Nicosia private guided Tour through Cyprus diveded city

Nicosia is located in the interior of the island of Cyprus and is therefore less suitable for a typical beach holiday on the coast. But the city, which is over 2,500 years old, has a rich cultural heritage. This applies to the Greek-influenced south as well as the Turkish-influenced north.

Because of its strategic location between Europe, Asia Minor and the Levant, Cyprus has always been a point of contention. Many ruled here: Greeks and Romans, Byzantines, Crusaders and Genoese, but also the Ottoman Empire, which ceded Cyprus to Great Britain.

It was not until 1960 that Cyprus became independent and Nicosia became the capital of the young state. In the following decades, however, there was repeated unrest between Greek and Turkish nationalists. This led to the division of the city, which continues to this day.

 

Nicosia’s Venetian Fortifications
Totally impressive are the Venetian walls that enclose the old town. Although they have been the landmark of Nicosia for so many years and the city is now modern and full of life, much of the original three-kilometre length still remains.

The Paphos Gate and the Roccas Bastion are famous for their role in modern history. Here the UN buffer zone between the Republic of Cyprus and Northern Cyprus is less than the usual 200 metres, and until 2003 this was the only place on the island where Greek and Turkish Cypriots could come close.

Today, the flags of all four countries involved in the unresolved conflict (Greece, the Republic of Cyprus, Turkey and Northern Cyprus) flutter in the wind as a reminder of the island’s unresolved problems.

 

Büyük Han
A han (caravan station) was in ancient times accommodation and storage for traders passing through the city, often with stables for their horses (or camels) and sometimes with recreational facilities such as restaurants and hamams (Turkish baths).

Büyük Han was built in 1572 and today is an excellently preserved and fully restored example of the architecture of the time and is one of the most beautiful historic buildings in the city.

Büyük Han is home to a variety of shops, cafés and craft studios and is perfect for a short shopping trip during our tour of Nicosia. The Han is only a short walk from the Ledra Street Green Line pedestrian crossing.

 

Ledra Street
Ledra Street winds through the historic old town of Nicosia, divided into a Greek Cypriot southern part and a Turkish Cypriot northern part. In the larger Greek-Cypriot part, there is a lively shopping street with international chain stores. It ends in the south at the Platía Eleftherías, i.e. at the edge of the Venetian city wall.

The 50-metre-wide Green Line separates the smaller Turkish northern part of the street from the southern part. Pedestrians can cross back and forth between the two parts of the street, as a border crossing has existed on Ledra Street since April 2008. The street, which was once a symbol of division, now connects (again) and is today the most popular promenade in Nicosia. Many large department stores have set up shop along it.

 

Selimiye Mosque
Selimiye Mosque
The Selimiye Mosque used to be St Sophia’s Cathedral. The mosque is located just over 100 metres north of the „Green Line“, the border that separates Northern Cyprus from the Republic of Cyprus.

St Sophia’s Cathedral was built between 1209 and 1326 and is considered a masterpiece of Gothic church architecture, comparable to the great cathedrals of France. It was the coronation church of the kings of Cyprus until 1489. Venice then ruled the island until 1571.

The Ottomans converted the cathedral into a mosque and the unfinished western towers were completed as minarets. The sacred furnishings and stained glass windows were lost. The building has been the main mosque in Nicosia ever since. The building has been severely damaged by several earthquakes. Extensive work is currently being carried out on the mosque, which is why it cannot be used.

 

Bandabuliya Bazar
The Bandabuliya Municipal Market is located near the Selimiye Mosque. It was built between 1930 and 1932 during the British administration of the island. It is a covered market with a late Art Deco facade. Above the entrance is the inscription „Bandabuliya Pazari 1932“.

It was the main covered market in the north of Nicosia. It was a traditional Turkish bazaar where you could find fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, dairy products and household goods. It was not just a market. It was also a local meeting place.

The market was renovated and re-opened in 2012. It now has over 70 stalls, cafes, bookshops and a small theatre. The stalls have returned along with craft and souvenir shops for visitors.

 

 

Our special service for you:

We will be happy to pick you up from your hotel free of charge if you are staying in the Agia Napa – Protaras – Paralimni region, or in Larnaca Destrict
(e.g. Oroklini – Pyla – Livadia – Larnaca City). Pick up is also possible for more distant routes, but we will then charge a small surcharge.

We are happy to accept your booking by email. Or book now using our online booking form. We will take care of the rest and look forward to seeing you.

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10 best places at cyprus, Nicosia, private guide, private guided tour, sightseeing