The Omeriye Mosque is the only Gothic house of worship converted into a mosque in the non-occupied area of the Lefkosia, and a site to include in your tour when visiting the area within the walled city.

It was originally the church of Saint Mary, part of a 14th century Augustinian monastery largely destroyed in 1570 A.D. by an Ottoman bombardment. It owes its name to Lala Mustafa Pasa, the Ottoman conqueror of Cyprus, who believed that the caliph Omar had rested here during the 17th century Arab raids on Cyprus.

Nowadays it serves the needs of the city's multi-ethnic Muslim population, being the only place in the city where the muezzin still calls the faithful to prayer five times a day.

There are two things you should experience at the Omeriye Mosque: climb the minaret to admire the views over the city, and to take off your shoes to visit the peaceful interior of the mosque.

Highlights:

• Omeriye Mosque is the only place in the non-occupied area of Lefkosia where the muezzin still calls for prayer

• It is one of the must-see-places of any visit within the walled city of Lefkosia

• Those who climb the minaret enjoy a great view over the city

Look Out For:

• No shoes allowed inside the mosque

• You will not be allowed to visit the interior during prayer times