NICOSIA-Cyprus: The rustic and idyllic mystical city northern cyprus
Traveling back to an era in which a feeling of peace and calmness surrounds a picturesque city, its day-to-day life gives off a sense of meaning and serenity. Old, but not ancient, the thousand-year-old city of Nicosia, capital of Cyprus, is a visitor’s haven. You will fall in love with the city the moment you step on it. With its old houses with rich and ornate designs, narrow streets and quant shops, this is the city which will leave a sepia-like footprint in your wonderful memories of travel.


Situated on the river Pedieos, Lefkosia, as it is locally known, is the capital city of Cyprus. During the 1960s, the inter-communal violence forced the capital apart, dividing it into the Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot communities in the north and south respectively. In 1974, an attempted coup was initiated to unite the island with Greece. This incident led to the Turkish invasion which permanently divided the capital. The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus was then established, maintaining the north as the capital of their state and recognized only by Turkey. Recently, last April 3, 2008, the symbolic wall located at Ledra Street, dividing the two communities, was opened as an effort to reunite the island.

But aside form the political and internal conflict Nicosia has experienced, the capital boasts of beautiful sceneries and a rich culture which will surely captivate your imagination. Museums which depict the rich and interesting history of Nicosia is showcased in these museums. The Cyprus Museum houses artifacts which date back to at least 8,500 years old. Equipments and pottery are arranged chronologically. From the Bronze Age up to the early Byzantine period, they are all featured in this museum, as well as special basement housing adornments and skeletal remains.The Old City Wall, dating back from the 16th century has a circumference of five kilometers (three miles). It has three gates only, located in the north, south and east. The moat which circles the city has been converted to a garden. The Famagusta gate, one of the gates in the wall has been reconstructed and restored which is now known as the Lefkosia Municipal Center. It is used for various cultural activities such as exhibitions, stage performances, lectures and the likes.

With its magnificent architecture, houses, buildings and the city itself has a story to tell. Its abundant history, a fusion of Venetian, French, Greek and Turkish influences is manifested through their crafts of pottery, textile and leather. The exceptional architecture and scenery, combined with their rich heritage and culture and great craftsmanship, Nicosia is one destination one should definitely visit.