Nicosia (Lefkosia), The capital of Cyprus, It is a sophisticated and cosmopolitan place in the Eastern Mediterranean, It is rich in history and culture combining its historic past with the amenities of a modern city.
Nicosia, It lies along the Pedieos River, in the centre of the Mesaoria plain between the Kyrenia Mountains (north) and the Troodos range (south).
Nicosia came successively under the control of the Byzantines (330–1191), the Lusignan kings (1192–1489), the Venetians (1489–1571), the Turks (1571–1878), and the British (1878–1960), and thus reflects the vicissitudes of Cypriot history and both Eastern and Western influences.
Nicosia, known in antiquity as Ledra, is a medieval corruption of the Byzantine name (Lefkosia).
The city was a kingdom in the 7th century BCE and has been a bishopric from the 4th century CE. It has been the seat of government of Cyprus since the 10th century. The city’s walled fortifications, originally erected by the Lusignan kings and later rebuilt by the Venetians to encompass a smaller area (3 miles [5 km] round), did not prevent invasions by the Genoese in 1373, the Mamlūks in 1426, and the Turks in 1570.
During the 20th century the city boundaries were extended beyond the existing circular Venetian walls, and the old town within them was rebuilt. As a result of the Turkish intervention in 1974, part of the northern section of Nicosia, including the former international airport, has remained within the United Nations Forces in Cyprus operational boundary separating the Republic of Cyprus (south) from the Turkish Cypriot-administered areas (north).
Nicosia is a city that will reward visitors in search of ‘something different’.
As a result of the various architectural influences that are visible throughout the city, one cannot help but be charmed by the manner in which past and present, traditional and contemporary have seamlessly fused together.
The heart of the city, within the 16th century Venetian Walls, has a number of interesting museums and art galleries, Byzantine churches and a number of mediaeval and neo-classical buildings while the narrow streets retain the romantic atmosphere of the past.
The modern city center will capture your imagination from the start, with its melting pot of influences that give the city a unique image. The city’s landmarks, museums, theaters, musical events and galleries both inspire and fascinate.
The streets of Makariou, Ledras, Onasagorou, Stassikratous and Mnasiadou offer shopping options that are comparable to many European countries.
Nicosia also offers Cypriot and international culinary temptations in the many luxury restaurants that line its streets.
