CYPRUS is the most easterly and the third largest of the Mediterranean islands after Sicily and Sardinia.
Hot dry summers are followed by mild winters, with many near deserted beaches, it is little wonder Cyprus has become a popular destination.
THE CAPITAL LEFKOSIA.
Better known by its medieval name of Nicosia, has been the capital since the 12th century, to day it is a thriving business, cultrual and tourist centre, with a fascinating mix of ancient and modern. You will find an impressive variety of modern shops, cinemas, theatres, night clubs and discos plus an enviable choice of restaurants, bars and cafes that serve everything from traditional Cypriot food to international cuisine. There are hundreds of places of interest to visit from cathedrals and monasteries to museums and art galleries.
VENETIAN WALLS. The great circular walls built by the Venetians in the 16th. century are 4.5 km long, and contain 11 heart shaped bastions each bearing the name of an aristocratic family. There are three Gates known as Pafos Gate on the south west edge of the wall, Keryneia Gate to the North west in the Turkish-occupied quarter and Famagusta Gate to the South. The latter has been renovated and serves as the capital's major cultural centre hosting art exhibitions, conferences, lectures, concerts and other cultural activities. The ditch running beside the ramparts has been transformed into a park with car parking spaces, markets and an open air theatre.
THE LAIKI YITONIA. A labyrinth of narrow twisting lanes and alleyways that have been lovingly restored to recreate both the architecture and atmosphere of the Cypriot way of life in days gone by. There are traditional houses and small workshops still practising their age old crafts plus restaurants, cafes and galleries. The experience of strolling through the narrow streets makes for a fascinating day out and is well worth it.
CYPRUS MUSEUM. Built to commemorate Queen Victoria the museum houses a collection of irreplaceable and fascinating items from the Neolithic period to the early Byzantine.
ARCH BISHOPRICS. The new Arch Bishopric built in the neo-Byzantine style in 1966 and is the centre of the Cyprus Orthodox Church. The old Arch Bishopric is now the Folk Art museum.
ETHNOLOGICAL MUSEUM. The House of Chatzigeorgakis Kornessios. (Hadjigeorgakis Kornessios) The most significant building in Lefkosia was constructed in the 18th century as the residence of the Dragoman Chatzigeorgakis Kornesios, which on completion of restoration won the 1988 Europa Nostra Award. It now is the home of the Cyprus Ethnological Museum.
AGIOS IOANNIS CATHEDRAL. Built by Archbishop Nikiforos in 1662, the restored 18th century frescoes depict biblical scenes and the discovery of the tomb of Saint Barnabas at Salamis. Dedicated to Ayios Ioannis (Saint John).
BYZANTINE MUSEUM & ART GALLERY.The Museum and gallery exhibit a large collection of Icons from the 9th to the 18th centuries, as well as oil paintings, maps and lithographs.
THE LEVENTIS MUNICIPAL MUSEUM OF NICOSIA.See how life has been lived in the capital from ancient times through the ages to the present day.
CHRYSALINIOTISSA CHURCH.Dedicated to "Our Lady of the Golden Flax, it is thought to be the oldest church in Lefkosia dating back to 1450 and was built by Queen Helena Palaeogos.
Please
Note. Since 1974, the Cypriot government has designated Larnaca and Paphos international
airports, and the seaports of Limassol, Larnaca, and Paphos, as the only legal
points of entry into and exit from Cyprus. These ports are all in the government-controlled
southern part of the island. Entry or exit via any other air or seaport is not
authorised by the Cypriot government. It is possible for visitors to arrive at
non-designated airports and seaports in the north, but they should not expect
to cross the United Nations-patrolled "green line" to the government-controlled
areas in the south. Such travel is not permitted by the government of Cyprus,
even for transit purposes. Visitors arriving through designated ports of entry
in the south are normally able to cross into the north for day trips. Policy and
procedures regarding such travel are subject to change. Information on this may
be obtained at the U.N. "Buffer Zone" Checkpoint.
