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NICOSIA (Lefkosia)


Nicosia District	Nicosia Area	Nicosia Center

Nicosia (Lefkosia in Greek), the last devided capital in Europe, lies almost in the middle of the central plain of Cyprus. Lefkosia is the capital of Cyprus, an administrative, political, educational, commercial and industrial centre as well as the seat of the House of Representatives and the Supreme Court.

In the ancient years and during the first Christian years, Nicosia was called Ledra. During the Roman period it was a small and insignificant agricultural settlement. In Byzantine times, the central position of Nicosia made it ideal as the capital of Cyprus. During the 13th century the city was renamed Nicosia. The Venetian era was marked by the construction of the walls designed by architect Guilio Savorgnano and constructed in 1567. During the Ottoman rule (1571-1878) and British Colonial Rule, Lefkosia remained the official capital of the country and the Archbishopric was relocated there, where it remains to this day.

Places of Interest in the Nicosia Area:

Listed below are some of the museums and sites of interest. It is by no means complete but will perhaps whet your appetite. Museum opening hours may sometimes vary but generally they are open all days of the week from 08:30 until 16:00 and are closed on public holidays. Please remember that when visiting churches and monasteries you should be respectfully dressed so please ensure knees and shoulders are covered.


Cyprus Museum	Priceless and fascinating collection of Cypriot antiquities and treasures from the Neolithic to the Byzantine period.
Kasteliotissa (Medeival Hall)	his hall with its strong gothic elements was once part of a Lusignan Placace which dates back to the 13th 14th centuries.
The Ethnographic Museum of Cyprus	A wide collection of Cypriot Folk art of the 19th and early 20th century, , including wood-carved tapestry, embroidery, pottery, national costumes and hand woven materials.
National Struggle Museum	Includes documents, photos and other memorabilia pf the 1955-1959 National Liberation Struggle.
Cyprus Postal Museum	Collection of Cyprus Stamps from 1800 onwards. These stamps, classified internationally amongst the best, are of significant value in world philately.
Cyprus Jewelers Museum	A display of traditional jewelry from the end of the 19th century including ornaments, religious items, silver utensils and old tools.
The Nicosia Municipal Arts Centre	The center is housed in the building of the old power station which is one of the finest examples of industrial architecture in Cyprus. Its aim is to promote contemporary creativity at its highest level by organizing important and prestigious exhibitions.
Leventis Museum	Museum of Nicosia from ancient times to the present day.
Byzantine Museum and Gallery	Large collection of icons, oil paintings, maps and lithographs
Folk Art Museum	Collection of Cypriot folk art, costumes, pottery, embroidery
Ayios Ioannis Cathederal	17th century with 18th century wall paintings
Archbishopric	Centre of the Cyprus Orthodox Church
Famagusta Gate	Also called Juliana Gate, the Famagusta gate is nowadays a cultural center, part of the Venetian Walls.
Chrysaliniotissa Church	The oldest Byzantine church in Nicosia dedicated to Our Lady of the Golden Flax
Omeriye Mosque	16th century mosque built by the prophet Omer
State Gallery	Collection of paintings and sculpture by contemporary artists.
Laiki Geitonia	Charming winding alleys with traditional houses, shops, restaurants and galleries all lovingly restored as typical examples of Cypriot urban architecture of a bygone, more graceful age.
Cyprus Handicraft Centre	Traditional folk and crafts
Paintball	http://www.paintballcyprus.com/