Getting started: About Nicosia
- The city serves as the capital of both the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and the Greek Administration of Southern Cyprus. It is separated by a border called the Green Line.
- Nicosia is on the Mesaoria Plain, between the Kyrenia Mountains and the Troodos Mountains.
- Although the city is known for its entertainment and nightlife, Nicosia is home to numerous historical and cultural sites.
- Many of Nicosia’s historical structures were built after the city came under Venetian rule in the 15th century. Nicosia came under Ottoman rule in 1570.
- Turkish Airlines operates daily multiple flights from İstanbul, Ankara, Antalya and Adana to Nicosia. You can see flight schedules on the Nicosia flight ticket page.
Places to visit in Nicosia
Bedestan-St. Nicholas Church
Set within the walled area of the city, the Bedestan-St. Nicholas Church originally dates from the Byzantine era, with a Gothic-style extension erected in the 12th century. It is dedicated to St. Nicholas and became the Greek Orthodox Cathedral in the 16th century. It is also known as the ‘Bedestan’ because it was used as a covered market (bedestan) after churches were closed during the Ottoman era. The Church now serves as a multicultural center.
The Great Inn (Büyük Han)
Erected in 1572 as a commercial center, the Büyük Han is among the city’s oldest Turkish structures and considered a stellar example of the Anatolian architecture of the period.
The Kyrenia Gate and the Lapidary (Lapithos) Museum
The city’s Venetian rulers built a series of fortification walls to defend against invaders. In a star shape with eleven bastions, the walls featured three gates, one of which is the still intact Kyrenia Gate.
Set in a 15th-century stone building with a courtyard, the Lapidary Museum displays a number of stone works, columns and tombs, as well as a Gothic-style carved stone window from the Lusignan Palace.
Selimiye Mosque
Steps away from the Lapidary Museum is the Selimiye Mosque. The 13th-century Gothic-style structure was built as the Cathedral of St. Sophia and converted into a mosque during the Ottoman era.
Haydarpaşa Mosque
Built in the 14th century as St. Catherine’s Church, when Cyprus was under Frankish rule, this structure was described by historian Sir Harry Luke as the most elegant and perfect Gothic structure on the island. The Church was converted into the Haydarpaşa Mosque during the Ottoman era.
The Venetian Column
Standing in what is now Atatürk Square, in the city center, the Venetian Column was brought to Nicosia in 1489, from the temple of Zeus in Salamis. The Column was originally installed opposite the old Lusignan Palace; its base depicted carvings depicting the six coats of arms belonging to noble Italian families, five of which can still be seen.
Arab Ahmet Neighborhood
One of the city’s original quarters, the district was named for Ottoman commander Arab Ahmet Pasha during the Ottoman era, when it became an upscale neighborhood for high-ranking officials. Some of the historical structures in the area include the Arab Ahmet Mosque and the Arab Ahmet aqueduct.
Dining in Nicosia
Some of the local specialties in Nicosia include halloumi cheese, a cheese made from goat’s and sheep’s milk and often served fried or grilled. Cypriot-style meatballs are another local dish, as is molehiya, a dish of stewed spiced jute leaves and lamb or chicken meat. In addition, peach kebab is a well-known local specialty. According to the Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the name of this delicious lamb and vegetable dish “derived from a misunderstanding”. A cook called Ali prepared the dish so beautifully that it was named after him as ‘Chef Ali’s Kebab’. The dish’s name was soon shortened to ‘Chef Ali’, which sounds very much like şeftali in Turkish – which means ‘peach’. Thus the current name: peach kebab!
Transportation in Nicosia
Public transportation in Nicosia
The public transportation network in Nicosia consists of buses and minibuses. Single tickets can be purchased from the drivers; weekly or monthly transportation cards are also available at kiosks and stations.
Flying to Nicosia
Nicosia’s Ercan International Airport is 23 kilometers from the city center. Buses and shuttle services operate between the airport and the city center, with KIBHAS buses providing the most convenient public transportation option. Shuttle services are more expensive but faster. Taxis are also available, and the drive takes around 50 minutes.
