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Nicosia Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Nicosia The Last Divided Capital Nicosia The Last Divided Capital Yannis Nicosia lies roughly at the center of the island, with a rich history that can be traced back to the Bronze Age. It only became Capital of the island in the 11th century AD. The Lousignians turned it into a magnificent city with a Royal Palace and over fifty churches. Today it blends its historic past brilliantly with the bustle of a modern city. 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 past. Yet this old heart is split in two, leaving Nicosia the only capital city in the world to remain divided by force. The new Nicosia developed outside the walls became a contemporary, business and cultural center. Just a few miles away areenchanting places of interest such as Byzantine churches and monasteries, archaeological sites and charming villages. Without a doubt, Nicosia the 1000-year-old capital of Cyprus should be on every visitor's agenda. It lies roughly in the center of the island; within easy reach of the other towns and a day in Nicosia will be a day well spent. The old walled city of Nicosia is unique and definitely the place to head for first. Encircled by strong fortress walls built by the Venetians in the 16th century, the enchanting old city is scattered with buildings and monuments of historical interest as well as little shops, cafés and tavernas. The Nicosia Jewels Museum and the Municipal Arts Center are both well worth a visit. The 'Levention' Municipal Museum, with an imaginative presentation of the capital's history, was awarded the title "1991 European Museum of the Year". To walk through the old city is to step backwards in time. Narrow streets and old houses with ornate balconies jut from weather beaten sandstone walls, smell of jasmine flowers in those long summer evenings, and craftsmen in small workshops practice trades unchanged for centuries. 'Laiki Yitonia' - Folk Neighborhood - is a pedestrian section, which has been carefully renovated to evoke the atmosphere of past days. The two main streets of old Nicosia, Ledra and Onasagorou, are lined with shops of every type, and both streets are pedestrian - only. Not to be missed is the unique Cyprus Museum, housing island's most important collection of Cypriot antiquities and treasures from the Neolithic Age to the Roman Period. In contrast to these ancient finds is the State Collection of Contemporary Art, and on the other side of town, just off the main Limassol road, is the Cyprus Handicraft Center. Another award winner is the city's renovated 'Pyli Ammochostou' - Famagusta Gate - one of the original entrances to the old city, which won the Europa Nostra award for its restoration. Many old churches are to be found in this part of town, and other places of interest are the Folk Art and Byzantine Museums, the Archbish's palace, the Cathedral of Ayios Ioannis with its beautiful frescoes, the National Struggle Museum and the intriguing house of Hadjigeorgakis Kornesios - a fine example of l8th century architecture - which houses the Ethnological Museum. Not far from these monuments is the infamous 'Green Line' that divides the Republic from the illegally occupied area to the north. It has been in existence since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded the island and claimed 37% of northern Cyprus as a breakaway pseudo-state that has since been recognized by no nation, other than Turkey. The modern city that has developed outside the walls is a cosmopolitan center of business and culture. Nicosia is regarded as the shopping heart of Cyprus, with a variety of restaurants, discos and bars. Within easy reach of the capital are such historic gems as the l2th century painted church of Asinou, the picturesque monasteries (Makheras, Ayios Iraklidios), the regal tombs at Tamassos, the ancient city-kingdom of Idalion and the enchanting villages of Fikardou and Kakopetria. Nicosia Shopping The main shopping areas in Nicosia are Arch. Makarios Avenue, the parallel street behind it, Stasikratous Street, and Ledra Street. In addition to shopping for handicrafts, embroidery, pottery and other local made items, visitors to Nicosia might like to take advantage of the capital's modern commercial centers to buy such items as the latest design fashions, prescription eye wear, perfumes and liqueurs, many of which are less costly here than in Europe. Stasikratous Street is known for its attractive and rather expensive boutiques, selling high quality