Nicosia. Old town, what to see. Guided Tour of Central Nicosia - Old Town Nicosia Travel Guide

Nicosia's history is unique. It is the last capital city in the world to be split in two. A wide neutral strip, the so-called Green Line, divides the city into Turkish and Greek zones. Each of them has its own culture, language and way of life. Tourists move freely between the northern and southern parts of Nicosia, overcoming the deserted buffer zone with abandoned houses.

Attractions of South Nicosia

It is best to start your acquaintance with the capital from its center. On the 11th floor of the Shakolas shopping center for tourists is equipped observation deck with audio guide and interactive displays. Here you can explore the surroundings, make a program for a walk in Nicosia, and get the necessary information. The equipment works in different languages, including Russian. There are binoculars, interactive maps and, of course, great views for photographers. The area is glazed. The cost of the visit is 2 euros per person. In high season, in addition to your ticket, you can get a good discount at a local cafe located on the 6th floor of Shakolas. The building is located near the Green Line, from here it is easy to get to any sight of the city. This is why the observation deck is the # 1 place to visit in Nicosia.

The Shakolas building is located on Ledra street... Heading south along it, tourists quickly reach the Green Line and the central crossing to the Turkish zone. A busy pedestrian street runs through the old town. This is a picturesque walking place filled with the spirit of Cyprus. There are many cafes, bars and small shops here. Tourists visit Ledra Street for souvenirs, atmospheric photos and, of course, impressions.

Archaeological Museum- the oldest and largest in Cyprus. It was founded during the British occupation in 1882. Local residents initiated the creation of a museum due to active excavations and the massive export of national cultural values. The building first opened its doors in 1889. The museum consists of 14 rooms, the expositions showcase different periods of the life of Cyprus: from prehistoric to Roman. Here are collected archaeological values ​​from different parts of the island, extracted by scientists from the 19th century. to our time. The collection of the museum is constantly updated. There is a souvenir shop on site. The cost of the entrance ticket is 4.5 euros.

"House of Makarios"- This is in the past the residence of the archbishop and the first president of the Republic of Cyprus, Makarios III. The building was built in 1960, executed in a typical Venetian style. Now it houses the Byzantine Museum, Art Gallery and Library. The rich collection of paintings, icons, mosaics and frescoes covers the millennial history of Christianity: from the 8th to the 18th century. The gallery contains paintings by European artists of the 15th - 20th centuries. The entrance to the building is decorated with a two-meter marble sculpture of Makarios III. Previously, there was a bronze statue more than 8 meters high, but in 2008 it was moved to Mount Troni, closer to the archbishop's grave. The vehicles of Makarios III are on display in a separate building. There are guided tours of the palace with a good English-speaking guide.

Venetian walls serve as a kind of border of the Old City. These are fortifications built to protect Nicosia from the Ottomans in 1687-1690. The walls with a total length of about 5 km are an engineering masterpiece of their time. During their construction, several ancient buildings inside the city and in its suburbs were destroyed. This was done in order to improve the visibility of the surroundings and respond in time to enemy actions. The walls were surrounded by a moat filled with water from the Pedieos River, which previously flowed through the city center. During construction, the riverbed was directed around the fortifications. The circular defensive complex included 11 bastions and gates on three different sides of the city. Most of these facilities have been renovated and now serve as museums and parks. One of the bastions houses the residence of the President of the Republic of Cyprus. Part of the wall is located in the Turkish zone of Nicosia.

Panagia Faneromeni Church and Square are located in the Old Town east of Ledra Street. In the XIV century. a nunnery was erected here. During the construction, an icon of the Mother of God was found, this event gave the name of the new monastery (from the Greek word "phanerosike" - "appeared"). Now Panagia Faneromeni is the oldest miraculous icon of Cyprus. The building of the church was built in 1872 on the site of the monastery. In addition to it, there is a school for girls of the same name on the square, a library and a monument to the memory of Orthodox priests executed at this place by the Turks in 1871.The main shrine of the church, the miraculous icon, is kept in the Byzantine Museum for the main part of the year, and is exhibited for veneration only on major holidays. The entrance to the church building is free, it is open all year round.

