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Nicosia
Nicosia
Nicosi Photogallery
Museums on North Nicosia
Museums in South Nicosia
 Nicosia
(Turkish: Lefkosa, Greek: Lefkosia)
is the capital of Cyprus.Nicosia is the center
of administrative district, and currently the only divided capital
in the world, with the
northern Turkish and southern Greek portions
divided by a "Green line"; a demilitarized zone maintained by
the United Nations.
The name of the city dates back to approximately
2,250 years when it was known as Ledra or Ledrae. This name
was changed soon to Lefkotheon but
was also The name changed referred to as Ledron. once again
in the Byzantine era to Lefkon which means "popular grove".
The city served as a seat of the kings of Cyprus from 1192,
it remained the capital of Cyprus since the 17th century, except
for a brief period starting from 1489 when it was taken over
by Venetians.
 Cyprus
was taken over by Turks in 1571 and Nicosia became Capital
again. The city went through major development during the
Venetian's rule as they built huge, thick ramparts around
the city. . Nicosia (Lefkosia) was fortified with imposing
stone walls and massive gates.The walls are three and half
miles long and have eleven towers and three gates.
The famous Famagusta Gate still stands today, proudly protecting
the still-ancient town within from the modern city outside.
During the Ottoman era the city saw prosperity which is still
visible by Gothic architecture of Selimiye Mosque, the Bedestan,
the Arab Ahmat Mosque, and the Great Han Inn to name a few.
 The
modern divided capital is the result of Turkish invasion, which
resulted because of rebellion against the government of Cyprus.
The present day capital of the island has a population of around
150,000 and it is divided into Turkish and Greek sectors by
a boundary known as the `green line' which runs in an east-west
direction.
The central Eleftheria
Square links old Nicosia with the elegant modern
city that has grown up
outside the walls, where hotels, offices restaurants
and gardens blend happily with the fine old houses
and colonial buildings of this cosmopolitan city.
There are many things to do in Nicosia.
The Cyprus museum is very popular with visistors.
There is a priceless and fascinating collection of Cypriot antiquities
and art treasures from the
Neolithic Age to the early Byzantine Period.
 Come
down 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 superb Cypriot meal,
accented by one of the island's famous wines. Later, the night
life beckons near Famagusta Gate, giving face to the Cypriots'
legendary spirit of celebration.
Nicosia City Map
Click on the Map to enlarge.
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