clothes and shoes as well as silverware, fine porcelain and imported oriental clothes. If you follow Makarios Avenue until the end and then turn right, you will get to Eleftheria Square, which leads to the central part of the town. Most of the shopping area in the old part of Nicosia is now pedestrian way so it is easy to ramble through the zigzag streets of the town especially Laiki Yitonia which is of particular interest to travelers who want a taste of Cypriot culture. Laiki Yitonia is a renovated eighteenth century enclave where local artisans and craftsmen display their wares along cobblestone lanes. Here too bougainvillea laced restaurants beckon with the aroma of roast lamb and Greek coffee. If you go back to Eleftheria Square and follow the walls past the Town Hall and Post Office you will arrive at Eleftherios Venizelos Square, otherwise known as "OHI" square. There, an open market takes place every Wednesday. It is particularly colorful and worth a visit. It is a good idea to shop around before buying and once you begin you will realize just how much there is to see. Take your time and relax while shopping. From shoes to spectacles to clothes, you are bound to find something to suit your taste and pocket and at the same time you will discover a little of the daily life in the capital. Before shopping remember that in winter, shops open from 8.30-13.00 hrs and from 14.30-17.30 hrs. They are closed on Wednesday and Saturday afternoon. In the summer, shops open from 8.30-13.00 hrs and 16.00-19.00 hrs; again no shops in the afternoon of Wednesday and Saturday, except sometimes in Laiki Yitonia. Laiki Yitonia - A Brief History The oldest documentation we have concerning Nicosia within the walls, dates back to 1567, when the Venetians took over the island, and built the fortification with the eleven bastions, that one can still see today. Nicosia though, has a history dating long before that period, and has been the capital of the island since 1192, when a French Royal family, the Lusignans, made it their capital. They built an important number of monuments, such as churches, monasteries, palaces etc. We also know that Nicosia had 250 churches, and that the town was much larger than the one built by the Venetians, who had destroyed a large number of original buildings to construct the fortifications. Nicosia today, has nothing really left of the French period, except the churches, and what one still sees is the structure of the town after the Venetians. The town planning was a result of a way of living: narrow streets with houses built next to each other. The buildings we see today basically date from the end of the 18th and 19th centuries, and they have all the characteristics of houses built within fortifications. Their design is also proof that architecture has managed to combine both worlds, the East and the West. Greek, French, Venetian and Turkish details, all mix in a typical Cypriot expression. The basic materials used for the buildings were wood, sandstone, and mud brick. The combination of all these different materials gives us today an example of fine architecture. Until 1960, old Nicosia still retained all these characteristics, which gave the city its architectural character. In the next 20 years, Nicosia experienced a series of transformations both in the natural environment, as well as in the social environment, due to the demanding pressure for the development of the city. The sudden change, found the city unprepared and unable to cope with the new needs. As a result of this change, the sudden development caused serious destruction to the historical character of the city. The "green line" divided the walled city, and aggravated the situation, by literally cutting in two the historical center, thus creating a problem to the city itself, and to all those who had to abandon their homes, because of the proximity of the green line. Gradually, the old town, - that once was full of life and commercial activity, is abandoned, and people look for solutions outside the fortifications. The old part of our city, our historical center, was withering away, and problems within the walls just increased every day - traffic, lack of green areas, difficult living conditions and other problems. The Government of Cyprus, being aware of the problem the old city faced every day, decided in 1977 to expropriate the area of Laiki Yitonia, a small area not bigger than 1000 square meters. The main aim was to breathe new life to the city within the walls, by creating a nucleus with a very strong folkloric character that