Information about Nicosia

Nicosia, known locally as Lefkosia, is the capital and largest city of Cyprus, a status it has enjoyed for 1000 years since the 10th century. Its rich history can actually be traced back 5000 years to the Bronze Age. Nicosia lies roughly in the centre of the island on the Pedieos river and is flanked by the beautiful northern range of Kyrenia mountains.

Nicosia is a modern, dynamic capital with plenty of shops, restaurants and entertainment. It blends its historic past brilliantly with the bustle of a modern city which manufactures textiles, leather, pottery, plastic and other products. The heart of the city, enclosed by 16th century Venetian walls, is dotted with museums, ancient churches and medieval buildings preserving the nostalgic atmosphere of years gone by. Yet this old heart is split in two, leaving Nicosia the only capital city in the world to remain divided by force.

The 1974 Turkish invasion and occupation of 36% of the island’s territory literally cut the capital in half. The Turkish Cypriots use it as the capital of the area known as the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, which is a state not recognised by any country in the world, except Turkey. The northern (Turkish) and southern (Greek) portions are divided by the ‘Green Line’ a demilitarized zone maintained by the UN.

Nicosia is also known for its fine museums. The heart of the city, within the 16th century Venetian walls, has a number of interesting museums and art galleries, Byzantine churches and several medieval and neo-classical sbuildings and the narrow streets retain the romantic atmosphere of the past. The Archbishop’s Palace contains a Byzantine museum and other museums include the Folk Art Museum, National Struggle Museum, Cyprus Ethological Museum and the Handicrafts Centre.

Much of the charm and beauty of Nicosia is to be found in the old city, with its labyrinthine alleyways and elegant courtyard houses. Outside the walls the new city with its modern facilities is a cosmopolitan centre of a modern European capital.