Arablar Jami Mosque(in the past - the church of Stavros tou Missiriku) is located not far from the Faneromeni square. The building was built in the 16th century. presumably on the site of an old church. The architecture is a mixture of Byzantine and Gothic styles. The original name of the Orthodox Church was given in honor of the Louisignan king of Cyprus, who ruled at the turn of the XIII-XIV centuries. The building was restored under the Venetian rule. After the Turkish conquest, a minaret was added to the former church, and a mosque was located here.

Church of the Archangel Michael Tripiotis was built in 1695 with funds from a local priest and donations from parishioners. The building is made in accordance with Byzantine traditions. The design of the facade has a French influence: the walls are decorated with bas-reliefs with sea monsters. The interior of the church is notable for its luxury; the gilded iconostasis is decorated with fine carvings of the 19th century. The most valuable icon is the Madonna and Child, which dates back to the 15th century. The church is a must-see for most excursions in the Old Town.

Church of st. Savvas located in the southern part of the Old Town, not far from the zoo. The building was built during the reign of the Lusignans, in the 19th century. it has undergone reconstruction. The inner courtyard of a small church is decorated with a bust of Makarios III. A modest building from the outside is furnished with luxury inherent in Orthodox churches. The rich iconostasis is adorned with gilded carvings, and the windows are decorated with skillfully forged bars. Free admission.

Omeriye Mosque was built by the Turks in 1571 on the site of the monastery destroyed during the conquest. According to legend, the Muslims used tombstones from the local Christian cemetery to reconstruct the building. The dilapidated chapel was turned into a minaret, which is one of the tallest in the city. Omeriye is the only active mosque in the Greek part of Nicosia. It is open to tourists regardless of their religion. The mosque is named after a relative of Muhammad, Omar. According to legend, he rested at this place during a trip to Egypt. Inside Omeriye consists of several spacious rooms, the walls are decorated with artistic painting.

Not far from the mosque, there is a central covered Market (Kendrick Agora)... The tiles covering the square in front of the building bear signs of the main attractions of Nicosia. Lively trade takes place here on Saturdays. The covered market is open every day. Local farmers sell fresh vegetables and fruits here. Prices are lower than in coastal cities, sometimes several times.

Freedom Monument located in the Podocatro bastion. The sculptural group consists of two partisans freeing prisoners from prison. The figure of the goddess of freedom rises above all. The monument symbolizes the struggle for the liberation of Cyprus from the British occupation, it was erected in 1973. Sculptures in human growth attract the attention of tourists; many are photographed, mingling with the crowd of bronze "prisoners". The monument is located not far from the archbishop's palace, next to it is the surviving part of the old aqueduct. Many city tours start from here.

Famagusta gate served as the eastern entrance of the Venetian walls. Now this perfectly preserved fortress is a cultural center. Various events are regularly held here, and the ancient stone walls are decorated with paintings by contemporary artists.

Laiki Getonya(Neighborhood Quarter) is a specially renovated area of ​​the Old Town. All buildings are designed in the style of the 20s of the last century. There are many souvenir shops, craft and art workshops, cozy coffee houses and taverns on the streets of Laiki Getonya. This picturesque place was created for tourists and enjoys well-deserved popularity with them.

Cathedral of Saint John located next to the archbishop's palace. Outside, it is distinguished by its small size and austere architecture. The most interesting thing inside: the walls and vault of the cathedral are decorated with perfectly preserved frescoes of the 18th century. The rich iconostasis covered with gold leaf dates back to the same period. The cathedral plays an important role in the history and religious life of the Cypriots: each new archbishop of the island is ordained here.

Church of Panagia Chrysaliniotissa was built in 1450 by order of the Queen of Cyprus Helena Palaeologus. It is the oldest Byzantine church in the city. The name translates as "Theotokos of the golden flax": according to legend, the miraculous icon of the Mother of God appeared in the middle of a field sown with flax. A church of the same name was built on this site. The stone building houses a rich collection of Byzantine icons.

