Visiting Lefkosia, Cyprus

Locally known as Lefkosia, Nicosia is the capital and largest city on the island of Cyprus, as well as its main business center.  After the fall of the Berlin Wall, Nicosia remained the only divided capital in the world with the southern and the northern portions divided by a Green Line. Nicosia, situated on the southern part of the island, is the capital and seat of government of the Republic of Cyprus as well as south easternmost capital of the EU member states. The northern part of the city functions as the capital of the self-proclaimed Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, a disputed breakaway region whose independence is recognized only by Turkey.

A culturally and historically rich country, there are many attractions to enjoy in Lefkosia that combines both the old and new. So why not consider a holiday in Cyprus and make the most of these attractions:

Flickr Credit: anton_is_71

Cyprus Museum
The Cyprus Museum houses the best collection of archaeological artefacts on the island, including a first century AD Roman statuette of Aphrodite of Soli and the original mosaic of Leda and the Swan. The museum is open from Mondays to Saturdays, 9AM-5PM and on Sundays, 10AM-1PM.

Venetian Walls
If China has the Great Wall of China, then Lefkosia has the Venetian Walls. Bordering around the city, the Venetian rulers erected the walls between 1567 and 1570 with the express aim of keeping the feared Ottoman invaders out of Lefkosia. Fortified by eleven heart – shaped bastions and protected by an 80 metres wide moat, they were built of mud – brick, with the lower part only buttressed by stone. Unfortunately, it failed in the purpose for which it was built. The walls and moat in Lefkosia are in excellent condition and are used to provide car-parking space and venues for outdoor concerts, and for strolling and relaxing.

Ledra Street
Aside from being the busiest shopping street of the capital, Ledra Street is also a historical monument in Cyprus. On this 1KM long street, there used to be a wall that divides the nation before it was dismantled in 2007. The wall, known as the “Green Line” is a demilitarized zone maintained by the United Nations. Today, Ledra Street connects the south and north parts of the old city.

Zanettos Taverna
Allegedly one of the oldest traditional taverns in Lefkosia, Zanettos Tavern serves old-school Greek Cypriot meze in a lively atmosphere. With walls adorned with photos of the brightest stars in the music and film industry, Zanettos tavern is a very popular destination among many Greek and Cypriot artists who come to enjoy the special meze and relax in their friendly and cosy environment.

Since Lefkosia has a hot subtropical semi-arid climate with long, hot and dry summers with relatively wet and mild winters, it is best to travel to Lefkosia between March to June and September to November. Overall, Lefkosia is an enjoyable city, with much local tradition and culture. It is a great place to include in your itinerary when visiting Cyprus, as well as an ideal hub to see the rest of the island.