagoras Pallikarides. Before joining the revolution, Evagoras left a farewell letter to his classmates in his classroom which is preserved in the school today and is decorated with his poems and numerous photos of that age. Evagoras was hanged in 1957 for his revolutionary action as a member of the EOKA revolution and his statue can be found just across the school’s main entrance. 

Another marble statue dedicated to all the students who fought for the independence of Cyprus can be found in the courtyard near the main entrance of the school. It depicts a brave student who attacks a lion with a stone while still holding his schoolbag over his shoulder. 

The school has a long tradition in hosting numerous events of cultural significance, including theatrical plays, concerts and invited talks by prominent experts in various fields. 

In 2005, the school premises were extended and today the school area covers two blocks of neo-classical buildings, a modern block of laboratories and both indoor and outdoor sports facilities. Since 2012, the Music Lyceum of the city has been part of the school, while the Athletics Lyceum was added in 2015.