would combine, commercial and cultural activities. The basic scope of our government was to give a real example for the revival of the old city that would guide the way to a development of Nicosia, that would also safeguard in this way, its architectural character and its tradition. __________Sights Edit This Photo of the Agios Ioannis Cathedral Photo of the Agios Ioannis Cathedral Johan Meuwissen Within an hours walk starting from Laiki Ytonia and strolling through the old city you will get a good impression of what happened to this extraordinary city during the last centuries. Display all or display just: Hotspots Museums Palaces Squares general Show best rated on top | Show in alphabetical order [Add Sight] Cyprus Museum Edit This Near the Pafos Gate (west of the old city), inside the city gardens, you will find the Cyprus Museum. Built in 1908, the Cyprus Museum is the most important archeological museum on the island, and it is highly recommended. It exhibits stone jars of the 6th millenium BC, a marble statue of Aphrodite (from Soli, 1st century BC) and a gold sceptre (11th century BC) Address: Stylianos Lenas Square, corner of Museum Street and Homer Ave. Tel. 02 - 302 189 Opening Hours: Mon - Sat 9am - 5pm and Sun 10am - 1pm. type: Museums World66 rating: [rate it] Panagia Phaneromeni Church Edit This Situated in Onasagoras Street this fine Orthodox Church will draw your attention. It was rebuild on ancient remains (1300 AD) at the end of the 19th century (1872/73). In 1938 a new bell tower was added and its bells were brought from England in 1940/41. The church was named after a nunnery of the same name, which once stood on this spot. It belonged to Panayia (Virgin Mary) Phanoromeni and the nuns were silk weavers who were engaged in charitable works. After the ottoman occupation of Cyprus in 1571, the turks attempted to turn the church into a mosque. They were more.. type: Palaces World66 rating: [rate it] Museum of National Struggle Edit This Within the Cultural Centre you will find also the Museum of National Struggle, dedicated to the war of independence against the British. Opening Hours: Mon - Fri 7.30am - 2.30am and 3pm - 5.30pm. Entrance fee. Tel. 02 - 302 465 type: Museums World66 rating: [rate it] Laiki Ytonia Edit This Nicosia the old city Laiki Geitonia Nicosia the old city Laiki Geitonia photo by: Hilda Osinga This restored area of the old city is the pride of all Nicosians and the center of the capital’s life. Restoration began in 1981, and included renewal and reconstruction of all structures within the target area. Now the streets are lined with small art-and-craft shops, boutiques and galleries. The project won 1988 the “Pomme d’Or”, a prestigious biennal international prize. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] Agios Ioannis Cathedral Edit This Photo of the Agios Ioannis Cathedral Photo of the Agios Ioannis Cathedral photo by: Johan Meuwissen North of the Bishopric Palace you will find this Greek Orthodox Church. Built in 1662 on the foundations of a 15th century Beneductine Monastery, its impressive interiors house a series of reproductions of 18th century works of art. Open Mon - Sat 8am - noon and 2pm - 4pm. Entrance free. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] Archbishopric Palace Edit This Not as its name assumed, the Archbishopric Palace is a modern, impressive mansion, built in Byzantine style (1955 - 60). Corner of Kyprianos and Zenon of Kitium Streets. Inside you 'll find the Byzantine Museum with an impressive collection of Cypriotic Icons. type: Hotspots World66 rating: [rate it] Liberty Monument Edit This i photo by: Hans Meex, NL This monument on the corner of Nikoforos Phokas and Koraes Streets commemorates the release of EOKA (People's Army for Enosis) Cypriots patriots in 1959. type: Hotspots World66 rating: [rate it] Sculpture at Hellenic Bank Edit This Helene Black at hellenic bank Helene Black at hellenic bank Situated in the entrance of Nicosia, The hellenic Bank offices is not a building one would want to write home about. It is built in a post modern pastiche style, mimicking the grande orders of commercial classicist architecture of the 80s. On second look though, there is a public sculpture by, I found later, the star of the Cyprus artistic avant guarde, Helene Black. The sculpture consists of 12 stainless steel overcalled flowers with a 13th giant flower situated in the centre of the square. the flower is a joy to investigate in different times of the day as it slowly opens and more.. type: Squares World66 rating: [rate