Cyprus Nicosia

Nicosia, the capital of Cyprus, is a travel option that blends history, culture and flavor. Its rich history dating back to ancient times comes to life on the streets of the city; buildings full of Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman heritage bear the traces of the past at every corner, while creating an innovative atmosphere with the dynamics of modern life. Nicosia's worth exploring places, mouth-watering street delicacies and a variety of shopping options will make your time in this fascinating city unforgettable.

If you are ready, let's step into the mysterious world of Nicosia and dive into the historical depths and enjoy the local flavors!

Nicosia's Historical Identity

Nicosia, the capital of Cyprus, draws attention with its rich historical identity. The city has been home to different civilizations since ancient times and has many buildings bearing Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman traces. This historical structure is one of the important elements that determine the character of Nicosia.

One of the most distinctive features of Nicosia is the green line running through the center of the city. As a border symbolizing the division of Cyprus, this line represents both past conflicts and hopes for peace. While the city carries the traces of the past to the present, it also attracts attention with its cultural diversity and historical heritage.

Selimiye Mosque, Venetian Column and Büyük Han are among the important buildings in Nicosia. These buildings attract the attention of visitors both architecturally and historically. With its historical identity, rich cultural heritage and traces of the past, Nicosia is a part of Cyprus worth exploring.

Must-see places in Nicosia

Places to visit in Nicosia range from historical stops to modern entertainment centers. Ancient Venetian buildings and places of worship offering spiritual tranquility reveal the cultural richness of the city. There are also restaurants in Nicosia where you can have dinner with beautiful views and venues where you can enjoy the nightlife to the fullest. Thus, Nicosia is a route of discovery full of different experiences for every taste.

Gamblers Inn

Built in the 17th century, Kumarcılar Han is one of the remarkable examples of Ottoman architecture built using cut stone. This historical building has managed to survive until today. With 44 rooms, this small inn is one of the oldest and historical inns in Nicosia. Kumarcılar Han, which impresses its visitors with its historical texture, is a must-see stop for those who want to discover the traces of the past.

Venetian Column

A must-see for history and culture buffs in Nicosia is the Venetian Column, built by the Venetians in 1550. This column, which has the coats of arms of six famous Italian families, is located in the center of Atatürk Square and makes an important contribution to the historical texture of the city. It is one of the iconic spots that should be explored on a trip to Nicosia.

Kyrenia Gate

Located in Nicosia Kyrenia GateContrary to its name, it is one of the city's most important historical landmarks and one of the first stops for history buffs. Built in 1567 by the Venetian soldier and architect Proveditore Fransesca Barbaro, it was originally known as the Barbaro Gate. In 1821, under the Ottoman Empire, the Kyrenia Gate was restored and expanded, taking its name from the administrative border of Southern Cyprus, just 1 kilometer away. Today, you can get detailed information about excursions in Cyprus from the tourist office located inside the gate.

Grand Khan

Located in the immediate vicinity of the Selimiye Mosque, Büyük Han is one of the oldest Turkish buildings in Nicosia. Built in 1570, inspired by Anatolian inn architecture, it served as an important inn in the past, accommodating traveling merchants and serving as a center of trade. Nowadays, it has become a cafe stop where you can sip hot tea and listen to the intimate stories of shopkeepers while enjoying the historic atmosphere.

Arap Ahmet Mosque

Built in 1845 as a church by the Lusignans, this building was converted into a mosque during the Ottoman period and named Arap Ahmet Mosque. Under the mosque, tombstones dating back to the 14th century can be found, while the remains of Venetian marble in the interior draw attention. This mosque, which stands out with its historical and architectural details, is an important building that both carries the traces of the past and offers a cultural richness to its visitors.

Selimiye Mosque

Selimiye Mosque, one of the most important gothic buildings in the history of Cyprus, was originally the restoration of St. Sophia Cathedral. Built in the 13th century, this eye-catching structure is one of Nicosia's most important tourist attractions and a must-visit. In the mid-16th century, the Ottomans added two minarets to the cathedral and converted it into a mosque, making Selimiye Mosque a unique piece of both Gothic and Ottoman architecture.

Bedesten St. Nicholas Church

The Church of St. Nicholas of Bedesten was built in the 12th century for religious purposes and was transformed into a large building with the additions made over time. During the Ottoman period, this building was converted into a bedesten and served as a textile trade center and is one of the most important historical points of Nicosia. Bedesten, which dazzles with its historical texture and architecture, is a stop not to be missed, especially for visitors who like to take photos of historical places.

Museum of Barbarism

The Museum of Barbarism bears the traces of a tragic event from the past. This painful story, in which Major Nihat İlhan's house was attacked by Greek gangs and his wife and children lost their lives, leaves a deep impression on those who visit the museum. The building where this sad event took place is today one of the most visited spots in Nicosia, bearing witness to the dark pages of Cyprus history.

Street Food and Local Restaurants in Nicosia

Nicosia offers a mouth-watering gastronomic experience with its street food and local restaurants. While wandering around the city, you can discover many delicacies from warm halloumi cheese to street snacks. In particular, peach kebab marinated with mild spices and pastries stuffed with filling are among the favorites of the locals.

In addition, small shops on the streets of Nicosia are overflowing with fresh fruit juice and traditional Cypriot sweets. Unique products such as hawthorn jam, rosewater with almonds, and a variety of pastes are also preferred as souvenirs. The city's local restaurants offer both traditional and modern Cypriot cuisine, offering visitors a rich menu experience.

During your visit, the restaurants, especially those located on Dereboyu Street, stand out with their modern atmosphere and quality food. Exploring Nicosia's local restaurants to experience authentic Cypriot food will offer both a delicious meal and a cultural experience

The Joy of Shopping in Nicosia

When shopping in Nicosia, halloumi cheese, one of the unique flavors of Cyprus, should be at the top of your list. Halloumi is a product that you can use both for breakfast and in various dishes, and that delights the palate with its unique taste. In addition, hawthorn jam, rose water with almonds, various pastes, silk covers and scarves also stand out among the gift options. These products both reflect the local culture and are unique gifts that you can take to your loved ones.

One of the most popular addresses for shopping, Dereboyu Street is an ideal spot for textile and accessory shopping with its luxury stores and chic boutiques. Along this street, you can find products from local designers and international brands. There are also many cafes and restaurants here, offering the perfect opportunity to relax between shopping. In addition, Nicosia's Büyük Han and the Municipal Market are great places to find local and authentic products as well as a variety of spices. The Büyük Han is a historic landmark and is home to shops full of handmade items, jewelry and traditional Cypriot products. The Municipal Market is a great option for those looking for fresh fruit, vegetables and spices. Here, you can find natural and fresh products of Cyprus and discover local flavors.