Omeriye Mosque

Lonely Planet review

Originally the Augustinian Church of St Mary, the Omeriye Mosque dates from the 14th century. The church was destroyed by the Ottomans as they entered Lefkosia in 1570. It was subsequently restored as a mosque, based on a belief that this was the spot where the Muslim prophet Omer was buried in the 7th century. Its tall minaret can easily be spotted some distance away; the entrance to the mosque is about halfway along Trikoupi.

Today the mosque is used primarily as a place of worship by visiting Muslims from neighbouring Arab countries. Non-Muslims may visit as long they observe the general etiquette required - dress conservatively, leave shoes at the door and avoid official prayer times.