The Medieval Walls of Nicosia

The most striking of all the sights in Lefkosia is most definitely the walls. Like a serpent encircling the city you immediately get the feeling of the significance that these walls served in the defense, the life and generally the importance that Lefkosia and Cyprus in general has served over the centuries throughout the Eastern Mediterranean area but also the politics which affected the modern world.

To view the walls just put on your comfortable walking shoes, grab your camera and go! The walls basically surround the old part of the city and the modern centre of Nicosia basically surrounds the walls! At points you can be walking through quite picturesque parks which cover the area of what used to by the moat and at times you will be walking through busy commercial streets and quiet neighborhoods.

The biggest part of the walls and two of the gates (Pafos and Famagusta) are all present within the free area of Lefkosia. Around a quarter of the walls and the Kyrenia gate lie since 1974 under Turkish occupation in the Northern part of town.

All throughout your journey along the walls you will be very close to the centre of town and close to a variety of important monuments. Today's Lefkosia blends its historic past brilliantly with the bustle of a modern city. The heart of the city, enclosed within the 16th century Venetian walls, is dotted with museums, ancient churches and medieval buildings preserving the nostalgic atmosphere of years past. Additionally, you will be surrounded by the sights, sounds and smells of modern day Nicosia.

The walls can be reached by car easily. Just follow the signs to “Lefkosia (Nicosia) Centre”. Organised excursions are available at local travel agencies and the offices of the Cyprus Ministry of Tourism in all towns

Highlights:

• Biggest Venetian construction out of Venice and a prime example of 16th Century military architecture

• Cover 3 miles in circumference

• 11 arrow-shaped Bastions and 3 main Gates

• Close to everything, both ancient and new. Monuments, shops, restaurants, hotels, parks etc.

Look Out For:

• Wear comfortable shoes, preferably trainers

• If in the summer, carry with you some water and wear a hat. Sunscreen is advisable as well as the Cypriot summer tends to be very hot.

• Take care when crossing the street. Cypriots drive the English way that is on the LEFT side of the road. Make sure to look to your right, left and again to your right before crossing, even if you will be crossing from pedestrian crossings.

• Carving and/or inscribing anything on the rocks or altering the form of the site in any way is against the Law.