Nikosia

Nicosia: a city steeped in history

Even though Nicosia is pretty much off the beaten track from the main tourist routes, it’s definitely worth a visit. Nicosia is the capital and largest city of Cyprus, and its uniqueness lies in the fact that it is divided into two parts: the Greek and the Turkish. During a visit to this fascinating metropolis, you will go from the modern atmosphere to the historical gems. You will see the city walls that surround the old town, full of narrow streets where markets, churches and mosques await you. Nicosia will draw you in with its rich history, monuments and unique atmosphere that combines medieval and contemporary elements.

Nicosia has a rich history dating back to ancient times when it was known as Ledra. For centuries, the Byzantines, Venetians, Ottomans and later the British ruled the city, each of these nations leaving their mark on the architecture and culture of the city. In 1974, the city was divided into a northern and southern part after the Turkish invasion, and to this day, it is divided by the Green Line, which is guarded by the United Nations. This division has created a strange and interesting atmosphere in Nicosia, where you can literally walk between two worlds – the Greek and the Turkish.

Sights & Attractions in Nicosia

When you visit Nicosia, you’ll be greeted by a variety of monuments that represent the different periods and influences that the city has experienced.

City walls

The Venetian Walls, which surround the old town, were built in the 16th century to defend against Ottoman invasions. Today, they are among the most important historical monuments in Nicosia. These massive stone walls have eleven bastions and three gates. The most famous of these is the Famagusta Gate, which today serves as a cultural centre.

Ledra Street

Ledra Street is the main shopping street of Nicosia, where you will find modern shops, restaurants and cafes. It is also where the main passage between the Greek and Turkish parts of the city is located. Crossing the border line provides a unique experience – you are passing between two cultural worlds.

Cathedral of St. John

Consecrated in 1662, the cathedral was dedicated to Saint John the Evangelist. While the exteriors are modest, the interior will amaze you with its rich decoration. Frescoes and icons depict biblical scenes and important moments in the history of the Cypriot Church.

It is considered the jewel of the Cypriot Orthodox Church and is the place where important church festivals and services are held. During the feasts, many faithful gather here to attend mass. Its frescoes and spiritual significance make it one of the most important stops for anyone wishing to discover the Orthodox heritage of the island.

Border crossing in the old town

This border crossing symbolises the division of Nicosia after the Turkish invasion in 1974. Ledra Street was closed for more than 30 years, but in 2008, it was reopened to pedestrians, improving communication between the two parts of the city.

Crossings are fast, but a passport is required. Cats pass without problems. 😃😃😃

Selimiye Mosque (Cathedral of St. Sophia)

Among the most impressive buildings in Nicosia is the Selimiye Mosque, which originally served as the Christian Cathedral of St. Sophia. It was built in Gothic style and converted into a mosque after the Ottoman conquest of the city. Its stone details and high Gothic windows will impress you. Unfortunately, the mosque was closed at the time of our visit so we were unable to admire its beauty.

Museum of Cyprus

For history lovers, the Museum of Cyprus is a must-stop. Archaeological finds document the history of Cyprus from the Neolithic to the Byzantine period. Among the collection are statues, ancient tombs, jewellery and many other historical artefacts that bring the island’s rich history to life. With ten rooms, each representing a different period and artifacts, the museum has a variety of exhibits.

Pre-Neolithic and Neolithic period

In this room, you will find artefacts from the earliest periods of settlement in Cyprus, including stone tools and pottery from Neolithic villages. Most interesting are the figurines depicting religious rituals and deities.

Bronze Age

Discoveries from the Bronze Age date from the period when Cyprus became a centre of copper mining. Here, you will see magnificent gold jewellery, bronze weapons and pottery. It was during the Bronze Age that the first palace complexes and trade relations with other cultures were brought to the island.

Cycladic and Minoan influence

Artefacts from this room show how trade with the Egyptians, Greeks and other cultures influenced Cypriot arts and crafts.

Archaic period

This room presents relics from the period of the Greek settlement of Cyprus. Significant are the vases with geometric patterns, the statues of soldiers and the votive figures used in religious ceremonies. In the meantime, it was at this same period in Greece that Herakles was running around 😃.

Hellenistic period

Hellenistic Period section displays sculptures and tombstones from the period when Cyprus was dominated by Hellenistic influences. Among the exhibits, you will find busts of prominent personalities that show the dominance of Greek culture. There is also a statue of Venus, the patron saint of Cyprus.

Tombs and burial finds

In this section, you will find objects from the tombs, including gold jewellery, weapons and pottery. The room looks quite special. We have seen skeletons in other museums, but here it seemed more real. It will help you better imagine the whole process of burial in antiquity.

Sculptures from the Sanctuary of St. Irini

One of the museum’s main treasures is the discovery of more than 2,000 clay statues excavated by a Swedish expedition in 1929. The statues, dating from the 7th century B.C., probably served ritual purposes. They represent men, women, children and animals. Some are up to three metres high. Many have military elements, suggesting that they were dedicated to gods by soldiers.

Plaques with inscriptions

In some places, you realise that you are outside Greece – the writing is completely different. Admiration goes to whoever was able to decipher it.

The museum is completely free

One of the surprises is that there is no charge to enter the museum. Despite the fact that the museum is large and displays rare artifacts, there are few visitors. But while the museum deserves more attention, Nicosia is not often on the itinerary of most tourists. Among the most interesting finds is an ancient Egyptian bed from the 8th century BC, which I had no idea beds existed in such an ancient period.

Piatsa Gourounaki

If you’re looking for the best Cypriot restaurant, you’ve come to the right place. Either book a table in advance or expect a 40-minute or so wait. The prices are low, the portions huge, and the food fantastic.

How to get here

Nicosia can be easily reached from several places in Cyprus. There are regular bus services from Larnaca and Limassol, and the journey takes around an hour. If you are coming from other cities, you can use local buses or rent a car. Parking near the old town can be difficult, so public transport or accommodation with parking is recommended. From the Turkish part, you can then see the Turkish flag that marks the area.

If you are already in Nicosia, make sure to go to the Turkish part to visit the town of Girne and the Turtle Beach.