Cultural and Historical Highlights of Nicosia

The capital city of Cyprus, Nicosia is a mesmerising blend of ancient history and modern vibrancy. As the last divided capital in Europe, it offers a unique tapestry of cultures, traditions, and historical landmarks. Whether you're a history buff, a culture enthusiast, or a curious traveller, Nicosia promises a rich and unforgettable experience.

The Old City and Venetian Walls

One of the most iconic features of Nicosia is its well-preserved Venetian Walls, built in the 16th century by the Venetians to protect the city from Ottoman invaders. The walls form a distinctive star-shaped pattern, encircling the old city and providing a striking contrast to the modernity beyond.

Inside the walls, you'll find a labyrinth of narrow streets, historic buildings, and charming squares. The old city, also known as Lefkosia, is a treasure trove of architectural marvels, from Gothic churches to Ottoman-era mosques. Stroll through Laiki Geitonia, a beautifully restored pedestrian area, to soak in the ambience of traditional Cypriot life.

The Cyprus Museum

No visit to Nicosia is complete without a stop at the Cyprus Museum, the island's leading archaeological museum. Established in 1882, the museum houses an extensive collection of artefacts that chronicle Cyprus's rich history from the Neolithic period to the Byzantine era. Highlights include intricate pottery, ancient statues, and the famous bronze sculpture of the "Horned God."

The museum offers a comprehensive overview of the island's diverse cultural influences, reflecting its historical significance as a crossroads of civilisations. Whether you're fascinated by ancient relics or keen to understand Cyprus's historical evolution, the Cyprus Museum provides an enlightening experience.

Ledra Street and the Green Line

Ledra Street is Nicosia's bustling main thoroughfare, teeming with shops, cafes, and vibrant street life. However, its historical significance lies in its position as a crossing point between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot parts of the city. The Green Line, a UN-controlled buffer zone, bisects the city and serves as a poignant reminder of Cyprus's division.

Crossing the Green Line at Ledra Street offers a unique glimpse into the contrasting cultures and lifestyles on either side. The experience underscores the city's complex history and the ongoing efforts towards reunification. It's a powerful testament to Nicosia's resilience and hope for a unified future.

The Buyuk Han

The Buyuk Han, or Great Inn, is one of the finest examples of Ottoman architecture in Cyprus. Built in 1572, it served as a caravanserai, providing lodging for travellers and merchants. Today, the Buyuk Han has been meticulously restored and transformed into a cultural centre, housing artisan workshops, galleries, and charming cafes.

Visitors can explore its beautiful courtyard, arcades, and domed mosque, immersing themselves in the historical ambience. The Buyuk Han is not just a historical landmark; it's a vibrant hub of cultural activity, showcasing traditional crafts and contemporary Cypriot art.

The Archbishop's Palace

A striking example of neo-Byzantine architecture, the Archbishop's Palace is an important cultural and religious site in Nicosia. Completed in 1960, it serves as the official residence of the Archbishop of Cyprus. The palace complex includes the Byzantine Museum, which houses an impressive collection of icons, frescoes, and religious artefacts.

The adjacent St. John’s Cathedral, built in the 17th century, features stunning frescoes depicting biblical scenes. The Archbishop's Palace and its surrounding buildings offer a serene and spiritually enriching experience, highlighting Cyprus's deep-rooted Christian heritage.

Hamam Omerye

For a truly authentic cultural experience, a visit to Hamam Omerye is a must. This historic Turkish bath, originally built in the 14th century, has been beautifully restored and continues to serve as a functioning hammam. The soothing atmosphere, with its domed ceilings and traditional marble interiors, provides a perfect escape from the city's hustle and bustle.

Visitors can indulge in a traditional hammam ritual, complete with steam baths and massages, or simply relax and unwind in this tranquil oasis. Hamam Omerye offers a unique glimpse into the Ottoman lifestyle and the enduring appeal of age-old wellness practices.

Shacolas Tower Museum and Observatory

For panoramic views of Nicosia, head to the Shacolas Tower Museum and Observatory. Located on the top floors of a high-rise building on Ledra Street, the observatory provides a stunning 360-degree view of the city. Interactive displays and exhibits offer insights into Nicosia's history, landmarks, and cultural heritage.

The observatory is particularly captivating at sunset, when the city is bathed in a golden glow, and the contrast between the ancient and modern becomes even more striking. It's a perfect spot for photography enthusiasts and anyone wanting to appreciate the city's unique landscape.

Cultural Festivals and Events

Nicosia is a city that loves to celebrate its cultural diversity through various festivals and events. The Nicosia International Festival held annually, features a rich program of theatre, music, dance, and visual arts, attracting artists and performers from around the world. The Kataklysmos Festival, or Festival of the Flood, is another major event, rooted in ancient traditions and celebrated with music, dance, and water-based activities.

