-
Omeriye Hammam
Switch off your mobile, put your shower cap on, and strip down to your birthday suit for a lovely, relaxing Turkish bath at Omeriye Hammam. This building was recently restored and sports a luxurious, stylish design. The domed reception has an enormous chandelier hanging over the circular bar area, while candles, mirrors and a refreshing minty scent accompany the baths themselves.
-
Omeriye Mosque
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.
-
Ostrich Wonderland Theme Park
This theme park might tickle your fancy. It's reputedly the biggest ostrich park (and farm) in Europe and is 25 minutes outside Lefkosia. Your kids can learn everything there is to know about the powerful speedy birds and their eggs too, and use the park's playground; a sightseeing tour is included in the admission price. To get here, follow the Troödos highway, take the Palehori exit and follow the signs to Agios Ioannis Maloundas.
-
Pafos Gate
This westernmost gate, known by the Venetians as Porta San Domenico, is one of the three traditional entrances to Old Lefkosia. It has been a spot for a kind of flag stand-off since 1963, with the flags of the Republic of Cyprus, Northern Cyprus, Greece and Turkey fluttering defiantly at each other. The gate served as an arsenal warehouse for the Ottomans, and as a police headquarters for the British.
-
Panagia Chrysaliniotissa
The church of Panagia Chrysaliniotissa is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and its name means 'Our Lady of the Golden Flax' in Greek. It is considered to be the oldest Byzantine church in Lefkosia and was built in 1450 by Queen Helena Paleologos. It is renowned for its rich collection of old and rare icons.
-
Plateia Faneromenis
The centre of the city before Plateia Eleftherias took over in 1974, Plateia Faneromenis is a quiet square, so silent that birdsong can be heard only metres away from the bustle of Ledra street.
-
Roccas (Kaytazağa) Bastion
This bastion was unique throughout Cyprus in that it was the only place where Greek and Turkish Cypriots could eyeball each other at close quarters, pre-2003. Nowadays it's hardly an attraction, since it is so easy to actually cross over to the opposite side and eyeball each other face to face. It is interesting, however, as a reminder of the noncontact between the two communities that lasted for around thirty years.
-
University of Cyprus
The only university in the Republic of Cyprus is on the southeastern side of the New City. It was established in 1989 and admitted its first students in 1992. It currently has around 3000 undergraduate students and 500 postgraduate students.
-
Venetian Walls
The Venetian Walls are like Lefkosia's logo. They form a border around the Old City that is so unique that when you see it once, on a map or from a high viewpoint, you'll never forget it. And that's partly to do with its odd shape: is it like a snowflake? A star? A hand grenade? Or a horizontally sliced artichoke?
-
Advertisement
