Nicosia

Nicosia, Europe's last divided capital lies roughly in the centre of the island, within easy reach of the other towns

The jewel in the capital's crown is the remains of the star-shaped 16th century Venetian sandstone fortress wall with a moat. Within the walls is a honeycomb of labyrinthine streets which have been pedestianised. Mosques and palm trees give an oriental atmosphere to the old city.

An intriguing mix of old and the new, narrow streets with ornate balconies jut from weather beaten sandstone walls, and craftsmen in small workshops practice trades unchanged for centuries to bustling boulevards, designer shopping malls and original boutiques a surplus of stylish pubs, bars and cafes! The uniqueness of such combination makes the capital of Cyprus a place to create many memories of your own.

Sites

• Laiki Yitonia - winding cobbled streets carefully restored to catch the tourist trade with its quaint shops and tavernas, plus artisans' galleries where you can watch the craftsmen at work.The Laiki Yitonia – the Folk Neighbourhood – has been renovated to preserve the atmosphere of the past. Famagusta Gate - originally the main entrance to the old city. The massive tunnel-like gate with its restored stone barrel vaults now provides a splendid venue for concerts, plays and exhibitions of art.
• Archbishop's Palace - In the public wing of the palace is one of the finest museums on the island the Byzantine Museum, it houses a superb collection of icons from all over Cyprus.
• Church of Panagia Chrysaliniotissa - the oldest Byzantine church in Nicosia.
• St. John's Cathedral - the walls and ceilings are covered in 18th century frescoes. All Cypriot Archbishops have been consecrated here since the end of the 18th century.
• House of Hadjigeorgakis Konesios - (or Konak Mansion) a beautiful 18th century structure with a Gothic style doorway,overhanging and enclosed balcony. The house has been restored to something of its original glory with period furniture and carpets as well as the ornate stairway and its grand reception room.
• Athalassa Park - Located on the outskirts of Nicosia. The park has over 20 km of cycling/walking track amidst its 500 different species of trees, herbs and shrubs. A lake takes up a large part of the park, regularly visited by ducks and other migratory birds, and there is also a wooden picnic and play area.
• Open air markets - Dozens of Cypriot farmers flock to Nicosia every Wednesday and Saturday to sell not only their fruit and vegetables but also eggs,homemade halloumi (special local cheese),lounza (smoked ham soaked in red wine), loukanika (local sausages steeped in red wine and flavoured with spices), delicious bread baked in wood-fired ovens and a homemade spirit called zivania.

Museums

• Cyprus Museum- Houses the best collection of archaeological artefacts on the island.
• Leventis Municipal Museum - The first historical museum of Cyprus.
• Makarios III Cultural Foundation - The complex consists of three main exhibit areas, The Byzantine Art Museum, The European Art Gallery and The Greek Independence Gallery.
• Museum of the History of Cypriot Coinage- This unique and impressive collection of Cypriot coins traces the development of Cypriot coinage from the 6th century BC to modern times.