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The Capital Of Cyprus Has A Historic Heart Beating In The Last Divided City In The World
The busy capital of Cyprus Nicosia, (or Lefkosia as the locals will call it) is situated in the middle of the island. It is home to a thriving commercial business and banking centre. The centre of the city is the old quarter surrounded by a venetian fortress wall, a moat and heart shaped bastions. Wander around this lovely city and you won't fail to notice evidence of the 1000 year old history.
What Is There To Do In Nicosia?
The capital of Cyprus is not a resort like the coastal regions, it is a place to visit for interest.
We have already mentioned one of the old quarters as a "must see", well in addition to that, a "must do" is a guided walk around the city. There are several on offer from the Nicosia Municipality and you will gain an understanding of the capital of Cyprus in a way no guide book could ever tell you. You have to see, hear and touch the city to really understand where it has come from. Absolutely well worth the time spent.
Where Do I Go To Start?The walks all start at 10 am from outside the CTO Office (Cyprus Tourism Organistion). This can be found in the Laiki Yitonia area, in Aristokyprou 11. The walks are on a Monday, Thursday and Friday and have been as long as I can rememberThe contact telephone number for the office is 22 674 264. You call this number to book yourself on the tour, ideally the day before in case it is full. If you just turn up, be sure to advise the guide you are there, or they might leave you behind somewhere by mistake! Monday Walk - Click For Destination & Itinerary Thursday Walk - Click For Destination & Itinerary Friday Walk - Click For Destination & Itinerary What Else Can I Do While I Am Here?Well there is quite a bit really. It depends on what you like and to be fair when you visit Nicosia you visit for the culture and history mostly, so here are some other places for you to see. Continuing in the South West Quadrant of the city on
Your Map of Nicosia
If you continue into the South East Quadrant of the city on Your Map Of Nicosia you will find the following very popular visitor sites
And here are some places you might like to visit that are not on the map I have included a link for, but you will probably find in most tourist literature
How Can I Access The North Side Of The City?
If you want to visit the north side of nicosia you can go via the Ledra Street Crossing. You can only go on foot but it is well worth the visit.
The photograph shows how the area used to look before the crossing was historically opened in April 2008.
If you want to view the opening of the border as shown on TV during that historic time, the video here was from the Al Jeezera TV Network Click Here For Video Footage Show Me Some More About NicosiaSometimes it is easier to get a grasp of a place if you can see moving images, so here is a couple of documentary style videos about Nicosia that cover just what Nicosia has to offer by way of old and new. The preservation of the old city sits alongside this newly created modern european state who joined the European Union in 2004. Nicosia is the financial and business capital of the island and despite its small size has a level of sophistication that is very impressive indeed. The video is one documentary split into 2 parts. Here is part 1
And here is part 2
Thanks to the cyprus press and information office for the video. Here is a personal view from someone of the old parts of Nicosia. I believe it is the Turkish side of the city, it is a very nice video and very peaceful to watch. Thank you to the owner of this video for making it available to embed in this webpage. Enjoy!
Recommend Anywhere To Eat?
If you like Lebanese food, or if you have not tried it, I highly recommend you give it a go. As you will be in the tourist part of the old town, you might want to look up this restaurant. It is right by the Sky Hotel in Laiki Yitonia area.
The Fanous has been established quite a long time and the food is delicous. You will also have the added attraction of belly dancing if you go on a Saturday night, which really adds to the atmosphere. The restaurant is decorated in a very authentic fashion and you get an opportunity to try the "hubbly bubbly" pipe which is always fun and you have got to try it at least once! It is not smoking as no tobacco is used. Click to go to the Fanous Restaurant Return To Home Page From Capital Of Cyprus Page
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In the capital of Cyprus, the Nicosia authorities have renovated several areas. Laiki Yitonia (or Popular Neighbourhood to give it an english translation)is the main one and could be a model for the restoration of the old city, but no one actually lives there, it is only an area of restaurants and souvenir shops so some would argue it has not been a success. But the area is lovely and if you visit Nicosia, you must visit Laiki Yitonia if only to appreciate the restoration work of typical examples of traditional Cypriot urban architecture. It is clearly signposted and easy to find. On your map you will find it in the south-southwest quadrant, not too far from the city walls.