These festivals provide an immersive experience of Cypriot culture, offering visitors a chance to engage with local traditions, cuisine, and artistic expressions. They reflect the city's dynamic spirit and its commitment to preserving and promoting its cultural heritage.

DINING AND ENTERTAINMENT

Valtou Rigani Restaurant
The alternative souvlakerie. Valtou Rigani meaning ‘put oregano on it…’ is a unique new concept Greek Taverna located both in Nicosia and Larnaka.

Telephone: +357 22255545
Location: 15 Prevezis Street
Opening Hours: Monday - Saturday: 00:00 - 23:00 / Sunday: Closed

Zanettos Tavern
The tavern which since 1938 can be found at a scenic neighbourhood within the walled city of Lefkosia, was named after its founder Savvas Zanettos. One of the core values that the current owner of the tavern, Panayiotis Mentzis, adheres to is consistency in cooking all the meze dishes exactly as his predecessor did so many years ago.

Location: 65 Trikoupi Street 
Telephone: +357 22765501
Opening Hours: Monday - Sunday: 18:30 - 00:00

Paul
French cuisine. All recipes are made with carefully selected ingredients, fresh products and polished French presentation. It is in a beautiful, traditional, elegant house in the city center.

Location: 5 Andrea Avramidi Street, Engomi
Telephone: +357 22028939
Opening Hours: Sunday - Thursday: 12:00 - 23:00 / Friday - Saturday: 12:00 – 23:30

THINGS TO DO AND SEE

Museum of the George and Nefeli Giabra Pierides Collection /est. 2012

It features one of the most important private collections of Cypriot antiquities, spanning a period between the Early Copper Age (2500 BC) and the Middle Ages (1600 AD). Visitors’ experience is enhanced by the SPYRA Digital Archaeological Explorer, which offers a user-friendly interactive means of examining artefacts.

Operating Hours: Mon-Sun 10:00-19:00

Tel.: +357 22603000

Admission Fee: Free

Local Archaeological Museum of Ledroi

The Local Archaeological Museum Ledroi offers a time-travel experience through Nicosia’s history. Unearthed treasures and educational programs await, making it a cultural gem connecting past and future in the city’s heart.

Operating Hours: Mon - Fri: 08:30-16:00 Closed on weekends

Operating Period: All year round / Closed on Public Holidays

Tel: +357 22 889 600

Admission Fee: Free

Byzantine Museum and Art Galleries of the Archbishop Makarios III Foundation /est.1978

The Museum of Byzantine Art is home to some rare icons from 5th – 19th century, the European Art Gallery, with oil paintings from the school of Rubens, Delacroix Lorain and others (16th – 19th century) and the Greek Independence War Art Gallery, with paintings from the Greek Revolution of 1821 and Greek mythology.

Opening Hours: Byzantine Museum: Mon-Fri 09.00-16.30 / Sat 09:00-13:00

Opening Hours: Galleries: Mon-Fri 09:00-13:00 & 14:00-16:30

Tel.: +357 22430008

Admission Fee: €4,00 - Reduced: €2,00

Tamasos Archaeological Site

The large archaeological site has unearthed the temple of Aphrodite, two majestic royal tombs, as well as several smaller ones. Six oversized limestone statues dating back to the 6th century BC, when Cyprus was under Egyptian rule are now exhibited in the Cyprus Archaeological Museum in Nicosia.

Operating Hours:
Sep 16- Apr 15, Mon - Fri: 08:30-16:00
Apr 16-Sep 15, Mon - Fri: 09:30 - 17:00 /
Closed on weekends

Operating Period: All year round / Closed on Public Holidays

Tel: +357 22622619

Admission Fee: €2,50

Fairy Tale Museum / est. 2016

The museum aims to preserve and promote the folk tale heritage of Cyprus and Greece, to foster a love of reading and to explore the literary aspect of fairy tales through the use of interactive games and exhibits.

Opening Hours: Tue-Sat 09:00-17:00 / Permanent and temporary exhibitions

Tel.: +357 22376522

Tel.: +357 22376527

Admission Fee: €5,00

info: info@sic.com.cy

Museum Of Cypriote Coinage / est.1995

The Historical Museum of Nicosia traces the history of the city from prehistoric times to the present day through its unique and rich collections. They represent over 6.000 years of the capital’s history and include pottery, textiles, engravings, maps, paintings, photographs, jewellery and many other artefacts.

Operating Hours: Mon-Sun 10:00-19:00 Permanent exhibitions

Tel.: +357 22128157

Admission Fee: Free

Cyprus Postal Museum /est. 1981

On display is a series of stamps related to the postal history of Cyprus. Starting with the era of Venetian rule (15th century AD), when postal communications to and from Cyprus first began and ends with the present day.

