The Best Places to Visit in Nicosia

There are a few places that you might want to visit in Nicosia if taking a holiday in Cyprus. Here is some information on what you can see and do in Nicosia.

Museums

There are a few museums to visit in Nicosia. One of them is the Cyprus Museum, which is the richest and best archaeological museum in Cyprus. There they show the Treasures of Art from the Neolithic Period (5800 BC) to the early Byzantine Period (330-1192AD). The museum is open from Monday to Saturdays between 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. and Sundays at 9.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. An interesting museum to visit if you like archaeological subjects.

There is, also, the Greek Independence War Gallery that contains maps, copper engravings and paintings featuring persons and events from the Greek War of Independence (1821), as well as paintings by Greek artists and other paintings with subjects based on Greek mythology. A great museum to see and explore, which gives a great atmosphere of Cypriot times.

The Old City and its Walls

The walls and their eleven bastions were built by the Venetians in 1570. The best way to see the old city and its walls is to walk to them. Most of the historic monuments in Nicosia can be seen within the winding streets of the walls. To get an even better view of Nicosia go to Ledra Street and visit the Shakolas Tower in Debenhams shop on the eleventh floor and you will see a panoramic view of the city. It is an amazing experience.

The Municipal Theater

This theater seats 1200 people and shows events throughout the year. It is a neoclassical style theater. Visit and watch whatever is showing that day or evening.

Churches

The Chrysaliniotissa Church is dedicated to Virgin Mary and named after the icon Virgin Mary, which is covered in gold and is, also, called Our Lady of the Golden Flax. The church was built in 1450 and built by Queen Helena Palaeologos. The church inside is beautiful and worth seeing for any tourist on holiday in Cyprus. Covering the shoulders and knees to enter is a must if you are wanting to go inside.

The Tripiotis Church was founded in 1695 and dedicated to Archangel Michael. It has a beautiful interior with silver and gold covered panels separating the High Altar from the body of the church. Inside this church is very sacred. All women have to cover their shoulders and knees to enter.

Visit the North of Nicosia

At Ledra Street you can now walk through to the North of Cyprus where there is still a green line dividing the capital of Cyprus. This is getting to be a very popular visit for most tourists today and it is an enjoyable experience for anyone. The quiet streets and beautiful scenery is very different from the South of Cyprus, so take a camera along.

Shopping in Nicosia

On Ledra Street there is a long road that is lined with boutiques, shoe shops, cafes and restaurants. You can walk along here browsing the many shops as you walk by. Also, take a walk to Macarious Avenue where you will find the bigger stores like Debenhams, Marks & Spencers, Next and more. Also, these days, there are a few shopping malls that have now built and some have cinema complexes. A car is needed to get to these.

Overall, Nicosia is a great place to visit. Of course, all of these places cannot be seen in one day. Perhaps, visit Nicosia for a weekend, which will give you more time to enjoy it all.