North Nicosia’s most prominent landmark, which is also clearly visible from the southern half of the city, is the Selimiye Mosque. This strange-looking building, a cross between a French Gothic church and a mosque, has a fascinating history. Today the mosque is a working place of worship and you are able to go inside. Try to time your visit either just before or just after one of the five Muslim prayer sessions.
Work started on the church in 1209 and progressed slowly. Louis IX of France, on his way to the Crusades, stopped by in 1248 and gave the building process a much-needed shot in the arm by offering the services of his retinue of artisans and builders. However, the church took another 78 years to complete and was finally consecrated in 1326 as the Church of Agia Sofia.
Until 1570 the church suffered depredation at the hands of the Genoese and the Mamelukes, and severe shakings from two earthquakes in 1491 and 1547. When the Ottomans arrived in 1571, they stripped the building of its Christian contents and added two minarets, between which the Turkish Cypriot and Turkish flags now flutter. The Gothic structure of the interior is still apparent despite Islamic overlays, such as the whitewashed walls and columns, and the reorientation of the layout to align it with Mecca. Note the ornate west front with the three decorated doorways, each in a different style. Also look out for four marble columns relocated from Ancient Salamis and now placed in the apse off the main aisles.
