Nicosia Region

Our recommendations for the best sites in and around the capital

Venetian Walls- Forming a circle around the city, the Venetian walls were fortified by eleven bastions and protected by an 80 metres wide moat. The moat around the walls is now used as sports fields, public gardens and an open air sculpture exhibition

Archbishops Palace- the Old Archbishops Palace is an 18th century building at the heart of Nicosia and is now home to the Folk Art Museum and National Struggle Museum, next to it lies the New Archbishops Palace which houses the Archbishopric, offices of the archdiocese and the Byzantine Museum.

Hamam Omeriye- Not far from the Archbishops Palace next to the Omeriye Mosque the bath complex was built in 1570 as a donation from Lala Mustafa Pasha when the island fell to the Ottomans. Recently restored the hamam received the Europa Nostra Prize for the Conservation of Architectural Heritage

Cyprus Archaeological Museum- Tracing the history of Cyprus from pre-historic times to the early Christian period, the museum contains the most important collection of artefacts on the island including the statue of Aphrodite Soloi and relics from the royal tombs of Salamis.

Laiki Yeitonia- this beautifully restored quarter at the heart of old Nicosia is home to countless artisans and craftsmen, explore the winding alleyways or watch the world go by in one of the many cafes and restaurants

Green Line- See at first hand the UN controlled buffer zone that has divided the capital in two for over 30 years. It is now possible to walk across the line through the once busy thoroughfare of Ledra Street.

Tamassos- heading towards the Machairas mountains; this ancient city kingdom was built near the copper mines for which Cyprus was famous

Machairas Monastery- set on a mountainous peak above the fragrant pine forests, this centuries-old monastery gives a superb view of the surrounding landscape

Idalion- to the East of the capital close to the modern village of Dali, this ancient kingdom is currently under excavation

Fikardou- a picturesque village in the Nicosia region, Fikardou has been declared a national monument and was given a Europa Nostra award in 1987

Highlights of the Nicosia region are included in the following from our excellent selection of excursions and tours:

• Nicosia Select
• Capital Delights