Nicosia's Old Town - Discover the Historic Heart of Cyprus

Nicosia’s Old Town, also known as Lefkosia’s Old Town, is the historic heart of the capital city of Cyprus, Nicosia (Lefkosia in Greek). Here’s a detailed description of Nicosia’s Old Town, including visitor information, things to do, and nearby attractions:

1. Visitor Fee: There is generally no entrance fee to access Nicosia’s Old Town. It’s an open and accessible area that welcomes visitors free of charge.
2. Transportation: Nicosia’s Old Town is centrally located in the city, making it easily accessible by various means of transportation:

• Walking: If you’re staying in or near the city center, you can explore the Old Town on foot, as it’s a pedestrian-friendly area.
• Public Buses: Nicosia has a network of public buses that serve different parts of the city, including the Old Town.
• Taxi: Taxis are readily available in Nicosia and can drop you off at various points within the Old Town.

3. Things to Do:

• Explore Historic Streets: Wander through the narrow streets of the Old Town and admire its well-preserved architecture, including traditional houses with colorful shutters and wrought-iron balconies.
• Visit Historic Sites: Nicosia’s Old Town is home to several historic sites and landmarks, including the Selimiye Mosque (formerly St. Sophia Cathedral), the Büyük Han (Great Inn), and the Cyprus Museum.
• Enjoy Local Cuisine: The Old Town features a variety of traditional Cypriot tavernas and cafes where you can savor local dishes and mezze.
• Shop for Souvenirs: Explore the charming shops and boutiques that sell handmade crafts, jewelry, and traditional goods.
• Visit Museums: In addition to the Cyprus Museum, you can visit other museums in the Old Town, such as the Leventis Municipal Museum and the Folk Art Museum.
• Experience Culture: The Old Town often hosts cultural events, festivals, and art exhibitions, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in Cypriot culture.

4. Why People Enjoy Coming Here:

• Historical Significance: Nicosia’s Old Town is steeped in history, with centuries-old buildings and landmarks that provide a window into Cyprus’s past.
• Architectural Beauty: Visitors appreciate the well-preserved traditional architecture, which offers a charming and picturesque atmosphere.
• Cultural Immersion: It’s an excellent place to experience Cypriot culture, cuisine, and art.
• Shopping: The Old Town’s shops and boutiques offer unique souvenirs and handicrafts.

5. Age of the Place: The history of Nicosia’s Old Town dates back to antiquity, with various civilizations having left their mark on the city. The current buildings and layout of the Old Town have evolved over centuries, with many structures dating from the medieval and Ottoman periods.
6. List of Activities: Activities in Nicosia’s Old Town include exploring historic streets, visiting museums and landmarks, enjoying local cuisine, shopping for souvenirs, attending cultural events, and taking guided walking tours to learn about the history and architecture of the area.
7. Additional Nearby Attractions:

• Ledra Street: This pedestrian shopping street connects Nicosia’s Old Town with the newer part of the city and offers additional dining and shopping opportunities.
• Venetian Walls: Explore the Venetian Walls of Nicosia, a historic fortification system that once protected the city.
• Green Line: Nicosia is the last divided capital in the world, and you can visit the United Nations-controlled buffer zone, known as the Green Line, to see the division between the Republic of Cyprus and the self-declared Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
• John’s Cathedral: Located just outside the Old Town, this Gothic-style cathedral is another notable historical site to visit.