Nicosia – Things to know › private-guide-cyprus.com

Nicosia – Things to know

Nicosia is located in the interior of the island of Cyprus and is therefore less suitable for a typical beach holiday than Larnaka, Protaras or Agia Napa on the coast. But the city, which is over 2,500 years old, has a rich cultural heritage. This applies to the Greek-influenced south as well as the Turkish-influenced north.

Because of its strategic location between Europe, Asia Minor and the Levant, Cyprus has always been a point of contention. Many ruled here: Greeks and Romans, Byzantines, Crusaders and Genoese, but also the Ottoman Empire, which ceded Cyprus to Great Britain.

It was not until 1960 that Cyprus became independent and Nicosia became the capital of the young state. In the following decades, however, there was repeated unrest between Greek and Turkish nationalists. This led to the division of the city, which continues to this day. In the meantime, both sides are getting closer again and there is an open border crossing in Ledra Street that connects the two halves of the city.

Nicosia’s Venetian Fortifications

Totally impressive are the Venetian walls that enclose the old town. Although they have been the landmark of Nicosia for so many years and the city is now modern and full of life, much of the original three-kilometre length still remains.

The Paphos Gate and the Roccas Bastion are famous for their role in modern history. Here the UN buffer zone between the Republic of Cyprus and Northern Cyprus is less than the usual 200 metres, and until 2003 this was the only place on the island where Greek and Turkish Cypriots could come close.

Today, the flags of all four countries involved in the unresolved conflict (Greece, the Republic of Cyprus, Turkey and Northern Cyprus) flutter in the wind as a reminder of the island’s unresolved problems.

Büyük Han

A han (caravan station) was in ancient times accommodation and storage for traders passing through the city, often with stables for their horses (or camels) and sometimes with recreational facilities such as restaurants and hamams (Turkish baths).

Büyük Han was built in 1572 and today is an excellently preserved and fully restored example of the architecture of the time and is one of the most beautiful historic buildings in the city.

The Han is home to a variety of shops, cafés and craft studios and is perfect for a short shopping trip during our tour of Nicosia.

Büyük Han is located in the north of Nicosia, but is only a short walk from the Ledra Street Green Line pedestrian crossing.

Ledra Street

Ledra Street winds through the historic old town of Nicosia, divided into a Greek Cypriot southern part and a Turkish Cypriot northern part. In the larger Greek-Cypriot part, there is a lively shopping street with international chain stores. It ends in the south at the Platía Eleftherías, i.e. at the edge of the Venetian city wall. The 50-metre-wide Green Line separates the smaller Turkish northern part of the street from the southern part. Pedestrians can cross back and forth between the two parts of the street, as a border crossing has existed on Ledra Street since April 2008. The street, which was once a symbol of division, now connects (again) and is today the most popular promenade in Nicosia. Many large department stores have set up shop along it.