Zoo "Melios" located in a suburb west of Nicosia. There are many animals on display here, especially the selection of birds. You can admire different types of parrots, water birds and even ostriches. All animals are well cared for, however many visitors note that the cages and aviaries could be larger. The park has equipped picnic areas, a playground, and a small cafe. The entrance fee is 3 euros for adults and 2 euros for children. The zoo is closed on Mondays.

Navigator coordinates

• parking near Ledra street 35.169342, 33.362796
• observation deck 35.171675, 33.361409
• archaeological museum 35.171697, 33.355766
• house of Makarios 35.172971, 33.367259
• Panagia Faneromeni Church and Square 35.173358, 33.362613
• Arablar Jami Mosque 35.173604, 33.363056
• Church of the Archangel Michael Tripiotis 35.171265, 33.362619
• church of st. Savvas 35.171309, 33.363361
• Omeriye Mosque 35.171918, 33.365546
• Freedom Monument 35.171521, 33.370337
• Famagusta gate 35.174272, 33.371209
• cathedral of st. John 35.173318, 33.367933
• Church of Panagia Chrysaliniotissa 35.176229, 33.369698
• parking near the zoo 35.123567, 33.243488

Sights of northern (Turkish) Nicosia

Municipal Belediye Pazari market built during the British occupation and known locally as the Bandabulya. Works every day, except Sunday. Opens at 6 am. Here you can buy inexpensive fresh fruits and vegetables harvested from the fields of northern Cyprus. Of particular note is Ayten Hussein's shop, which sells handcrafted fabric bags and accessories. The Belediye Pazari Market is located in the Old City in Ara? Ta Sokak.

Selemie Mosque(formerly Hagia Sophia) was built in 1209-1325. The mature Gothic building was then a Roman Catholic church. After the capture of Cyprus by the Ottoman Empire, the cathedral was turned into a mosque, two minarets were added to it. The interior decoration is laconic, without excessive luxury. Of particular interest are medieval tombstones (the cathedral served as a family tomb and a place for the coronation of members of the Lusignan dynasty). The mosque looks very original due to the mixture of French Gothic styles (the cathedral was built in imitation of Parisian Notre Dame) and Islamic architecture. Admission is free for Muslims only. Tourists of other religions can get inside only as part of the excursion. Finding Selemie is easy, as the minarets are visible from afar.

The old inn Bayuk Khan is the largest caravanserai in Cyprus and is considered one of the most beautiful buildings on the island. It was built by the Turks in 1572. In the center of the open courtyard is a mosque with a fountain for ablution before prayer. Bayuk Khan became the first city prison under the British administration. Since the 90s, the inn has been renovated. The Ottoman "inn" has been revived as an arts center, consisting of several galleries and workshops. There are cafes and souvenir shops in the courtyard. Local artists often perform here.

Bedestin- a covered market, which is located in the building of the former church. St. Nicholas. Under the Venetians, this monument of Gothic architecture was considered the main temple of the city. After the Ottoman occupation, its premises were used for the textile trade. Some architectural elements indicate that the building was once a Christian church. The interior has preserved wall paintings that date back to the 12th century. After five years of restoration work, in the fall of 2009, a cultural center was opened here, and the building was used for exhibitions. Bedestin is closed on Sundays.

Haydar Pasha Mosque was built by the Lusignans in the 14th century. Then the second largest church in Nicosia at that time was located here. It is the largest Gothic monument in the city after the Selimiye Mosque. The facade of the building is decorated with gargoyles. The western entrance is decorated with carvings with roses and dragons. The royal coat of arms is located on the south door. The western facade is decorated with a window with the "Catherine's Wheel" depicting saints. The building, which was used as a nunnery during the Lusignan period, was converted into a mosque after the Ottoman conquest. A purpose built minaret was added in the southwest corner. In the 1950s, the building was used as a marriage registration office. The mosque was rebuilt between 1986 and 1991 and reopened as an exhibition gallery in 1994. Free admission.

