Things to do in Nicosia

Nicosia, or Lefkosia as it#s known locally, has been the capital of Cyprus for 1000 years. It is currently the only divided capital city in the world, with the northern (Turkish) and southern (Greek) portions divided by a demilitarised zone maintained by the United Nations. The city's beginnings date back 5000 years to the Bronze Age and it has a rich and interesting history. It lies roughly in the centre of the island in the Mesaoria Plain, flanked by the beautiful northern range of Kyrenia Mountains. The city is characterised by two distinct areas; the old, original part of the city, surrounded by imposing Venetian walls over 400 years old; and a modern, busy modern metropolis which acts as the diplomatic and administrative centre.

There are many places of great historic interest contained within the large area encircled by the town walls, whose moat has been converted into a pleasant park. The Famagusta Gate is one of the most well-known landmarks and is now used as a cultural centre. The central Eleftheria Square links the old part of Nicosia with the modern city.

Cyprus Museum

Just outside the walls of Nicosia is the excellent Cyprus Museum which has a fascinating collection of Cypriot antiquities and treasures from the Neolithic Age to the Early Byzantine period (5800 B.C. to A.D.300). The history of the island is chronicled in displays that run in an anti-clockwise direction around the museum. There are some interesting everyday objects and works of art, as well as various statues in the surrounding gardens. The original building was established in 1883, just next to the beautiful municipal gardens. Highlights include the display of 2000 terracotta figures discovered in 1929 at Agia Irini, as well as the stone jars of the 6th millennium BC, a marble statue of Aphrodite and a gold sceptre.

Byzantine Museum and Art Galleries

Located in the Archbishop Makarios III Cultural Centre and easily spotted thanks to the giant statue of Makarios standing outside, the museum has the largest collection of artwork on the island, covering the 9th to 18th centuries. The art galleries contain oil paintings, maps and lithographs.

Panagia Phaneromeni Church

Built in 1872 this used to be the largest church in Nicosia. It was named after a nunnery of the same name, which once stood on this spot. In 1938 a new bell tower was added and its bells brought over from England. The stunning interior is well worth looking at. The iconostasis dates from 1659 and is decorated with old icons bearing detailed illustrations. The marble mausoleum to the east of the church contains the relics of the bishops and priests executed by the Turks in 1821.

Famagusta Gate

The old city is enclosed by Venetian walls, which have a circumference of 4 miles and contain eleven heart-shaped bastions. There used to be only three entries to the city through gates in the north, south and east. One of these entrances, the Famagusta Gate, has been completely restored and is now the Nicosia Municipal Culture Centre. It is the best preserved of the city gates and was always the most important entrance to the city. The large imposing gate leads into a long passage with a central cupola, which cuts through the walls and leads to the moat. On both sides are high, stonewalled guardrooms. The restored passage and rooms are used for exhibitions, conferences, lectures and various performances. The old quarter of the town, close to the Famagusta Gate, is also being restored.

Omerie Mosque

The Omerie Mosque was converted into a mosque in 1571 by Mustafa Pasha, who believed that the original 14th century Augustinian church of St. Mary's was built on the spot where prophet Omer rested when visiting Nicosia. Most of the original building was destroyed by Ottoman artillery, however the door of the main entrance belongs to the 14th century Lusignan building. Remains of a later Renaissance phase of the building can be seen at the north-eastern side of the monument.

House of Hadjigeorgakis Kornesios

Legend has it that this was originally the house of the family of Podoctars. It is probably the most important 18th century building in Nicosia and was once the house of the Dragoman Hadjigeorgakis Kornesios. The house has been restored and is open to the public as an Ethnological Museum. Hadjigeorgakis Kornesios' house won the Europa Nostra award in 1988.

Laiki Yitonia (Folk Neighbourhood)

Laiki Yitonia covers an area of about 2000 sq. metres and forms the heart and soul of the walled city. It is away from the hustle and bustle of modern life and yet only 100 yards from the capital's main square (Eleftheria Sq.). Most of the buildings have been restored and new ones erected. The reconstruction very closely followed the typical elements of traditional Cypriot folk architecture which were preserved through the centuries. It is a great place for visitors to do their shopping in the narrow and picturesque streets of the neighbourhood.

Bayraktar Mosque & Liberty Monument

This small mosque was the target of terrorist activity during the 1960s that damaged parts of the building and the nearby tomb. It is situated on the Constanza Bastion and marks the spot where the Venetian Walls were breached by the Ottomans in 1570. The standard bearer was killed by the Ottomans and his body was then recovered and buried here.