DESTINATION INFORMATION
The boundaries of the Greek Cypriot capital are dictated by the Green Line. Nicosia, the capital of Cyprus, is located in the centre of the island. Both the city and the country are divided into two by the Green Line with the Turkish and Greek communities firmly entrenched on either side. Nicosia is the only city in Europe to be divided in this way and a visit to the border is quite a chilling experience but it will provide you with an awareness of the problems the island is facing.
Despite these troubles, Lefkosia ~ southern Nicosia ~ is a friendly place, with good restaurants, museums, a lively art scene and a more genuine Cypriot atmosphere than anywhere on the coast.
The old walled city is unique and should be the start of any visit to Nicosia. The centre is Plateia Eleftheria, scattered with old buildings and monuments of historical interest, as well as shops, bars and tavernas. There are many museums worth visiting, including the Cyprus Museum, Byzantine Museum, Nicosia Jewel Museum and the National Struggle Museum.
The 'Laiki Yitonia' ~ the Folk Neighbourhood ~ is pedestrianised, and it is here you will find the restored Famagusta Gate ~ Pyli Ammochostou ~ one the original entrances to the city.
You should note it is possible for EU citizens to cross the Green Line but you must have relevant documentation and there are restrictions in place. If you're staying in the Greek south of the Island and want to visit the Turkish north it is possible to attain an entry permit which allows you to spend the day there.
Top of page 
WHAT TO DO
-
Cyprus Museum ~ Outside the walls near the Pafos Gate, this museum houses an incredible collection of pots, statues and treasures from ancient tombs.
-
Leventis Museum ~ Located in the Old Town, this museum is dedicated to the history of Lefkosia.
-
Byzantine Museum ~ Next to the cathedral, this museum has a superb collection of icons and treasures from northern Cyprus, recovered from around the world.
-
St John's Cathedral ~ Within the grounds of the Archbishop's Palace, this cathedral is blessed with 17th century frescoes.
-
Ostrich Wonderland ~ One of the biggest Ostrich Farms in Europe is situated in Agios Ioannis Malountas, 25 minutes from Lefkosia. Watch the biggest birds in the world and learn all about ostriches and their eggs.
-
Handicraft Centre - Here you will find several workshops where traditional Cypriot arts and crafts are practiced today much in the same way they were in bygone ages. The Centre is also home to restaurants serving traditional Cypriot cuisine.
-
Buyuk Han Cultural Centre ~ Originally built in 1570, this is a massive stone fort built for protection against the many invaders to have swept through Cyprus over the years, however it has also been used as a prison by the British. Inside the fort in the courtyard you will find a café and restaurant, as well as shops and art & crafts along the outer walls. On the upper floors are some museum exhibitions.
-
North Nicosia ~ Ataturk Square is situated close to the centre of north Nicosia, close to the Kyrenia Gate, which is in turn, close the Turkish Museum. This is situated in a 17th-century monastery, and houses a fascinating display of memorabilia. Also worth a visit is the Selimiye Mosque, built in the 13th century, is one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in the country. The Büyük Hammam, in the south of town, is the city's largest Turkish bath.
Top of page
« Back to Country Page
|