House of the Lusignans- a 15th century mansion. The building is beautifully preserved and attracts attention with its Gothic entrance arch with the coat of arms of the royal dynasty. In 1958, the mansion, which was then owned by a Russian family, was bequeathed to the government of Cyprus. The building was empty in the 80s and was used mainly for the temporary stay of Turkish refugees. In December 1997, the mansion was restored and is now used as a house-museum of everyday life of the Ottoman era. Weaving skills are also taught here. The mansion is located on Yeni Cami Street.

Kerinian gate served as the northern entrance of the Old City, being part of the Venetian wall. Initially, the building was called the "Governor's Gate" - in honor of the Governor of Nicosia, Francesco Barbaro. To facilitate the movement of cars, part of the adjacent walls was destroyed in 1931. The gate is a massive stone structure with sloping walls and a domed tower. It currently houses a tourist information center.

Bayuk Hamam is a traditional Turkish bath, built shortly after the Ottoman conquest, in 1571. Earlier on this place stood the Catholic Church. St. George, but during the storming of the city it was destroyed to the ground. The only thing that remains of the church is the entrance arch, decorated with elaborate carvings. Large Turkish baths are still used for their intended purpose. Visitors are offered a variety of massages, including traditional foam massage. Bath amenities as well as tea or Turkish coffee are included in the price of the treatments. In the baths there is no division into male and female parts; different days of the week are allocated for bathing representatives of the fair and strong sexes. Baths are closed on Mondays.

Venetian Column located upon Ataturk Square... She was brought to Nicosia in 1550 from the ruins of the city of Salamis (Salamis). The column is made of granite. It is believed that it was part of the ancient temple of Zeus. The base is decorated with the coats of arms of noble Venetian families who lived in Cyprus. A popular tourist destination, it often serves as a starting point for sightseeing in northern Nicosia. There are a lot of pigeons in the square. There is a cafe nearby where you can enjoy a cup of aromatic Turkish coffee and admire the view.

Navigator coordinates

• municipal market Belediye Pazari 35.175430, 33.364569
• Selemie Mosque 35.176569, 33.364667
• Bayuk Khan inn 35.176268, 33.362658
• Bedestin 35.176141, 33.364071
• Haydar Pasha Mosque 35.177358, 33.366079
• Lusignan House 35.178151, 33.366383
• Kerinya Gate 35.181577, 33.361841
• Bayuk Hamam 35.176847, 33.361724
• Venetian Column 35.176847, 33.361724

Attractions in Nicosia: Venetian Walls, Catholic Church of the Holy Cross, Byzantine Museum and Art Gallery, etc.

What attractions are there in Nicosia?

Now there is only one divided capital in the world - the city of Nicosia, where there are many places that can be seen by both tourists and locals. are not limited to Venetian structures, museums, churches and other places where historical values ​​are collected. The beauty of this city is that the capital is a "paradise" for shopping, where there are many traditional shops selling a bunch of trinkets, souvenirs, and modern boutiques, where you can find things from the latest collections of high fashion houses. The atmosphere of hospitality is created by hundreds of restaurants and cafes that are ready to satisfy your gastronomic wishes.

The first attraction of Nicosia, which is on everyone's lips, are the Venetian Walls, erected in the period from 1567 to 1570. and surrounding the historic, central part of the city. Once built, a defensive structure from the attack of the Ottoman Empire, the Venetian Wall today is one of the best-preserved structures in the Eastern Mediterranean - the Levant. The ancient builders, during the construction of the wall, applied technologies that marked the beginning of the Renaissance in the construction of defensive structures.

Advice. If you come to Nicosia by car, then the sights near the Venetian Walls are best viewed on foot. Leave your vehicles in the parking lot at the Tripoli bastion, near the Paphos Gate.

The Catholic landmark of Nicosia, the Holy Cross Roman Catholic Church, was erected at the Paphos Gate on the western side of the Venetian Wall in 1902. Previously, the western gate to the city was named Porta San Domenico, after the medieval monastery of Saint Dominic, which was destroyed during the Venetian period.

