Büyük Han

The Büyük Han is a wonderful example of Ottoman architecture and a rare surviving example of a medieval caravanserai. In the Ottoman world during the Middle Ages, travellers and traders could find accommodation at these hans (inns), as well as a place to stable their horses, trade their goods and socialise with fellow travellers. The Büyük Han was built in 1572 by the first Ottoman governor of Cyprus, Musafer Pasha.

Renovated in the recent years, it has once again become the centre of the Old City's bustle, with cafés, shops and traditional craft workshops housed in the 67 small cells that originally served as the inn's sleeping area. The central courtyard has in its middle a mescit (Islamic 'chapel'), and it is balanced on six pillars, over a şadrvan (ablutions fountain). This design is unique to this inn and only two others in Turkey.