Cyprus city of Nicosia part 1

Lefkosia (Nicosia) is the only divided capital in the world, it is situated practically in the centre of Cyprus and constitutes a rich cultural hub. In the centre of Lefkosia, one can visit the Observatory on the 11th floor of a Shakolas Tower building ( Shakolas is one of the country’s wealthiest businessman in Cyprus) which provides a panoramic view of the whole town. Visitors can admire unobstructed all round views of the city and its landmarks.

The history of the city dates back to the Bronze Age. In antiquity and in early Christian times it was known as Ledra. It has been the capital of Cyprus since Late Byzantine period (11th century). The Lusignans transformed it into a splendid city, with royal palaces and 50 churches.

The Byzantine Empire was predominantly a Greek speaking Eastern half continuation and remainder of the Roman Empire.
Contemporary Lefkosia combines the historic past with the liveliness of a modern city. The city centre, the old “Chora”, is surrounded by 16th century walls, with museums, old churches and medieval buildings, maintains the leisurely atmosphere of yesteryear. Outside the walls, there is a modern city with its contemporary comforts and cosmopolitan rhythms. A few kilometres into the countryside one can admire superb Byzantine church monasteries.

Famagusta Gate is one of the three entrances into old Lefkosia through the Venetian Walls. The Walls have a perimeter of 4. 5 km, with eleven heart-shaped bastions and completely encircle the old city. The Eastern Gate known nowadays as Famagusta, has been restored and operates as the Nicosia Municipal Cultural centre. It consists of a vaulted passage and two side rooms. The internal entrance is very impressive, while the external opens onto the moat that surrounds the walls.

Within the walls the city has a pedestrian area called Laiki Geitonia (traditional neighbourhood) with rest orated houses that are a typical examples of traditional Cypriot urban architecture and are used today as shops, restaurants and crafts centres.

In Lefkosia you will find the main and largest archaeological museum in Cyprus. Work on the building commenced in 1908 and was completed in 1924, when Cyprus was still a British colony. Several extensions were added later, to reach its present form. A visit through the collections of the museum provides an opportunity to experience the development of Cyprus civilization, from the Neolithic Age to the Early Byzantine period. Finds from the extensive excavations all over the island enrich the museum’s collections and contribute to the development of Cyprus archaeology and research into the cultural heritage of the Mediterranean. The collections consist of pottery, jewellery, sculpture, coins, copper objects and other artefacts exhibited in chronological order.