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“The island has in its midst a fair city called Nicosia, which is the capital of the kingdom, well walled, with its fine gates, which are three, to wit the gate of Paffo, of Famagusta, and Cirina. That of Famagusta, is the most beautiful, and in my judgment the city of Barcelona has none to match it”~ P. Joan Lopez, 1770
The Famagusta Gate was designed to protect the ancient city. Today it beckons people in.
During the Venetian expansion eastward in the 1500’s, Nicosia (Lefkosia) was fortified with imposing stone walls and massive gates. The famous Famagusta Gate still stands today, proudly protecting the still-ancient town within from the modern city without.
Laiki Geitonia
Pedestrian area within the walled city, east of Plateia Eleftherias. Charming winding alleys with traditional houses, shops, restaurants and galleries all lovingly restored as typical examples of Cypriot urban architecture of a bygone, more graceful age.
Through the Gate lies Laiki Geitonia, an old section which has been lovingly restored. Wend your way through narrow stone streets where crimson flowers cascade from window pots and the aroma of traditional baking wafts through open doorways. Explore jewelry and handicraft shops, dine in charming tavernas, marvel at churches centuries old.
Those engrossed in history and art will make their way directly to the Cyprus Museum, which holds the island’s priceless treasures from the first stirrings of the Neolithic Age through the Roman period. At the Byzantine Museum, encounter a dazzling collection of early-Christian icons from the Mediterranean’s Golden Age. The State Collection of Contemporary Art takes a newer perspective, focusing on Cyprus’ modern artists, some of whom have gained note on the international market.
Unique icons, some 1,000 years old, adorn the Byzantine Museum in Lefkosia.
Come full circle in time and visit the Cyprus Handicraft Center workshops, where traditional arts are practiced today much the same way they were in ages past. Relax and enjoy a splendid Cypriot meal, accented by one of the island’s famous wines.
Later, the night life beckons near Famagusta Gate, giving expression to the Cypriots’ legendary spirit of celebration.
Cyprus Museum Mouseiou 1.
Fascinating collection of Cypriot antiquities and treasures from the Neolithic Age to the Early Byzantine period.
Mon-Sat: 09:00-17:00; Sun: 10:00-13:00The Leventis Municipal Museum of Nicosia Ipprokratous 17, near Laiki Geitonia.
The historical museum of Lefkosia revives life in the capital from ancient times to the present.
Tues-Sun: 10:00-16:30Byzantine Museum and Art Galleries Archbishop Makarios III Foundation Cultural Centre, Plateia Arch,Kyprianou.
Largest collection of icons on the island, covering the 9th to 18th centuries. The Art Galleries contain oil paintings, maps and lithographs.
Mon-Fri: 09:00-16:30; Sat: 09:00-13:00Agios Ioannis Cathedral Plateia Arch. Kyprianou.
Built by Archbishop Nikiforos in 1662, the 18th-century wall paintings depict scenes from the Bible and the discovery of the tomb of Saint Barnabas.
Mon-Sat: 08:00-12:00; 14:00-16:00 (and during mass)Archbishopric (Old and New) Plateia Arch. Kyprianou.
Centre of the Cyprus Orthodox Church, the New Archbishopric was built in a neo-Byzantine style in 1960. The Old Archbishopric houses the Folk Art Museum.
Mon-Fri: 09:00-17:00; Sat: 10:00-13:00National Struggle Museum Behind the Old Archbishopric.
Documents, photographs and other memorabilia of the 1955-1959 National Liberation Struggle.
(Closed temporarily for renovation)Ethnological Museum—The House of Chatzigeorgakis Kornesios Patriarchou Gregoriou 20.
The most important 18th-century building in Lefkosia. It won the 1988 Europa Nostra Award. Once the residence of the Dragoman Chatzigeorgakis Kornesios.
Mon-Fri: 08:00-14:00; Sat: 09:00-13:00Famagusta Gate Leoforos Athinon.
The Venetian walls which encircle the old city possess eleven heart-shaped bastions. The city has three gates. One of them, the Porta Giuliana called Famagusta Gate, is now the Lefkosia Municipal Cultural Centre. Used for exhibitions, conferences, lectures and various performances.