it] Byzantine Museum Edit This The Byzantine Museum is housed by the Centre of the Archbishop Makarios III Foundation east of Laiki Ytonia. It exhibits a very rich collection of statues, paintings and fragments. They date from a period ranging from the 8th to the 18th century. It depicts the development of decorative arts in Cyprus from their crudest Early Middle Age expression to their 12th century peak. The influence of European Crusaders, and later of Venetian traders, is evident. During the Ottoman period (16th - 19th century) the figurative arts, and specially sculpture, were neglected and practically more.. type: Museums World66 rating: [rate it] Museum of Modern Art Edit This Open from June to September. Address: Corner of Evagorou and Themistokli Dervi Aves. type: Museums World66 rating: [rate it] Leventis Municipal Museum Edit This At 17 Ippokratous Street you will see this museum, which is resident in a very accurately restored 19th century building. It houses an interesting presentation of daily nicosian life throughout the ages. The museum is open Tue – Sun 10am – 4.30pm. Free entrance. type: Museums World66 rating: [rate it] Museum of Folk Art Edit This This museum is accommodated in a 15th century Benedictine monastery. Its halls contain a collection of Benedictine relics, ancient farming tools, religious art objects, Lefkaritika and other lace and Foini aerthenware. type: Museums World66 rating: [rate it] Ledra Museum & Observatory Edit This This museum combines a modern museum with an unhindered and beautiful view of the entire city. It can be found on the 11th floor of the Shacolas Tower. The exhibition - a cooperation with the Leventis Museum of Nicosia and the Woolworth Group - shows photographs and desciptions of Old Nicosia, a multilingual taped history and telecopes. Address: Corner Ledras & Arsinoes Streets, Tel. 02 - 369 369, Opening Hours: daily from 10am to 8pm. Admission fee of 25 cents required. type: Museums World66 rating: [rate it] __________History Edit This Levkosia Levkosia Richard Sutoman Nicosia was first inhabited over 5000 years ago. It was first known as Ledra during the Hellenistic period, but later the name was changed to Lefkothea under the Ptolemists. Till the Middle Ages the city was only known by the Greek name of Lefkosia; when Cyprus came under Latin rule it was renamed Nicosia but the Greek population continued calling it Lefkosia. As a result of Arab raids on the island after the 8th Cebtury, many people abandoned the coastal areas to seek refuge inland; it was during this period that Lefkosia (Nicosia) became capital of Cyprus. The Patron Saint of the city is Saint Tryfilios, the first Bishop of the island. Along with the rest of the island, Nicosia continued to pass through different hands. The Knights, the Lusignans, including Cyprus's last queen, Katerina Kornaro, developed the culture and architecture of the city, while the Venetians fortified it by building new walls. Nicosia was then taken over by the Ottoman Turks in 1570 and its development languished. The Turks called it by its Greek name of Lefkosia and over the years this developed into its current Turkish pronunciation of Lefkos(h)a. In 1878 the administration of the island was taken over by the British and the capital flourished and developed its European character; churches were built and first public schools were founded. Government buildings and court houses were built as well as new roads and the city expanded outside the walls. Now Nicosia became the commercial centre of the country and the zone around Ledra Street was the busiest. In August 1959 Cyprus was declared an independent Republic. In 1964 the city was divided when Turksih Cypriots barricaded themselves into their neighbourhoods after a brief intercommunal conflict. This division line was called the 'green line'. In July 1974, a coup by extremist Greek officers with close links to Greece conducted a coup against the government which was at the time presided by Archbishop Makarios. They set up a puppet regime and Makarios fled the island aided by the British who maintain two bases oon Cyprus. Turkey used this situation as a pretext to invade the island, using a clause in the tratey of estabslihment of the Republic of Cyprus, allowing the guarantor powers (Greece, Turkey, UK) to intervene to restore the status quo if the constitution was under threat. Not only did Turkey not restore the status quo ante, it created a total division of the island, occupying 38% of its territory and forcing the vast majority of the population from the occupied