Renovated as part of the Nicosia Master Plan, the imposing Bedesten dates from the 6th century, when it was built as a small Byzantine church. It was grandly embellished in the 14th century and reborn as a Catholic church.
More recently, at a cost of two million EU-funded euros, this magnificent building has been restored to its former glory and was recognised, in 2009, with the prestigious Europa Nostra Award for cultural heritage.
After the Ottomans’ arrival in 1571, the church was used as a grain store and general market but was basically left to disintegrate. The north doorway has some splendid looking coats of arms originally belonging to noble Venetian families. These families may have been supporters of the Orthodox Church, which was nonetheless allowed to continue with its business, despite the Catholic dominance of religious life in Cyprus.
Explanatory panels outline the restoration works and the history of the building. Currently, the Bedesten is used primarily as a cultural centre.