The restored and pedestrianized area of ​​the old town of Laiki Geitonia is a tourist attraction with traditional architecture. The narrow picturesque streets are interspersed with craft workshops, souvenir shops, coffee houses and taverns. Liberty Square (Plateia Elefterias) and Bastion D "Avilla are within walking distance from here.

The Palace of the Archbishop of Cyprus is a popular tourist attraction. The building was built in 1960 of the last century in the image and likeness of the old Byzantine palace. Next to it is the Byzantine Museum, the centerpiece of which is the Kanakaria mosaic exhibition. Here you can also visit the Art Gallery, the Cathedral of St. John of the 17th century and the Museum of Folk Arts.

What do you need to come to Cyprus?

• Visa you need to get a preliminary one. It's free. How to do it see -
• Insurance for those traveling abroad, you can calculate -
• Flights look to Larnaca airport (there are more flights there) or Paphos (not so popular) -
• Hotels in the resorts of Cyprus, as well as all the information on them (available rooms, prices, reviews), tourists usually look -
• Apartments at a discount I usually look for -
• Hostels- this is for those who do not have money for a hotel. The cheapest housing. Only a sun lounger under an umbrella on the beach is cheaper. If you are not confused by roommates, then see the options for hostels in Cyprus -
• Tours to Cyprus. Buy a tour from 60,000 rubles to 31.08 with a promo code AF1000kipros and get a discount of 1,000 rubles -
• Transfer to the hotel is not needed if you are flying on a tour. As a rule, this service is included in the tour price. If this is not the case, then order a transfer in advance via the Internet. It is very convenient and cheaper than taking a taxi from the airport. You will be met at the airport and taken directly to your doorstep -
• Rent a Car- a very popular way to travel around the island, so if you have a license, you can see the prices for car rental -
• Excursions from locals with unusual routes see -
• Adapter for Cypriot outlets, which are used by tourists, you can buy in any store, and how it looks like -
• Everything for relaxation in Cyprus (useful things, fashion accessories, goods for sports and leisure, gadgets) you can see -

It makes sense to take the time and get to know the ancient and modern history of this rather mysterious country. Therefore, let's take a closer look at what to see in Nicosia - a city founded, according to scientists, back in the 7th century. BC NS.

Among the sights of Nicosia, architectural monuments occupy a special place; they also include certain areas of the city, laid down in antiquity. As you walk the streets of the Cypriot capital, pay attention to the following:

• Address: Irfan Bey Sokak 9, North Nicosia, Cyprus
• Phone: +90 228 4462
• Entrance fee: 50 Turkish Lira
• Working hours: excursions for tourists are held from Tuesday to Thursday from 15.30 to 21.00, on Friday from 9.00 to 21.00 and on weekends from 16.30 to 21.00; Monday - day off

If you consider yourself a connoisseur of art, do not miss the chance to join the world of beauty by visiting such famous museums in the Cypriot capital:

• Address: 1 Mouseiou, Nicosia, Cyprus
• Entrance fee: 1 Cypriot pound
• Opening hours: Monday to Saturday from 9 to 17 hours, Sunday from 10 to 13 hours
• Website: http://www.natmuseum.org.cy/

Useful information:

• Address: Plateia Archiepiskopou Kiprianou, Nicosia, Cyprus
• Entrance fee: for adults 1 Cypriot pound, for children 0.2 Cypriot pounds
• Working hours: Monday to Friday from 9.00 to 16.30 (break from 13.00 to 14.00), Saturday from 9.00 to 13.00

The first settlements in the area of ​​modern Nicosia date back to 3900 BC. And in the XI-VII centuries BC. the ancient city-state of Ledra (later - Lefkotion) flourished on this place, in the III-IV centuries the city, significantly destroyed by earthquakes and raids, lost its former grandeur. Today Ledra is a small village in the suburbs of Nicosia, the central pedestrian street of Nicosia is named after her.

