Tourist information - Lefcosia
Without a doubt, Lefkosia (Nicosia) the 1000 year old capital of Cyprus ought to be upon each and every visitor's agenda. It lies roughly at the center in the island; within easy reach of the other towns and a day in Lefkosia will be a day spent well.
The old walled town of Lefcosia is unique as well as definitely the best place to go for 1st. Encircled by powerful fortress walls constructed by the Venetians in the 16th century, the enchanting aged metropolis is actually scattered with structures as well as ancient monuments of historical interest along with little shops, cafés as well as tavernas. The Lefkosia Jewellery Museum as well as the Municipal Arts Centre are both really worth a vacation. The 'Leventeion' Municipal Museum of Lefkosia, with an imaginative presentation of the capital's historical past, has been awarded the title '1991 European Museum of the Year'.
To walk through the old city would be to step in reverse in time. Thin streets as well as aged residences with elaborate balconies jut from weather conditions beaten sandstone walls, and also craftsmen throughout small workshops practise trades unchanged for centuries. 'Laiki Geitonia' - Folk Neighbourhood - is really a pedestrian section, that has already been meticulously renovated to evoke the particular ambiance of past days. The 2 primary streets of old Lefkosia, Lidra and Onasagorou, are usually layered with shops of each and every sort, and also both streets are actually pedestrian - only.
Not to be missed, will be the special Cyprus Museum, housing island's most significant collection of Cypriot antiquities and treasures through the Neolithic Age towards the Roman Period. In contrast to these historic finds would be the State Collection of Contemporary Art, as well as on another aspect of the community, simply just off of the major Lemesos road, would be the Cyprus Handicraft Centre.
Another award winning city's renovated 'Pyli Ammochostou' - Famagusta Gate - particularly one of the actual original gates to the old city, which won the Europa Nostra award for its restoration. A lot of old churches are to be seen in this portion of town, and other tourist destinations are the Folk Art and Byzantine Museums, the Archbishopric, the Cathedral of Agios Ioannis having its stunning frescoes, the National Struggle Museum and the intriguing house of Chatzigeorgakis Kornesios - a fine illustration of l8th century architecture - which houses the Ethnological Museum.
Not faraway from these monuments is the infamous 'Green Line' that divides the Republic in the unlawfully occupied area to the north. It's been in existence since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded the island and claimed 37% of northern Cyprus as a breakaway pseudo-state which has since been recognised 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 number of restaurants, discos and bars.
Within reach of the capital are such historic gems as 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.