Nicosia is one of the often overlooked cities in Cyprus, but certainly does not deserve to be ignored or passed by. As the largest city on the island, it offers a wealth of activities and attractions for all types of visitors and travellers. The city itself is divided into two parts by the Green Line, made up of barbed wire and controlled by guard towers to keep the north and south sides separate. The southern side is capital of the Republic of Cyprus, while the north side is the self proclaimed capital of the breakaway area called Northern Cyprus. Despite its divided status, Nicosia is an excellent place to explore and spend time on your vacation holiday. |
|
One of the best things about Nicosia is that it is attractive and interesting but does not attract the huge number of tourists that other cities and towns in Cyprus commonly do. It really combines the best of aspects of visiting Cyprus with the lovely surprise of relatively small crowds throughout the year. Because of this, it is also more of an authentic Cypriot city, still filled with the wonderful cafes, sidewalk eateries, and artisan shops that are such a rich part of the heritage of Cyprus. No trip to Nicosia is complete without sampling a traditional Cypriot Coffee!
While in Nicosia, one of the "must see" stops is Hamam Omerye, a wonderful historic building dating all the way back to the 14th century. Originally built to serve as an Augustinian church, it was later converted to a mosque. Over the centuries it endured many changes and a great deal of destruction during conflicts with the Ottomans, but it has now been restored and is used as a traditional Turkish bath. If you have never experienced a Turkish bath before, this is a great opportunity to do so in an atmosphere that is historic and beautiful. Check the current schedule to determine which days are reserved for men, which days are reserved for women, and which days are reserved for couples.
A traditional marketplace and shopping districts extends along Ledra Street and nearby side roads. This area is located within what were once the city's medieval walls so you can expect to feel the history and the authentic atmosphere of Cyprus while spending time here. There are literally hundreds of shops offering a huge array of items, from locally made jewellery, shoes, and fabrics to the more modern souvenir and t-shirt shops. Whether you spend an hour or two or the full day here, the marketplace areas of Nicosia are quite memorable.
The nightlife in Nicosia is plentiful, but not as overwhelming or wild as in other Cypriot cities. Go dancing at the Sfinakia Club, enjoy a quiet break or a delicious snack at the Zoo Club, or spend the evening in one of a number of excellent pubs and bars. Plato's Bar is a popular place with an excellent selection of beer, but don't try to go there wearing shorts; long pants are required of all patrons.
Within the Old City of Nicosia, expect to get around very nicely on foot thanks to the plentiful walkways and footpaths throughout. Always watch the automobile traffic closely, though, as drivers tend to be a bit on the unpredictable side and the traffic rules in Nicosia are a bit different than those in the UK. A map is quite helpful for navigating the Old City, but you will likely have to wait and pick one up after you arrive in Nicosia because accurate ones are not readily available in other countries.
Getting to Nicosia requires a few extra steps, thanks to the divided nature of the city. It is easiest to get to the southern part of the city via the highway from Limassol and Larnaca, while getting to the northern part of the city most visitors come via the highway connecting to Kyrenia. Until very recently it was very difficult to cross between the southern and northern parts of the city, but a thaw in diplomatic relations has led to a small crossing being opened at Ledra Street. This crossing part traverses a United Nations controlled area and can be used by visitors from all countries. However, the "official" crossing points located elsewhere in the city can only be used by European Union citizens.
Wiki:- Nicosia
|
