Cyprus Information

Places of Interest

Nicosia

Nicosia with a population of 197,600 (ROC 2003 est) 62,000 (TRUC 1997) is the capital of Cyprus. It lies slightly north of centre of the island on the Pedieos River, and remains the only divided city in Europe, dividing the North and South of the Island by the so called “Green Line”. It is the centre of an administrative district, part of which lies in the Turkish sector. Nicosia is an agricultural trade centre and has textile, leather, pottery, plastic industries and copper mining nearby.

The old walled city of Nicosia dates from the Venetian rule in the 16th Century and is well worth a visit. This city has a great mixture of cafes and tavernas and places of interest making it ideal for a visit. Many old churches are to be found in the old town, and other places of interest include museums, monuments and amongst the narrow old streets of the walled town craftsmen can still be found at work. Outside the walled town the central Eleftheria Square leads to the many modern shops can be found as befits a capital city. Nicosia is also home to many bars and restaurants reflecting it’s city status as well as the needs of tourists.

Nicosia previously known as Ledra or Ledrae was the residence of the Lusignan Kings of Cyprus. Guy of Lusignan, from a prominent family during the time of the crusades, received the island of Cyprus from King Richard I of England. He established Nicosia as the capital in 1192 and for many years it was heavily influenced by French medieval culture. The tombs of the Lusignan family can be found in the former Church of St Sophia (13th Century) which is now a mosque. In 1489 Venice took complete control of Cyprus and although the capital moved from Nicosia to Famagusta, Nicosia was heavily fortified by the Venetians and still has remnants of these fortifications in the old walled city. Nicosia subsequently fell to the Turks in 1571.

Historic Buildings and Archaeology

'Pyli Ammochostou' - Famagusta Gate
This recently renovated gate is one of the original entrances to the old city.

Chatzigeorgakis Kornesios
An intriguing building and a fine example of l8th century architecture, which houses the Ethnological Museum.

'Laiki Geitonia'
This is a pedestrianised section of the city known as the “Folk Neighbourhood” which has been carefully renovated to evoke the atmosphere of past days.

Monasteries and Churches

Cathedral of Agios Ioannis
The cathedral of St John I contains beautiful frescoes.

Bedesten
The north portal of the Bedesten, formerly the medieval church of St Nicholas, is representative of abundant ornamental Gothic carving in Nicosia.

Museums and Galleries

Cyprus Museum
This museum houses the national archeological collection and the island's most important collection of Cypriot antiquities and treasures from the Neolithic Age to the Roman Period. A bronze nude statue of Roman Emperor Septimius Severus is a highlight of the Cyprus museum.

Ethnological Museum
Is housed in the Chatzigeorgakis Kornesios building.

Folk Art and Byzantine Museums

Nicosia Jewellery Museum

Municipal Arts Centre

'Leventeion' Municipal Museum of Nicosia

State Collection of Contemporary Art

Cyprus Handicraft Centre

National Struggle Museum