Cyprus’s pavilion at the 19th Venice Architecture Biennale will explore the ancient practice of drystone construction, focusing on the village of Salamiou as a model of sustainable architectural heritage.
Accoding to a press release, the exhibition, running from 10 May to 23 November 2025, will explore how traditional drystone building techniques create a dialogue between land use and community practices in the eastern Mediterranean.
Salamiou serves as a case study of a terraced settlement between two rivers, demonstrating historical agricultural practices that span nearly 10,000 years across the Fertile Crescent region.
The pavilion will feature collaborative installations by architects, drystone artisans, curators, and artists, with public participation encouraged. The exhibition will present various assemblages through static displays, performances, and sound installations in both Venice and Cyprus.
The project positions drystone construction as a counterpoint to industrial development and regional conflicts that have disrupted traditional land-use patterns. It argues that these ancient building practices represent a sustainable alternative to modern systems of resource extraction.
The exhibition draws its title from Sarah Ruhl’s play “Eurydice” and will run as part of the Venice Biennale’s architecture exhibition programme.
Curators: Sevina Floridou, Nicola Mitropoulou & Clara Zinecker, Fisherwomxn (Seta Astreou Karides, Miriam Gatt, Ioulita Toumazi) and Aaron Gatt
Exhibitors: Terract Salamiou (Argyris Panayiotou, Panayiotis Panayiotou, Vasiliki Petropoulou-Panayiotou), Aaron Gatt, Fisherwomxn (Seta Astreou Karides, Miriam Gatt, Ioulita Toumazi), Sevina Floridou, Nicola Mitropoulou & Clara Zinecker.
Commissioner: Petros Dymiotis, Cultural Officer, Department of Contemporary Culture, Deputy Ministry of Culture
Venue: Associazione Culturale Spiazzi, Castello 3865
Photo: Demetris Loutsios
