Venetian Walls
Defining the Old Town, these imposing ramparts were constructed by the Venetians in the early 16th century. Although over 15m high and up to 8m thick, and surrounded by a now waterless moat, the ramparts failed to keep the Ottomans at bay in 1571.Like their counterpart in Nicosia (
Nicosia Municipal Arts Centre
This contemporary art museum is housed in a former power station, and is the city’s equivalent to London’s Tate Modern. The former industrial setting is suitably dramatic, with looming pitched ceilings and some original equipment (pulleys etc) that blend well with the cutting-edge
Archangelos Michael
Most people visit Pedoulas to see this extraordinary Unesco-listed church. Dating from 1474, the gable-roofed building sits in the lower part of the village. Its evocative and brightly coloured frescos, restored in 1980, show a move towards the naturalism of the post-Byzantine revi
Büyük Han
The Büyük Han is both a wonderful example of Ottoman architecture and a rare surviving example of a medieval caravanserai. Built in 1572 by the first Ottoman governor of Cyprus, Musafer Pasha, it was renovated in the early ’90s, and has once again become the centre of the Old City’
Lemesos Castle
This 14th-century structure, built over the remains of a Byzantine castle, has been utilised by conquerors throughout Cyprus’ turbulent history. The Venetians vandalised it, the Ottomans gave it a facelift for military use, and the British used it as a colonial prison. Apparently,
Cyprus Museum
Located opposite the municipal gardens, a 10-minute walk west of Plateia Elefherias, this excellent museum houses the best collection of archaeological finds in Cyprus. Highlights include a remarkable display of terracotta votive statues and figurines discovered in Northern Cyprus
Tombs of the Kings
Imagine yourself surrounded by ancient tombs in a desert-like landscape where the only sounds are waves crashing on rocks. The Tombs of the Kings, a Unesco World Heritage Site, contains a set of well-preserved underground tombs and chambers used by residents of Nea Pafos during the
Bedesten
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, thi
Hrysopolitissa Basilica & St Paul’s Pillar
This fascinating site was home to one of Pafos’ largest religious structures. What remains are the foundations of a 4th century Christian basilica , which aptly demonstrates the size and magnificence of the original church; it was ultimately destroyed during Arab raids in 653. Seve
Pierides Archaeological Foundation
This museum was established in 1839 by Demetrios Pierides as a protective answer to the region’s notorious tomb raiders and illegal selling of precious artefacts from the area.The collection, expanded by Pierides’ descendents, is housed in the family mansion, built in 1825. It feat
AG Leventis Gallery
Located in the New City, this purpose-built art museum opened in 2014 and displays European paintings and sculpture from the 16th to 20th centuries. Divided into three sections, the gallery’s Paris Collection features masters such as Chagall, Monet and Renoir, while the Greek Colle
Lala Mustafa Paşa Camii
The former Cathedral of Agios Nikolaos (St Nicholas) is the finest example of Lusignan Gothic architecture in Cyprus, built between 1298 and 1326. Modelled on France’s Cathedral of Reims, it out shines its sister church, the Church of Agia Sofia (now Selimiye Mosque) in North Nicos
Kyrenia Castle
If the grand fortifications of Kyrenia Castle could talk, they could sure tell some tales. First built by the Byzantines – possibly over the remains of an earlier Roman fort – every era of conquerors from Richard the Lionheart to the Ottomans has added their own touch to its bulk.A
Selimiye Mosque
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 w
Agios Lazaros
This 9th-century church is dedicated to Lazarus of Bethany, whom Jesus is said to have resurrected four days after his death. The church itself is an astounding example of Byzantine architecture and further restoration in the 17th century added Latinate and Orthodox influences to t
Pafos Archaeological Site
Nea Pafos (New Pafos) is, ironically, the name given to the sprawling Pafos Archaeological Site, to the west of Kato Pafos. Nea Pafos was the ancient city of Pafos, founded in the late 4th century BC and originally encircled by massive walls. Despite being ceded to the Romans in 58
Doing business & staying in touch while in Cyprus
Cyprus: Doing business & staying in touch
Cyprus Weather, Climate and Geography
Cyprus Weather, climate and geography
Cyprus History, Language and Culture
Cyprus History, Language and Culture
Cyprus Travel Guide and Travel Information
Cyprus Travel Guide
