Location: Nicosia
Top Things to do in Nicosia
7 Historic Sites in Nicosia That You Shouldn't Miss
Nicosia, the capital of the island of Cyprus, has incorporated elements of the many empires and kingdoms that have claimed it over centuries stretching back to the Bronze Age. Narrow winding streets lead visitors from the Cyprus Museum, with its collection of Neolithic and Roman artifacts, to the thick city wall. Built in the 1600s by the Venetians, the wall now divides the ancient part of the city from the modern. Step through the stone gates and enter a place where the past is still alive.
Restaurants in Nicosia
1. Buyuk Han
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,173 reviews
Reviewed By afytrpadvisor - Kyrenia, Cyprus
Buyuk han is very very historical place. You can drink coffee and you can eat something. You can buy something. There is hade made accessories naturel soup and other naturel items.
2. Konigsgraber von Tamassos
3. Paphos Gate
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 45 reviews
Reviewed By 997briant - London, United Kingdom
The Paphos (Pafos) Gate is one of three entrances which were built into the historic Venetian walls which enclosed the old City of Nicosia The other two gates are the Famagusta Gate at the eastern end of Lefkosia, and the Kyrenia Gate in Lefkoşa, at the northern end of the Turkish occupied part of Nicosia. I have reviewed each separately, as they all warrant a visit in their own right, for different reasons. The gate, constructed in the 1560s, was so named because the road from this gate led to the coastal town of Paphos in the west of the island. If you’re within the walls of Lefkosia, walk east along Rigainis or Arsinois, past the Tripoli bastion, and you’ll come to the gate. If you are visiting the Cyprus Museum, you can’t miss the walls and the gate looming as you walk up Mouseiou from the museum. Architecturally it’s probably the simplest of all the gates - no more than an opening in the stone walls roofed by a barrel vault. It’s merely a pedestrian passage these days; part of the Venetian wall beside it was opened up to allow traffic to pass in and out of the old city. At the time of my visit you couldn’t walk completely through the gate; to see the statue of Markos Drakos and to get to the Cyprus Museum (both outside the walls), you had to follow the traffic exit. But to me it is its surroundings which make it a really interesting place to visit. It’s at this gate that the Green Line and the Venetian walls intersect, though you cannot cross the Green Line here. Entering along Rigainis you’ll see the stone walls on your left, and as the road dips, what looks like an unused observation / control box on the right. It all looks a bit intimidating, a bit forlorn, but there is no problem continuing down the hill to the gate on the left. The intimidating feel continues as you look at the gate; there’s the graffiti-covered Paphos Gate police station on the top of the gate, and a forbidding, desolate barricade of blue and white concrete drums. Turn around, and with the entrance to the gate behind you, you’ll see the Holy Cross Roman Catholic Church on your left. You can visit the church. Whilst it’s interior is fairly unremarkable, what is particularly interesting about the church is that its facade and front entrance is in Lefcosia, but the body of the church juts into the Turkish controlled occupied north. Apparently the church can continue to operate as long as the back door is kept firmly closed. As you exit the church, look to your left and you can’t miss the barricades of the Green Line. Enjoy you visit here. It’s a good insight into the reality of a divided city, And in many respects, there’s no ‘gate’ here which actually signals a unified city.
4. Bedesten
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By borisb432 - Belgrade, Serbia
Beautiful building besides Selimiye mosque. Originally a Bizantine curch of St. Nicolas, converted to mosque and afterwards used as market. Now it is a cultural centre which hosts shows and performsnces.
5. The Medieval Walls of Nicosia
6. Hamam Omerye
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 125 reviews
The completely renovated place of Hamam was designed with harmony and elegance in order to offer you unique experiences. A small paradise in old Nicosia creates a universe condusive to a daydreaming and getaway from the daily routine.
Reviewed By Moniaits - London, United Kingdom
For us the Hamam Omerye is a must when we are in Nicosia. We always have the Kesse Borek. It’s in unforgettable experience. €69 for an hour of pure pleasure and relaxation. One leaves the premises rejuvenated. The masseurs do know what they’re doing and the service for start to finish is simply superb.
7. Kumarcilar Han
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 7 reviews
Reviewed By borisb432 - Belgrade, Serbia
A bit newer and smaller than Buyuk Han, this caravanseray building is equally interesting. It also houses nice shops and restaurants and should not be missed
