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Nicosia
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Nicosia (Lefkosa) is the capital of Cyprus. It is situated in the region of the centre of the island, in the Mesaoria Plain. Behind the city lies the Kirin Mountains, were the Pentadktylos, or ‘five finger mountain’, can be seen.
The city is the financial centre of Cyprus, and holds the seat of the Government. Most embassies are located in Nicosia, and the city is home to the islands main universities. |
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Nicosia is the largest city on the island. The city has seen remarkable growth, and now spreads over several kilometres. It has absorbed many of the surrounding villages and communities close by, and the area is now home to around a third of the total population of Cyprus, approximately 250,000 people (around 180,000 live in the city itself).
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The city is also seen as the cultural centre of the island. Within the area surrounded by the bastion walls, built by the Venetians in 1570, sits the old city. The city walls are around three and a half miles in circumference, and protected the town for centuries. The narrow streets of the old city hold medieval and neo-classical buildings, connected by its labyrinthine alleyways. There are many places of historical interest, including the Nicosia Municipal Theatre and the Cyprus museum, as well as many churches and art galleries. The moat of the city walls has been converted into a public park.
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The central Eleftheria Square links old Nicosia with the modern city that has arisen, which offers a cosmopolitan hub of activity, similar to many European cities. Large chains such as Marks & Spencer and Zara can be found on the modern Makarios Avenue. Stasikratous Street homes luxury brands such as Armani and Versace stores.
The new areas of the city house a wealth of excellent bars hotels, restaurants, nightclubs and shops, giving ample opportunity to explore the local specialities by day and night. |
Nicosia remains the last divided city in the world; the southern part of the city remains part of the Republic of Cyprus, and this makes up the popular and modern city. Crossing over the ‘Green Line’, to the Northern part of the city (held by the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus) the story is quite different, with this area suffering economic decline resulting in the closure of shops and the crumbling of historical sites. However, this region is cut off by a UN buffer zone, and crossing over to and from the Northern part of the city is quite difficult, especially for non EU citizens. The inhabitants of all areas of Nicosia hope that one day the city may be reunited. |
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Larnaca Airport is 40km, or a 30 minute drive away from the city, whilst the smaller Paphos Airport is a 140km or a 1 hour 40 minute drive.
The towns of Limassol and Larnaca are within an hours drive from the city, and both have ports that hold ferry and cruise ship services to the areas of Greece and Egypt.
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