In the 7th century, Arab pirates began to attack the coastal cities of Cyprus, and entire settlements were destroyed. people began to go inland. At this time, the revival of Lefkosia begins, during this period numerous mountain settlements were founded. In 1191, the island was conquered by Richard the Lionheart, he captured the Byzantine ruler - the usurper Isaac Comnenus, plundered Lefkosia, then sold Cyprus to the Templars for a symbolic price. And already in 1192 the island passed into the possession of the French Lusignan dynasty, Lefkosia became the capital of the Kingdom of Cyprus. The city is being actively rebuilt, majestic Catholic cathedrals are being erected, Nicosia gets its modern name.

In 1489, as a result of a series of wars, the island became a Venetian colony. The Venetians fortify the main cities of Cyprus, Nicosia is surrounded by a grandiose stone wall in the shape of a star with 11 rays, fortified by bastions. The governor's residence is under construction. In 1570-1571, Cyprus was conquered by the Ottoman Empire. The siege of Nicosia lasted a month and a half, when the fortified city fell, the Turks massacred all its defenders. Many temples and monasteries were converted into mosques or abandoned. Fearing the return of the influence of the Catholic Church on the island, the Turks were more loyal to the Orthodox population, the head of the Cypriot Orthodox Church became not only a spiritual leader, but also a full-fledged leader of the people. When Cyprus actively supported the liberation war in Greece in 1881-1889, the Turkish government harshly suppressed the uprising. The governor of the island, Mehmet Kucuk, ordered 486 noble Cypriots to appear in Nicosia and, having closed the gates of the city, beheaded or hanged 470 of them. Among those executed were Bishop Chrysanthus of Paphos, Bishop Meletius of Kition, and Bishop Laurentius of Kyrenia. Archbishop Cyprian of Cyprus, who supported the uprising, was publicly hanged from a tree in front of the Lusignan palace.

In 1878, under an alliance treaty, Cyprus was transferred to the British Empire, and as a result of the First World War, it became its colony. Throughout the years of reign, the British government has supported the enmity between the Greek and Turkish population of the island, pitting the two communities against each other. In 1960, Cyprus receives the long-awaited independence, Nicosia becomes the capital of a free state, but not for long. intercommunal tensions are growing. Since 1963, armed conflicts have broken out on the island, and peacekeeping forces have been brought in. In 1974, Turkey brought its troops into the northern territory of the island and captured 37% of its territory. The border between the two warring states passed through the capital Nicosia. The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is recognized only by Turkey and is considered a disputed territory. All attempts at reconciliation and elimination of the conflict have so far been unsuccessful. In 2004, the Republic of Cyprus joined the European Economic Union. From that moment to the present day, negotiations are underway on the reunification of Cyprus. Since 2008, several checkpoints have been opened for crossing the border, one of them is along Ledra pedestrian street in the center of Nicosia.

A rare bird will fly to the middle of the Dnieper ... Not every guest of the island will reach its capital - Nicosia. And in vain! It is completely unrepeatable and unique, rich in history and charm.

Now Nicosia is not only a cultural center, the business and trade life of the island is concentrated here. In addition to the architectural monuments located in the old part of the city outside the Venetian walls, Nicosia is home to numerous restaurants, shops and entertainment venues of various formats.

Venetian walls

The modern capital consists of an old and a new city, while the historic center of Nicosia lies within the Venetian walls of the 16th century. In ancient times, the Venetian walls coincided with the border of the city, beyond which there were no settlements, but only ancient forests became a refuge for birds and wild animals.

The Venetian fortress consists of 11 bastions, each of which looks like an arrowhead.

You can enter the fortress through one of three gates: Kyrenia, Paphos or Famagust. The best preserved gate of Famagusta.

The fortress was a powerful fortification and reliably protected from enemy attacks: a deep ditch was dug around the walls along the entire length, now this strip is used as a park zone.

Until the 14th century, less functional fences were located on the site of the Venetian walls, and only in 1570 a larger project was implemented. The walls are 5 kilometers long. Despite all their might, they could not hold the defense for a long time when the Turkish conquerors stormed the city. The Turks built the Boiraktar Mosque in the bastion.

