Tourist information - Lefcosia
Without a doubt, Lefkosia (Nicosia) the 1000 years old capital with Cyprus should be on every visitor's agenda. It is situated approximately at the heart of the isle; within close range of the other towns and a day in Lefkosia is a day spent well.
The aged walled city of Lefcosia is exclusive and absolutely the spot to head for 1st. Encircled by means of strong citadel walls constructed through the Venetians within the 16th century, the enchanting aged city is definitely dispersed together with structures as well as monuments of famous interest in addition to little shops, cafés as well as tavernas. The Lefkosia Jewelry Museum and also the Municipal Arts Centre are both really worth a visit. The 'Leventeion' Municipal Museum of Lefkosia, having an innovative display in the capital's historical past, was granted the title '1991 European Museum of the Year'.
To walk through the particular metropolis would be to step in reverse in time. Thin pavement and also old houses along with elaborate balconies jut from weather beaten sandstone walls, and craftsmen in small workshops practice deals unaffected for centuries. 'Laiki Geitonia' - Folk Neighbourhood - is actually a pedestrian area, which has been meticulously refurbished to stimulate the environment of past days. The 2 main streets of old Lefkosia, Lidra and also Onasagorou, are lined with shops of each and every sort, and the two streets are generally pedestrian - only.
Not being missed, will be the special Cyprus Museum, housing island's most significant assortment of Cypriot antiquities and also items through the Neolithic Age towards the Roman Period. As opposed to these types of historic finds would be the State Collection of Contemporary Art, and also on another aspect of the town, simply just off the main Lemesos road, would be the Cyprus Handicraft Center.
Another award winning city's refurbished 'Pyli Ammochostou' - Famagusta Gate - one of the actual authentic gates to the old city, which won the Europa Nostra award for its restoration. A lot of aged churches are to be found in this portion of town, and other places of interest are the Folk Art and Byzantine Museums, the Archbishopric, the Cathedral of Agios Ioannis with its gorgeous frescoes, the National Struggle Museum and also the intriguing house of Chatzigeorgakis Kornesios - a fine illustration of l8th century architecture - which houses the Ethnological Museum.
Not far from these monuments is the infamous 'Green Line' that divides the Republic in the illegally filled area to the north. It's been available since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded the island and claimed 37% of northern Cyprus as a breakaway pseudo-state that has since been recognized by no nation, other than Turkey.
The modern city that has developed outside the walls is a cosmopolitan centre of business and culture. Lefkosia is regarded as the shopping heart of Cyprus, with a variety of restaurants, discos and bars.
Within reach in the capital are such historic gems since the l2th century painted church of Asinou, the regal tombs at Tamassos, the ancient city-kingdom of Idalion and the enchanting villages of Fikardou and Kakopetria.