Nicosia – the capital of Cyprus
The first city, which you should visit on the island of Cyprus, is the capital, Nicosia. The City has about 200,000 inhabitants and is located in the central part of the island on the river Pedieos. Outside of the city you will see the Troodos mountain peaks which is the biggest mountain range of Cyprus, with the highest peak Mount Olympus at 1,952m.
Right through the center of the city leads the line which divided Cyprus into two Republics. It is still the capital and largest city of both Cyprus and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Even today, the Turks called the city Lefkoşa and the Greeks as Lefkosia. However at present, the situation is not so difficult as before.
What to see in Nicosia?
- Huge city walls that have been built in 16th century by Venetians to protect the city against Turks. The 4,5 metres thick wall used to have three gates. The Famagusta gate is now used as a cultural centre.
- The Archbishop’s Palace with a Byzantine museum
- Eleftheria (Freedom) Square – the centre of the city
- Mosques, e.g. the Selimiye Mosque – ancient church in the Turkish occupied part of Nicosia
View Nicosia – the capital of Cyprus in a larger map
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