Nicosia – the centuries-old charming capital of Cyprus

Nicosia, or as it is called in Greek Lefkosia, is a city with a measured pace of life, where clearly defined the unity of the European and Asian characteristics. In fact, Nicosia is the only city still divided by the Green Line into Greek and Turkish parts.
By studying this fascinating city, you need to treat it, first of all, from a cultural point of view. The city center is still bordered by the ancient Venetian walls and a protective moat of Lefkosia. The wall was designed by the Venetian architect Giulio Savorniano and built between 1567 and 1570 and by far it is the most spectacular sight of the capital. The perimeter of the walls is 4.5 km, has a charming heart shape and is equipped with eleven bastions and three gates.
Access to the city from the north opens through the gates of Kyrenia, in the west – through the gates of Pafos, from the east is the gate of Juliana, also called Famagusta Gate, with its grand façade and a large arch.
A distinctive feature has the bastion of Roccas because here the two ethnics Greeks and Turks can observe the place of the island, where the border passes between the two parts.

Learn interesting facts and fascinating history of Nicosia in direct contact with the land!

The thousand-year history of capital dates back to the Bronze Age. In ancient times it was known as Ledra and this name is still preserved as the name of one of its main streets. From the seventh century, Nicosia has been the center of the ancient kingdoms of the island.
Meanwhile, the name of Nicosia, used today by Europeans comes from the French Nicosie and was used during the reign of Lusignan.
Despite the deep historical roots, the city also characterized by everyday modern life. In the area of Laiki Geitonia, also surrounded by walls, you can see the beautifully restored old houses, taverns and shops, and walking through the narrow streets you can admire the intricate wrought-iron balconies and craft shops and this splendid combination creates a bewitching atmosphere of the past.

For lovers of art and folklore is very interesting to visit the Ethnographic Museum of Cyprus, or jewelry connoisseurs will not miss a chance to visit the museum of Jewelers.
It should be noted that Nicosia can be found a lot of travel agencies, offering excellent services and in the presence of the guide you can make a thematic tour to the objects of your interest.
By car, you can go to the ancient city-state Idalio, where met his death lover of Aphrodite Adonis, to Machairas monastery of the twelfth century, or to the nearby village Fikardou, representing an antique monument due to its folk architecture.

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