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Nicosia (Lefkosia)
The capital of the Republic of Cyprus is also its cultural heartbeat. Overlooked by most visitors, reduced to a day-tour jaunt from beach resorts, Nicosia (or Lefkosia, as it's officially known) is a curious and fascinating mix of vibrant street life, confronting division and rich history.
Attractions
Must-see attractions
Nicosia (Lefkosia)
The Venetian walls form a border around the Old City and are so unusual that, once seen on a map, you’ll never forget the odd snowflake-like shape.
Nicosia (Lefkosia)
Just outside the Old City walls, this excellent museum houses the island's most important collection of archaeological finds. Highlights include Hall 11's…
Nicosia (Lefkosia)
Located just outside the Old City, this art museum features three collections displaying European paintings and sculpture from the 16th to the 20th…
Nicosia (Lefkosia)
This contemporary-art museum is housed in a former power station, and is the city’s equivalent to London’s Tate Modern. The former industrial setting is…
Nicosia (Lefkosia)
Opened in 2014, CVAR's collection of art and archival material showcases the story of modern Cyprus. Galleries full of paintings and other artworks…
Nicosia (Lefkosia)
The best place in town to get to grips with Nicosia's rich and convoluted history. The permanent collection inside this handsome neoclassical mansion…
Nicosia (Lefkosia)
Centred around the Panagia Chrysaliniotissa church, this residential neighbourhood on the edge of the Old City rubs right up against the Green Line, and…
Archbishop Makarios III Cultural Foundation – Byzantine Museum & Art Gallery
Nicosia (Lefkosia)
This foundation next door to the Archbishop's Palace is home to the magnificent Byzantine Museum, which holds a collection of more than 300 icons and…
Attractions
Top picks from our travel experts
Nicosia (Lefkosia)
This domed church was built in 1695 and is thought to have replaced an earlier Gothic church on the same site. The exterior is built in Franco-Byzantine…
Nicosia (Lefkosia)
The Venetian walls form a border around the Old City and are so unusual that, once seen on a map, you’ll never forget the odd snowflake-like shape.
Chrysaliniotissa Crafts Centre
Nicosia (Lefkosia)
This small arts centre is worth dropping into for its display of Cypriot arts and crafts. Several workshops surround a central courtyard in a building…
Nicosia (Lefkosia)
The stunning 16th-century Hamam Omerye has been tastefully restored and sports a luxurious Ottoman-inspired design. Facilities include hot and cold rooms,…
Nicosia (Lefkosia)
Centred around the Panagia Chrysaliniotissa church, this residential neighbourhood on the edge of the Old City rubs right up against the Green Line, and…
Nicosia (Lefkosia)
This collection of paintings, sculpture, etchings, antique maps and prints has been lovingly collected by owner Chris Kikas, who used to run a gallery in…
Archbishop Makarios III Cultural Foundation – Byzantine Museum & Art Gallery
Nicosia (Lefkosia)
This foundation next door to the Archbishop's Palace is home to the magnificent Byzantine Museum, which holds a collection of more than 300 icons and…
Nicosia (Lefkosia)
Located in the courtyard of the Makarios Cultural Foundation, this 17th-century church has an interior covered in lively and intricate frescos dating from…
Nicosia (Lefkosia)
The joy of this traditional coffee shop dating from the 1930s is that little has changed. There's no chill-out background music, no cutting-edge decor and…
Nicosia (Lefkosia)
A central-city oasis perfect for a stinking-hot summer's day, this well-maintained pool has on-duty lifeguards and is surrounded by big shady palms and…
Nicosia (Lefkosia)
Shacolas Tower Observatory provides a superb vantage point across the city and the mountain range beyond. Boards below each window point out and provide…
Nicosia (Lefkosia)
Easternmost city gate Famagusta is the most photographed and best-preserved of the three original gates that led into the Old City of Nicosia. Its…
Nicosia (Lefkosia)
Originally the Augustinian Church of St Mary, the Omeriye Mosque dates from the 14th century, with its tall minarets added after its conversion in 1571…
Nicosia (Lefkosia)
Meaning ‘Popular Neighbourhood’, Laïki Yitonia was restored after serving for many years as an area for painted ladies and dodgy merchants. This tiny…
Articles
Latest stories from Nicosia (Lefkosia)
Beaches
The best day trips from Nicosia include visits to ancient ruins, beautiful beaches and historic castlesJan 13, 2022 • 8 min read
- Art and CultureThe 9 best museums and churches in Nicosia: from the sublime to the divine
Jan 8, 2022 • 7 min read
ActivitiesThe 15 best things to do in Nicosia: from Venetian walls to Turkish bathsJan 4, 2022 • 8 min read
Guidebooks
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