Green Line

Green Line refers to the UN Buffer zone, a demilitarized zone across the island that was established in 1964, as a result of the bi-communal disturbances. However, it was after the Turkish invasion and military occupation of the northern part of the island in 1974 that got its current eeriness. Until today, the UN buffer zone splits the capital in two. The Green Line and the ghostly buffer zone with its abandoned, ruined houses, and bullet-ridden old airport give Nicosia a somewhat otherworldly feel.

The Shacolas Tower houses a museum which combines a modern museum with an unimpeded and striking panoramic view of the entire city. It can be found on the 11th floor of the tower. It contains photographs and descriptions of Old Nicosia, and a multilingual documented history. The tower’s has an observatory with various-sized telescopes and is open daily from 10am to 8pm.

A.G. Leventis Gallery

A. G. Leventis Gallery: Nicosia is a proud host of the art collection of the late Anastasios Leventis. This tribute to European art is housed in a customized art gallery.

Leventis Municipal Museum

The Leventis Municipal Museum of Nicosia is situated within the old city within the walls, near Eleftheria Square. The history of the city of Nicosia, from ancient times to the present, is artfully presented in a complex of traditional buildings on Hippocrates Street no.15-17.

Laiki Geitonia

Laiki Geitonia is a zone in the old area of Nicosia between the east of Lidras Street and north of the D’Avila Bastion. Its narrow cobbled streets are chock-full of traditional Cyprus architecture and churches and the neibourhood contains many restaurants, cafes, and souvenir shops.

Ledras – Onasagorou Street & Laiki Geitonia

Ledras and Onasagorou streets in the old city are also ideal for shopping, with shops that can accommodate every age and style. The Streets invite you with open arms with their great little cafes, restaurants and welcome you for a traditional Cyprus coffee. Delicious cocktails, dinners and lunches are on offer so just walk around and choose what you fancy. From midday the two streets and their surrounding neighbourhoods slowly gather momentum into a buzzing area where you can spend your days and evenings in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere that has established this particular district as a favorite amongst the locals. Walk along Makarios Avenue and Stassicratous Street which incorporate upmarket clothing, accessories, jewellery shops and mobile network stores. The Makarios Avenue is named after the first President of Cyprus, Archbishop Makarios III, and is one of the main shopping areas in the capital’s centre, packed with top-of-the-range shops and brands.

Laiki Geitonia is a zone in the old area of Nicosia between the east of Lidras Street and north of the D’Avila Bastion. Its narrow cobbled streets are chock-full of traditional Cyprus architecture and churches and the neibourhood contains many restaurants, cafes, and souvenir shops.

Eleftheria Square (Freedom Square)

Eleftheria Square (Greek: Πλατεία Eλευθερίας) literally meaning Liberty Square, is the primary square in central Nicosia, the capital city of Cyprus. At the intersection of Ledra and Onasagorou streets, it provides access to the avenues of Stasinou, Omirou, Kostaki Pantelidi, Konstandinou Palaiologou, and Evagorou. The English translation of the name is Liberty Square. In the past, the square was designated as Metaxas Square, an appellation derived from the Greek statesman Ioannis Metaxas. A competition was organised in 1974, and the new name was selected on the recommendation of the Mayor of Nicosia at the time. It is situated beneath the Venetian fortifications of the mediaeval city in the town centre. On the D’Avila bastion of Nicosia, the town hall commands a panoramic view of the square, with Ledra Street providing access to its northern wing. The undertaking requires the implementation of intricately designed bespoke materials and concepts. Liberty Square was not initially incorporated into the Venetian wall’s construction. During the British Cyprus era, which occurred at the end of the 19th century, when the island was under the dominion of the British Empire, it initially manifested as a bridge. Wooden bridges were built to facilitate transportation as the city grew beyond the fortifications of the Middle Ages. Established in 1882, the Hajisavvas Opening was initially constructed of timber but was subsequently substituted with a sturdy concrete structure that continues to stand today. Nicosia offers something for every type of traveller, be it an interest in contemporary culture, ancient history, or the landscapes of Cyprus. Have fun exploring!

Archbishop’s Palace

It was no ordinary Archbishop who lived here; it was Cyprus’ first ever president, the famous Archbishop Makarios III himself. It is now the Palace for the serving Archbishop. Within the same courtyard, one can find the Byzantine Museum and Art galleries, the Cyprus Folk Art Museum and St. John’s Cathedral.

Famagusta Gate

Famagusta Gate is the most important of the three gates of the Venetian Walls of Nicosia in the eastern part of the walls in Old Nicosia. Built in the the 16th century by the Venetians in order to defend the city against the Ottoman Turks. Originally named Porta Guiliani after Giulio Savorgnano, the designer of the walls. In 1980 the Gate was restored and it is now used as a cultural centre.

Venetian Walls & Famagusta Gate

The first walls surrounding Nicosia were built by the Franks in the 14th century and encircled a greater area than the Venetian walls built in the 16th century that still encircle the old town. When the Venetians had sovereignty of Cyprus, they pulled down the Frankish walls because they were out dated against new weapons as was artillery. When the Venetians occupied Cyprus, they pulled down the Frankish walls because they were outdated comparing to new weapons such as artillery.

Famagusta Gate is the most important of the three gates of the Venetian Walls of Nicosia in the eastern part of the walls in Old Nicosia. Built in the the 16th century by the Venetians in order to defend the city against the Ottoman Turks. Originally named Porta Guiliani after Giulio Savorgnano, the designer of the walls. In 1980 the Gate was restored and it is now used as a cultural centre.

Faneromeni Church

Faneromeni Church is one of the largest churches of the capital, and was built in 1872. The marble mausoleum to the east of the church contains the relics of the bishops and priests executed by the Ottomans on July 09, 1821. Opposite the church is Faneromeni School, one of the most historic academic institutions on the island.