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. more »