At one time, Ataturk Square witnessed all the main city events. Until 1904, the castle of Palazzo del Governo was located here, which regularly passed from one owner to another.

The main attraction of Ataturk Square is a massive column made of a single piece of granite. The history of this attraction is remarkable.

The column was created by ancient Egyptian craftsmen and taken by Roman legionaries to the city of Salamis. At the end of the 16th century, the Venetians who conquered Cyprus installed it in the center of the square.

The top of the column is crowned with a terrifying statue of the Lion of St. Mark. When the Turks captured the island, they decided to remove the column, burying it underground. The British conquerors, who replaced the Ottomans, decided to replace the lion statue with a huge copper globe, still towering on a stone foundation. But the Venetian lion was never found.

Another monument located in the square is the British emblem, installed on a stone pedestal on the day of the coronation of Elizabeth II.

The caravanserai is a huge inn dating back to the 16th century. Outwardly, it is very similar to a fortress, in the courtyard of which there is an octagonal mosque.

This one is located in the north of the capital. During its existence, the historical monument was used in different ways: the British organized a prison in it, during the Second World War a shelter for the homeless was created here, and now there are numerous shops and small restaurants on the territory of the caravanserai.

The Cathedral, named after the beloved disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ, was erected in the very center. Until now, pilgrims from all over the world come here to not only worship the holy place, but also admire the frescoes of extraordinary beauty.

Until the 17th century, one of the oldest Catholic monasteries, also named after John the Theologian, was located on the site of the cathedral.

Once inside the cathedral, you will be surprised by its luxurious interior decoration. There are numerous frescoes with biblical themes. There are many scenes from the life of the Lord Jesus Christ, scenes of the Last Judgment are described in detail. A separate cycle is dedicated to John the Evangelist.

Hagia Sophia in Nicosia

Once in the central square of the capital, pay attention to the Hagia Sophia, which is today the central Muslim mosque - such were the barbaric traditions of the new owners of the island in the Ottoman period of the history of Cyprus.

The cathedral was built from the beginning of the XIII to the end of the XIV centuries. The most famous architects and artists of that time were involved in the construction of the temple. Seeing the cathedral, the Pope was so moved that he forgave sins a hundred days in advance to everyone who took part in the construction of the temple.

Previously, the building was used for coronation, twice the temple was given the status of "Cathedral". But as soon as the Turks took over the island, the temple ceased to exist for Christians.

At the end of the 16th century, the Ottomans rebuilt the cathedral for themselves, the interior was destroyed, and two minarets were added to the church. The appearance of the cathedral has also been changed beyond recognition. The walls have taken on an unusual white color. And now Muslims revere this temple, which they received in their time in a dishonorable way.

Since the 1974 war, the mosque has been the property of the Turkish Republic.

The main building was built at the beginning of the twentieth century, when the island belonged to the British. Later, several more parts were added to the building.

The exhibits of the museum showcase the history of Cyprus, starting from the Stone Age. This is evidenced by numerous finds: limestone sphinxes, terracotta figurines, a statue, coins, dishes, household items and jewelry. There are 14 halls with exhibits in the museum.

The three-story building of the Archbishop's Palace was built in 1960. Now the building is used as the residence of the head of the Cyprus Church. Right in front of the palace there is a monument to Archbishop Makarios III - the first president of independent Cyprus.

The Archbishop's Palace is also used by the Art Gallery and the Byzantine Museum, which house a collection of paintings, frescoes, statues, and a rich collection of Orthodox icons.

Nicosia is a unique city, the only world capital divided into two parts. The listed objects are not a complete list of the city's attractions.

Check out the half-ring Municipal City Park, the Omeriye Mosque and the Faneromeni Church.

While walking around the city, do not forget to linger on one of the streets of ancient Nicosia, drink a cup of Cypriot coffee, feeling the unhurried rhythm of Cypriot life, which is characteristic even of the "seething" capital of the island.