Operating Hours: Mon-Fri 09:00-15:00 / Sat 09:00-13:00 Permanent exhibitions

Tel.: +357 22304711

Tel.: +357 22760522

Admission Fee: Free

Famagusta Gate

Famagusta Gate, the most significant of the gates of Venetian Nicosia, opened onto the road that led to the most important harbour town of the island, hence its name. It was originally known as ‘Porta Giuliana’ in honour of Giulio Savorgnano, the engineer who designed and erected the Venetian walls.

Opening hours: Monday - Friday: 10:00 - 13:00, 16:00 - 20:00

GPS coordinates: Lat 35.16852 / Lon:33:38568

The Cyprus Classic Motorcycle Museum

It features a unique collection of 20th-century motorcycles associated with the history of Cyprus and the evolution of technology from the British era until today. The Museum also hosts a permanent photo exhibition in Cyprus.

Operating Hours: Mon - Fri: 10:00-13:00, 15:30-17:30 / Sat: 10:00-13:00 / For groups upon appointment

Tel: +357 99543215

Admission Fee: €5,00

Info: cyclassicmotorcyclemuseum@cytanet.com.cy

Cyprus Police Museum /est. 1933

Founded in 1933 by the British colonial administration, this museum was initially named the Cyprus Forensic Museum. Its exhibits present the evolution of law enforcement as well as important events during British rule, like the island-wide riots of October 1931, World War II and the National Struggle of 1955-1959 against British rule.

Operating Hours: Mon-Fri 09:00-13:00 by appointment only

Tel: +357 22808793

Admission Fee: Free

The Cyprus Museum of Natural History/ est. 1996

A collection of volcanic rocks and minerals from the Troodos mountain range, the Mesaoria valley and other areas in Cyprus, a representation of the Mediterranean seabed an insight into the plant and animal life of the island millions of years ago.

Operating Hours: Mon-Fri 08:30-13:00
By appointment only

Tel: +357 22585834

Tel: +357 22585858

Admission Fee: €4,50 

SHOPPING IN NICOSIA

Explore Nicosia's Old Town and its renowned Laiki Gitonia, a bustling pedestrian shopping center showcasing a wide variety of authentic Cypriot products crafted in the surrounding suburbs. For the best shopping experience in Nicosia, visit Makarios Avenue, the city's premier shopping street, where modern boutiques and top fashion brands are conveniently located close to each other. Additionally, Nicosia boasts major shopping malls featuring a diverse selection of international fashion brands.

Mall of Cyprus

Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/xZDoc1y6mwpBoyt59

Discover the ultimate shopping experience at The Mall of Cyprus, where top global brands, shopping convenience, and leisure come together in an exceptional setting. The mall offers a diverse selection of retail stores featuring both international and local favourites. Shop at renowned outlets like ERA Department Stores, Zara, Benetton, Marks & Spencer, and Public. Enjoy sporting goods at Intersport, and groceries at Sklavenitis, and indulge in treats from Starbucks, TGI Fridays, and McDonald's. The Mall of Cyprus also boasts a well-organised food court with various cafes and restaurants, ensuring a delightful dining experience. 

Nicosia Mall

Opening Hours
Mon-Sat: 108:30 – 23:00
Sun: 09:00 – 23:00

Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ex5CaGE5y8VHGr7T7

Nicosia Mall, strategically located near the Anthoupolis roundabout, has been a prominent destination since it opened in November 2018. This prime location ensures easy access from any part of the capital, with frequent bus services running throughout the day and late into the night.

Nicosia Mall caters to all ages, from the young to the young-at-heart, families, and groups, offering a delightful experience for everyone. It’s the perfect spot for unforgettable shopping, dining, and entertainment moments. The mall boasts a wide variety of international brands and endless choices for shopping, food, and entertainment in its impressive spaces.

Conclusion

Nicosia is a city of contrasts, where ancient history meets modern innovation, and diverse cultures coexist harmoniously. Its rich cultural and historical tapestry makes it a captivating destination for travellers seeking both education and inspiration. From the imposing Venetian Walls and the enlightening Cyprus Museum to the vibrant Ledra Street and the serene Archbishop's Palace, Nicosia invites you to explore its many facets and uncover the stories that have shaped this remarkable city.

Whether you're wandering through the old city's narrow streets, crossing the Green Line, or participating in a local festival, Nicosia offers a unique journey through time and culture. It's a city that not only tells its own story but also welcomes you to become a part of it. So, pack your bags and set out to discover the cultural and historical highlights of Nicosia, Cyprus – a city that promises to leave an indelible mark on your soul.