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Adorned with such a diverse and rich history, the city boasts of numerous historical monuments that had stood the test of time. The most prominent of these historical monuments in Nicosia is the Venetian Walls. Other notable attractions and places of interest in Nicosia include the Cyprus museum, Selimiye Mosque, Byzantine Art Museum , Archbishop's Palace, Omeriye Mosque.
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Venetian Walls
The most famous historical landmark on the island found here in the city is the Venetian Walls. The wall built by the Venetian to keep the Ottoman out, surround the old city of Nicosia . Shaped like a star with its eleven fortified bastions, the wall is an unforgettable sight. Five of the bastions are laid out evenly in the southern section of the city. Another five bastions are spread out north of the city. The eleventh bastion lies on the eastern part of the city within the Turkish sector.
Famagusta Gate
One of the original three gates which adorn the facade of the Venetian walls, the Famagusta is the best preserved gate among the three gates. It was renovated in 1981 after a century of disrepair. Today it serves as a venue for concerts as well as exhibitions.
Pafos Gate
Also called Porta San Domenico by the Venetians, Pafos gate is the western gate of the Venetian walls. The gate was a former weapons warehouse for the Ottoman Turks. The British later turned it into a police headquarters.
Kyrenia Gate
The Kyrenia gate is the northern gate of the Venetian walls. The gate is also the least maintained gate of the three as it lies within the Turkish Sector.
Archbishop's Palace
Almost completely destroyed during 1974, it was rebuilt in the 1980s. Today it is the official place of residence of Cyprus 's Archbishop. |
Omeriye Mosque
Dating back to the 14 th century, the mosque was built over the site of a former church, the Augustinian Church of Saint Mary.
Selimiye Mosque
Originally constructed as a church in 1325, the mosque is located in the Turkish section of Nicosia .
Ledra Crossing
The crossing is the entry and exit point for those wishing to travel to the Turkish sector.
Cyprus Museums
Cyprus Museum
The museum houses some of the finest and most fascinating collections of archeological discoveries in Cyprus . Among some of the highlights displayed at the Museum are 2000 terracotta figures found at Agia Irini in 1929. Other highlights include limestone lions and Sphinx unearthed at Tamassos in 1997. These statues are unique as they displayed very strong influences from ancient Egyptian era.
Ethnographic Museum
This museum has the biggest collection of ethnography and folk arts in Cyprus . The building itself is from the 15 th century era.
Byzantine Art Museum
The museum houses the biggest collection of Cypriot icons dating back from the 5 th centuries to the 19 th centuries. Of particular interests are the icons from the Church of the Virgin Mary of Arakas and the Church of Saint John Lambadistis Monastery .
Cyprus Art and Cultural Centres
Nicosia Municipal Arts Centre & Library
Displaying some very unique and interesting works of art from Greece 's Dimitris Pierides Museum of Contemporary Art.
European Art Gallery
Located within the Makarios Cultural Foundation complex. The Gallery showcases oil paintings from the 16 th to the 19 th Century.
Cyprus Theme Parks & Garden
Municipal Gardens
A beautiful place for a walk and rest especially after a sight seeing tour.
Ostrich Theme Park
About 30 minutes from Nicosia City , the theme park is regarded to be the biggest Ostrich Park in Europe .
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