Nicosia

Nicosia is the capital city of Cyprus and lies roughly at the centre of the island. It has a rich history that can be traced back to the Bronze Age. Today the city blends its historic past brilliantly with the bustle of a modern life. The heart of Nicosia, which is enclosed by 16th century Venetian walls, is dotted with museums, ancient churches and medieval buildings, preserving the nostalgic atmosphere of years past.

Getting there

It takes around half an hour to reach Nicosia from Larnaca by car. Simply take the A2 and then A1 motorways, and then follow the clearly marked signs to Nicosia (also known as Lefkosia).

What to take

Allow plenty of time to explore the fascinating combination of traditional Cypriot life and modern buzz offered by Nicosia. Comfortable shoes, drinking water, sunscreen and a camera to capture all the sights are essentials.

Things to do

The old walled city of Nicosia is unique and definitely the best place to start your exploring. Encircled by strong fortress walls built by the Venetians in the 16th century, the enchanting old city is scattered with buildings and monuments of historical interest, as well as quaint shops, cafes and tavernas. The modern Nicosia is a cosmopolitan city with shopping centres, modern bars, and restaurants.

History and culture

The historical side of the city boasts many monuments and museums, including the unique Cyprus Museum, which houses the island`s most important collection of Cypriot antiquities and treasures from the Neolithic Age to the Roman Period. The Municipal Arts Centre is housed in a converted power station built in 1936, and includes a decent cafe-restaurant with an imaginative Mediterranean menu.

Also worth a visit are the Nicosia Jewels Museum, and the `Levention` Municipal Museum, which provides an imaginative presentation of the capital`s history. The Byzantine Museum at Archbishop Kyprianou Square is easily spotted thanks to the giant statue of Archbishop Makarios standing outside, and boasts one of the world`s best collections of Orthodox icons and other artworks, mostly ranging from the 9th to the 16th century.

Other places of interest include the Folk Art Museum, the Archbishop`s palace, the Cathedral of Ayios Ioannis, and the intriguing house of Hadjigeorgakis Kornesios - a fine example of l8th century architecture - which contains the Ethnological Museum. In contrast to these ancient finds are the State Collection of Contemporary Art, and the Cyprus Handicraft Center.

For something completely different, try Hamam Omerye, at Tyllirias Square. This is a 14th century building restored to operate as a Turkish bath.

Shopping

As Cyprus` capital, Nicosia boasts the best range of shops on the island. The main shopping areas in are Archbishop Makarios Avenue and the parallel streets (Stasikratous and Ledra) behind it. In addition to shopping for handicrafts, embroidery, pottery and other local items, visitors to Nicosia can take advantage of the capital`s modern commercial shopping centres to snap up the latest fashion designs, prescription eye wear, perfumes and liqueurs, many of which are far cheaper than in the UK.

Stasikratous Street is known for its attractive and rather expensive boutiques, which sell high quality clothes and shoes as well as silverware, fine porcelain and imported oriental clothes

Most of the shopping areas in the old part of Nicosia are now pedestrianized, so it is easy to ramble through the zigzag streets. In particular, Laiki Yitonia is of interest to travellers who want a taste of Cypriot culture. It is a renovated eighteenth century enclave, where local artisans and craftsmen display their wares along cobblestone lanes.

City Plaza is a reasonably large shopping centre on Makarios Avenue, and is home to clothing, photographic, confectionary, gift and numerous other shops - pleasantly air conditioned, so ideal for cooling down!

Food and drink

Throughout both the old and new parts of Nicosia, you will find the complete range of restaurants and bars - traditional, modern, contemporary, and also high street fast food favourites.

Some names to look out for include Abu Faysal, serving freshly prepared Lebanese dishes with a garden terrace for `al fresco` dining, and Aerikon, a Cypriot/Greek style restaurant specialising in meze.

Bagatelle is an excellent restaurant offering an interesting mixture of freshly prepared French cuisine, or for a more exotic dining experience try Zebras Steakhouse.