Nicosia
Nicosia (Greek Levkosía) the capital of Cyprus on the Pedieos River in the central plain of the island. It is also the center of an administrative district, part of which is in the Turkish sector. Nicosia, the country’s largest city, is now Europe’s only militarily divided city with a rich history that can be traced back to the Bronze Age. It only became Capital of the island in the 11th century AD. Flanked by the beautiful northern range of Kyrenia Mountains with its distinctive ‘Pentadaktylos – the five finger mountain, It lies roughly in the centre of the island in the Mesaoria Plain. There are different ideas as to the origin of the name Nicosia – or ‘Lefkosia’ In Greek – but the most accepted one is linked to the popular tree, the tall ‘Lefki ‘ which once adorned the city.
Nicosia is one of the world’s oldest cities and it was the center of an independent kingdom as early as the 7th century BC. Today it blends its historic past vividly with the bustle of a modern city. Enclosed by 16th century Venetian walls in the heart of the city, Nicosia is dotted with museums, ancient churches and medieval buildings conserving the nostalgic atmosphere of years past. The old town is a scenic fusion of 16th-century walls, pedestrian precincts, pavement cafes and squares, packed with charm, character and sightseeing opportunities. The walls that entirely include the Old City date from the Venetian occupation in the 16th century, and have a circumference of three miles (five km). The modern Nicosia developed outside the walls became a fashionable, business and cultural center.
Indisputably, Nicosia the 1000-year-old capital of Cyprus should be on every visitor’s agenda. It lies approximately in the center of the island; within easy reach of the other towns and a day in Nicosia will be a day well spent.
History
There were Bronze Age settlements in North Cyprus near Nicosia; oldest settlement was in Ledra founded in 280BC by Lefcon, the son of Potolemy Soter. It is thought that this original city lies almost exactly under the fortified area of Nicosia today.
Nicosia came to prominence in the middle Ages with a succession of visits from a number of historical heavyweights. Richard the Lionheart besieged Nicosia on his way to Jerusalem and later sold the island to the Knights Templar. Cypriots aren’t happy and the city passed on to Guy of Lusignan, the Latin king of Jerusalem, in 1192. Unfortunately their new patron turned out to be a ruthless despot however the self-styled king stamped his authority on the city by fortifying it and constructing a number of impressive gothic buildings, many of which can still be seen today. Until it was captured in 1489 by the Venetians, The Lusignan kings ruled Nicosia.
The Ottoman Turks captured it in 1571 and the sacking of Nicosia by the Ottomans in 1570 turned it into a deserted town and it passed on to the British in 1878. It was made capital of British-rule. The city remained the centre of British administration until the events of 1974, when the city became divided in the conflict between north and south.
North and south Cyprus border was drawn right through the middle of the city of Nicosia, such that the traditional Turkish area in the north and the Greek Cypriot areas in the south of the walled city were divided. The UN established Green Line is still maintained since it was first drawn on a map by a British officer in green ink. It was only possible to cross the Green line for a day visit for many years, but now the border restrictions are much more relaxed, and people can move freely between North Nicosia and the south.
Climate
- The average temperature in Nicosia, Cyprus is 19.2 °C (67 °F).
- The highest monthly average high temperature is in July & August 37 °C (99 °F)
- The lowest monthly average low temperature is in January & February 5 °C (41 °F)
- Nicosia’s climate receives an average of 345 mm (13.6 in) of rainfall per year, or 29 mm (1.1 in) per month.
- Generally, there are 62 days per year with more than 0.1 mm (0.004 in) of rainfall (precipitation) or 5 days with a quantity of rain, hail, snow etc. per month.
- January is the wettest month when an average of 76mm (2.99in) of rain falls over a period of 14 days while in July only 1mm (0.04in) of rain falls over less than 1 days
- Wet weather in Nicosia accumulates to give us an average total of 345.00mm (13.58in) per annum.
- Relative humidity at Nicosia averages 61.67% over the year.
- 47% is the lowest average monthly relative humidity which occurs in July and 77% is the highest average monthly relative humidity which occurs in January.
- Nicosia’s climate enjoys an average of 3362 hours of sunshine per year which is an average of 9.21 hours per day.
- The range of sunlight hours is from an average of 5.5 per day in January & December to 12.8 per day in July.
Why Go To Nicosia?
Families generally choose resorts closer to the beach and Nicosia appeals to young couples and groups as well as older visitors. Cyprus is a beautiful island and it is possible to see most of its attractions in a short time as it takes under two hours to travel its length. Nicosia is a good base for those who like the city but also enjoy the beach.
How to get to Nicosia?
Nicosia International Airport has been abandoned since the separation of the country. Larnaca Airport (40km, 30min drive) has scheduled flights to all main European cities. Moreover, Paphos Airport is a 1h 40m drive from Nicosia. From Larnaca Airport a taxi to Nicosia will be charged about €60. However if you rent a seat in a service taxi the cost will be as little as €7. From Paphos Airport a taxi will be even more costly at about €120 but to rent a seat in a service taxi it will cost about €14.
Larnaca and Limassol (80kms) ports both have passenger terminals with ferry and cruise ship services to the Lebanon, Greece, Israel and Egypt. Timetables vary greatly everyday with the summer season being the busiest. Nearly all visitors arrive passing through the southern highway from Larnaca and Limassol. Standard, economical and reliable intercity taxi and bus services connect Nicosia to the centre of Cyprus’ other cities.