Mon.-Fri: 10:00-13:00; 16:00-19:00; (17:00-20:00, June- August)Chrysaliniotissa Church Within walking distance from the Archbishopric.
Considered the oldest Byzantine church in Lefkosia, it is dedicated to ‘Our Lady of the Golden Flax’ and is believed to have been built in 1450 by Queen Helena Palaeologos.Omeriye Mosque Near the main Municipal Market within the walled city.
Converted into a mosque in 1571 by Mustapha Pasha. Most of the original building was destroyed by Ottoman artillery. The door of the main entrance belongs to the 14th-century Lusignan building.
Mon-Sat: 10:00-12:30; 13:30-15:30Faneromeni Church Onassagorou within the old city.
Built in 1872. The marble mausoleum to the east of the church contains the relics of the bishops and priests executed by the Turks in 1821.State Gallery of Contemporary Art Leoforos Stasinou and Kritis.
Representative collection of paintings and sculpture by 20th-century Cypriot artists.
Mon-Fri: 10:00-17:00; Sat: 10:00-13:00Cyprus Handicraft Centre Leoforos Athalassas 186.
The centre aims to promote and enrich traditional folk art and craft skills. It has workshops and a showroom/shop on the premises.
Workshops: Mon-Fri: 07:30-14:30; Thurs: 15:00-18:00 (except June-August)
Shop: Mon-Fri: 07:30-14:30; Thurs: 15:00-18:00 (except June-August)The Nicosia Municipal Arts Centre Apostolou Varnava 19.
Housed in the old power station, one of the finest examples of industrial architecture in Cyprus. The Centre’s aim is to promote contemporary creativity at its highest level.
Tues-Sat: 10:00-15:00; 17:00-23:00 Sun: 10:00-16:00Agioi Apostoloi Church, Ancient City-Kingdom of Idalion 19 km south of Lefkosia.
The church contains some beautiful 12th century frescoes. Outside the nearby village of Dali lies the ancient city-kingdom of Idalion, which is under excavation. According to mythology, Adonis, lover of the goddess Aphrodite, was killed by a wild boar sent by her jealous husband here.Tamassos Politiko village, 20 km southwest of Lefkosia.
Tamassos was a rich city-kingdom in ancient Cyprus renowned for its copper mines. Excavations have brought to light the relics of Aphrodite-Astarte.
Tues-Fri: 09:00-15:00; Sat-Sun: 10:00-15:00Agios Irakleidios Convent Politiko village, 0,5 km from the Royal Tombs.
When Saints Paul and Barnabas came to Cyprus, they were guided to Tamassos by Irakleidios. He was martyred and buried in the cave where he had lived and preached. The monastery, founded in 400 AD, was destroyed and rebuilt several times until Archbishop Chrysanthos renovated it in 1773. The relics of the saints are kept in a silver gilt case.Machairas Monastery 41 km south of Lefkosia through Deftera and Pera villages.
Founded by two monks in 1148, when an icon of the Virgin Mary was found in a nearby cave, the monastery is set in a picturesque dip in the Machairas Mountains.Fikardou 1.5 km east of Gourri village (Machairas Lefkosia Road via Klirou).
The village has been declared an ancient monument to preserve the remarkable woodwork and folk architecture of the 16th- and 18th-century houses. Some of the houses received the Europa Nostra Award in 1987.
Opening times vary
Shopping in Cyprus is a fun experience because it mirrors the fact that the island is such a land of wonderful contrasts. You can find goods and products that are produced in the humblest village workshop, but you can also find the highest fashions in the larger, more sophisticated cities. You can buy everything from folk art souvenirs to locally-made cheeses, (including delicious Halloumi) and local wines and spirits.
The historic folk arts of Cyprus are the inspiration for many of the quality gift and souvenir items you can buy on the island. Among them laces named after the village of Lefkara, embroideries from Pafos — called “Pafitika” fabric — and fine pottery, woodwork, leather and metal work from many places; all deservedly famous.
Fabrics are used in a large number of different items and come in styles to fit every taste. Many have a story to tell.