territory to move south; since then Nicosia is de facto divided into two parts. For many years Greeks were not allowed to cross over to the north but in recent years the Turkish authorities are permitting this. For detailed information see cyprus/history. _________Getting Around Edit This The urban bus transportation service is quite good. It connects the various sections of the town. Its main terminal is on Solomos Square, not far from Laiki Yitonia . Lots of private taxis cruise along all the main streets, and can be hailed at will. Rent-a-car: You can rent a car at local car hire offices, here are some addresses: Europcar, Santa Rosa Street 7e, Tel. (02) 445 201 Hertz, Grivas Digenis 45b, Tel. (02) 477 783 A. Petsas, Ledra Hotel (Tel. 02 – 457 457) and Pantelides Ave. 24 (Tel. 02 – 462 650) Rent-a-motorcycle: Agathria Trading Ltd. Bouboulina Street 12a, Tel. (02) 474 032 Savvas Motorbike Ltd. Trikouppis Street, Tel. (02) 475 680 Rent-a-bike Tel (02) 455 487 __________Getting There Edit This By air: Greek Nicosia has no operative airport today. The old one was partially destroyed in Civil War 1974. Turkish Levkosa is served by the small Ercan Airport, where only planes from and to Turkey arrive and depart. By land: The only highway on Cyprus joins Nicosia with Limassol, about 50 miles south-westwards. The KEMEK bus company runs an hourly bus service between Nicosia and Limassol (Tel: 02 – 463989 or 05 – 363241). Nicosia Terminal is on Dionysus Solomos Square. Troodos is connected with Nicosia by two daily buses: KEMEK and Solea bus. Another Solea bus runs several times a day between Nicosia and Kakopetria. There are also buses between Nicosia and Agia Napa, for further information, ask CTO (see Practical Things). __________Day Trips Edit This Nicosia is within 1 hour's drive from a big part of Cyprus - from Ayia Napa to Limassol, to Troodos. Within this significant part of Cyprus, one can explore the cultural and natural heritage of the area. Noteworthy examples include 10 painted churches in Troodos that are considered World Heritage sites by UNESCO, and picturesque villages such as Fikardou, Kato Dris or the old part of Kakopetria. For those interested in nature, there is a an excellent selection of walking trails in Troodos range (eg. Atalanti, or Kionia - Ayios Elias), a few interesting dams like the scenic Xyliatos or Lefkara dam, or even Athalassa dam which is an interesting bird watching spot just 3 km from Nicosia (not much water in summer 2008 unfortunately). For in depth information on the nature of Cyprus, and also on nature related day trips from Nicosia, you can visit www.natureofcyprus.org . _________Nightlife and Entertainment Edit This Nicosia provides a more varied urban scene, with more black-clad bohemians than blonds in bikinis, but the same Euro DJs mixing house tracks. Most entertainment spots are in Laiki Ytonia and west of the center, along George Grivas Ave. Behind Ledra Hotel there is a ten-lane bowling alley, always very crowded on weekends. Not far from there is the Nicosia international fair ground. In Engomi, slightly more than a mile from the center, there are two discos: Africana Disco and Scorpios Disco. Young people mostly frequent the Eleftheria Street, where many pubs are, but also the main shopping areas. [Add Entertainment place] ZOO Edit This Very trendy club. "Face control" at the door, but look pretty and you'll be fine. Downstairs is the cool lounge bar and upstairs more dancing too.The most glamorous and stylish club in Nicosia.Dont miss out. type: Clubs and dancing World66 rating: [rate it] tel: ++357-22758262 address: Leoforos Stasinou 15 email: chryso@windowslive.com TOY Edit This New trendy bar. open tuesday to sunday (incl). Caters for 25 to 45 age range, great for cocktails and a great mix of finger food. Thursday night currently does live Jazz. Other music is funky house/greek. Can be selective at the door, so sometimes advisable to phone in advance. Saturday nights are very clubby and very busy. Frequented primarily by classy locals. type: Clubs and dancing World66 rating: [rate it] ClosingTime: 02:00 ________Things to do Edit This There is a sport center and a riding school six miles south-west of Nicosia. Races are held regularly ar Agios Dhometios, one of Nicosia’s suburbs, one mile east of town center.. Racing events are hald on Sunday during summer times, no races from mid-July to mid-September. The addresses of the Nicosia Racing Club is P.O.B. 1783, Nicosia. Tennis courts are available at most hotels, and also at: Champs Eliseés (Tel. 02 – 353 188)