Nicosia Nightlife
With more black-clad bohemians than blonds in bikinis, Nicosia provides a more diverse urban scene. Nicosia has a varied nightlife catering for most tastes. Nights are very clubby and Frequented primarily by classy locals as well as tourists. Most activity spots are in Laiki Ytonia and west of the center, along George Grivas Ave. There is a ten-lane bowling alley Behind Ledra Hotel, always very crowded on weekends. Not far from there is the Nicosia international fair ground. In Engomi, slightly more than a mile from the center, there are two discos: Africana Disco and Scorpios Disco. Teenagers mostly favor the Eleftheria Street, where many pubs are, but also the main shopping areas. There are numerous bars, discos and clubs in Nicosia playing a wide range of music.
Shopping
Nicosia is regarded as the shopping heart of Cyprus, with a variety of restaurants, discos and bars. South Nicosia is well known for its large number of Cypriot fashion boutiques and British chain stores, with Marks & Spencer being a familiar favourite with holidaymakers. Shopping in the city also provides tourists with the chance to get some traditional gifts and souvenirs, ranging from lace and embroideries, to Cyprus wines and jewellery.
In the Old City district, Ledra Street, a narrow pedestrian street ending at an army post, on the Green Line has many small shops, and some rather good footwear outlets. Several handicraft shops old-style clothing stores and boutiques are also available. There are also department stores selling the latest in fashion, nice cafeterias and snack bars. Stasikratous Street is known for its beautiful and rather expensive boutiques, selling premium clothes and shoes as well as silverware, fine porcelain and imported oriental clothes.
Most of the shopping area in the old part of Nicosia is now pedestrian way so it is easy to ramble through the zigzag streets of the town especially the pedestrianised area of Laiki Geitonia is also historic and shops here frequently exhibit traditional architecture. The street is a renovated eighteenth century enclave where local artisans and craftsmen display their wares along cobblestone lanes. There are bougainvillea laced restaurants beckon with the aroma of roast lamb and Greek coffee.
Visitors should have in mind that in winter, shops in Nicosia are generally open from 8.30-13.00 hrs and from 14.30-17.30 hrs. They are closed on Wednesday and Saturday afternoon. Shops are open from 8.30-13.00 hrs and 16.00-19.00 hrs in the summer; again no shops in the afternoon of Wednesday and Saturday, except sometimes in Laiki Yitonia.
Top Nicosia Sights
There are plenty of good attractions in Nicosia and Guided walking tours are available in both regions of the city, often taking in the sights. The best sightseeing tends to be concentrated within the Old City area of South Nicosia, such as attractive mosques and churches and simply taking a stroll around this part of the city is always an appealing and unforgettable experience. Visitors should note that a number of the attractions within this Old City do tend to close fairly early. Look out for the Arablar Mosque, next to the Plateia Faneromenis the Faneromeni Church, the Omeriye Mosque and the family friendly Municipal Gardens. In North Nicosia, the Buyuk Hammam (Great Baths) and the Cyprus Turkish Shadow Theatre appeals more to holidaymakers with young children. Families holidaying in South Nicosia will take pleasure in the horse racing, the tenpin bowling at the Kykko Bowling, the enjoyable Ostrich Wonderland Theme Park and the landscaped Municipal Gardens.
Amongst the most notable of the landmarks in South Nicosia are the Archbishop’s Palace, the Famagusta Gate, the Pafos Gate, the Holy Cross Catholic Church and also the House of Hatzigeorgakis Kornesios. The Archbishop’s Palace is a wonderful Venetian landmark Located on the Plateia Archiepiskopou Kyprianou and has been meticulously renovated. Several historical gateways remain nearby, the best of which are the Famagusta Gate and the Pafos Gate. The Venetian walls are an iconic symbol of the city and certainly are a sight to see. These walls surround the Old City area and create a truly memorable image.
As the Cypriot capital, Nicosia is home to some of the island’s most important museums. The celebrated Cyprus Museum really does stick out in South Nicosia and is known for its world famous archaeological relics. The Cyprus Jewellery Museum, the Ethnographic Museum and the Leventis Municipal Museum and the Art Gallery of Makarios III Foundation are further cultural highlights.
Dining out in Nicosia
Nicosia is home to a fairly high caliber of restaurants and Visitors to Nicosia will certainly find that dining out in Nicosia is something of an unexpected treat. The island’s geographical position has added exotic dimensions that make it as a particularly varied and delicious cuisine with Greek, Turkish, Arabic and English culinary influences. The fresh local ingredients, regional herbs, spices, and usage of natural olive oil, the Cypriot palate is typically Mediterranean in character. Meals are generally accompanied by local wines and Cyprus wines are famous in ancient times and throughout the middle Ages.
There really are three main areas in South Nicosia where you should consider dining – the Old City, the New City and the suburbs particularly the suburbs of both Engomi and Strovolos deserve a mention and feature their very own culinary clusters.
The pretty touristy Laiki Yitonia area in South Nicosia’s Old City is popular with lunchtime diners. The Famagusta Gate area is quite a different dining spot, being packed with bars, cafes and restaurants, and attracting crowds of local Cypriots in the evenings. Check out for Greek Cypriot tavernas in Nicosia with ‘meze’ meals. Meze is short for Mezedhes, or little delicacies, and you may be served anything up to 30 dishes. It is a complete meal, however don’t be tempted to finish every dish that arrives on the table, or you may feel as though you’ve eaten for a week by the end.
North Nicosia is known for its Turkish taverns (meyhane), kebab houses and stylish, modern restaurants. The tavernas and best restaurants delight in serving classic Cypriot dishes that have been enjoyed here over the centuries. The Old City area of North Nicosia can become rather quiet, with little to offer prospective diners. For vegetarians, Cyprus is a gastronomic paradise. With plentiful fresh fruit and vegetables, and spectacular local herbs and spices, Nicosia will not leave you hungry.
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