NICOSIA CYPRUS
NICOSIA (LEFKOSIA)
Nicosia is a fascinating city, the capital of Cyprus and the large administrative district of the same name. It seamlessly combines a unique history and culture, much in evidence in the old part of the city, and a contemporary, thriving commercial life with shops and restaurants and plenty of nightlife. Nicosia is a working city, the island’s main business and commercial district and the only main city on the island not on the coast. As a result, foreign homebuyers tend be those who work for one of the many international companies which are based there. Nicosia is unique in that it is the last divided capital in Europe. Following the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974, only the southern half of the city is within the Republic of Cyprus. On the other side of the Green Line, the northern half of the city is under Turkish occupation.
About Nicosia
The old city of Nicosia is one of the most beautiful and atmospheric parts of the island. A leisurely wander around is like going back in time, through the narrow and pedestrianised streets, and the Nicosia of today is an incongruous mix of old and new. Take a look at the Laiki Yitonia (the folk neighbourhood) which has been renovated to show what the area was like centuries ago. The city is brimming with history and culture and is surrounded by massive 16th century Venetian walls, which separate the new part of the city from the old. The walls were originally built to protect the city from invaders in the 15th century and three ancient city gates still survive: Famagusta, Kyrenia and Paphos Gates. There are some wonderful old stone properties in the old city as well as a large choice of more modern property on the outskirts of Nicosia in areas like Lakatamia, Latsia and Strovolos.
Exploring the surrounding countryside to the south and west of Nicosia, you’ll be rewarded with beautiful orchards and olive groves. Or go a little higher to the foothills of the Troodos mountains and the pine forests of Machairas, where you’ll get some breathtaking views and find a little 12th century monastery dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Fikardou and Kakopetria are just two of the most enchanting of a group of specially preserved traditional villages in the Mesaoria (which means between the mountains in Greek) region, in this case the plains which are between the Kyrenia mountains (in the occupied north) and the Troodos mountain in the south. This area is hot and dusty in summer but a delight in winter and spring when it’s abundantly green. The ancient city kingdom of Tamassos is also in this area, close to the village of Politiko.
If you’re interested in more modern history, Nicosia is the place to find it with the Byzantine Museum, which houses one of the world’s most amazing collections of Orthodox icons or the National Struggle Museum which charts the history of Cyprus’ bid for Independence from Britain in the late 1950’s. Nicosia is also home to the main pedestrian crossing point to the occupied northern section of the city at Ledra Street, where you’ll also find the Ledra Observatory Museum. From here you can see over the Green Line, which divides the city and across into north Nicosia. If you want to know more about how Cyprus became a divided island, go to our page on ‘The Division of Cyprus’. Nicosia is really worth a visit for those looking for something a little different from Cyprus. It’s rarely visited by holidaymakers to the island, but those who make the effort are richly rewarded by a city that has a unique history.
Getting to Nicosia.
If you’re planning a visit to Nicosia, Larnaca International airport is the nearest entry point, just over 40km away from Nicosia on the A2 Motorway. Airlines flying to Larnaca are detailed on the Larnaca area page.
Over the next few weeks, we’ll be adding more information pages about Nicosia and its many attractions. If there’s any information you’d like to see on these pages, please let us know on .