Lefkaritica lace, for example, was made well before the Venetians came to prize it as an expression of quality folk art. But even though its roots are in history, Lefkaritica is a living tradition, with new designs in table cloths, curtains, placemats and dresser sets being added continually.
One way or another, if you are looking for items that can be worn, or carried, or placed on the table, the wall or the floor, Cyprus is the place for you.
The history of Cyprus also finds expression in its metal wear made from locally-mined materials. Well before the Bronze age, Cyprus was known for its copper pots, saucepans and planters, all of which make wonderful gifts for the practical-minded recipient, or can adorn your own kitchen at home.
Then there is gold and silver jewelry, much of it faithful reproductions of ancient designs, and often exceptional examples of Cyprus folk art skills.
Pottery making has also a long tradition on Cyprus. Look for the terra cotta ware with white decorations, copied from museum pieces. Beautifully decorated gourds are also available, and make surprisingly useful planters , vases, carafes and scoops.
Basket-weaving is a specialty of the village of Mesoyi, which produces brightly ribboned items that make perfect wall hangings. Footstools, wood carvings, pine dowry chests, small boxes and shelves, all are available — some decorated with, birds, flowers, rosettes, trees and religious symbols. The Cyprus Handicraft Service, is a government-run organization that specializes in craft work It has stores in Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaka, and Pafos.
Shopping in Cyprus is a joy, whether you want that memorable rustic souvenir, want to take advantage of certain local bargains such as contact lenses, frames and other optical items, or whether you take the opportunity to look for that special something, a chic item of clothing from the one of the shops in the big cities, for example.
Traditional hand-made items can be purchased in every corner of the island. At the Handicraft Center in Lefkosia, visitors can see the artisans weaving, basket-making, wood-carving, working with leather; pottery and traditional hand-made copper goods. All items are for sale.
Shopping hours: May - Sep. 8:00-13:00 and 16:00 - 19:00;
Oct. - April: 8:00-13:00 and 14:30 - 18:00.
Closed Wed. and Sat. afternoons, all day Sun.
Tourist areas remain open longer.
LEFKOSIA (NICOSIA) WALKING TOUR
(PARTICIPATION IS FREE)The two hour walking tour of Nicosia starts every Thursday at 10: 00 hours, from the Cyprus Tourist Office in Laiki Geitonia (East of Plateia Eleftherias). This guided tour, organized by the Lefkosia Municipality, gives the chance to all visitors to get acquainted with the old character of the city
KAIMAKLI WALKING TOUR
(PARTICIPATION IS FREE)This two hour bus-and-walking tour of the area of Kaimakli, one of the oldest suburbs of Lefkosia, is organized by the Lefkosia Municipality, and starts every Monday, at 10:00 hrs from the Cyprus Tourist Information Office in Laiki Geitonia. This guided tour is quite exceptional as it includes a free bus ride along Kaimakli’s demarkation line, passes by the old railway station, an old flour-mill and stops near the suburb’s center. Visitor’s walk around the old neighborhoods dating back to the beginning of the century.
FIKARDOU VILLAGE
30 minute drive from Nicosia (Machairas Lefkosia Road via Klirou)
The village has been declared an ancient monument to preserve the remarkable woodwork and folk architecture of the 16th and 18th century houses. Some of the houses received the Europa Nostra Award in 1987.Fikardou Rural Museum
Tues: 9:00-17:00
Sun: 10:30-14:00
The capital city of Cyprus has a wide variety of accommodations that are suitable for almost any budget. Some of the most sumptuous four and five star hotels in the eastern Mediterranean are to be found here, as well as pension-style accommodations that offer simpler fair --and almost everything in between!
CONFERENCES/INCENTIVES
Cyprus is a popular meetings and conventions destination. Over 30,000 participants are welcomed annually from over 600 international organizations. Many major hotels have conference facilities. And the Cyprus International Conference Centre, in Nicosia, was designed for large-scale meetings and conventions and is one of the largest and best-equipped venues in the eastern Mediterranean.
And you only have to spend one day in Cyprus to realize what a perfect place it is for incentive meetings.
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| Created by Antonis Alkiviades © 2002 All Rights Reserved. | Waterloo Inn |
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