Cyprus city of Nicosia part 2

Pieces of important artistic as well as archaeological and historical value that are typical of Cypriot culture and include the cross shaped idol of the Chalcolithic period, the Early Bronze Age golden jewellery from Egkomi and the 1st century BC statue of Aphrodite of Soloi.

Another museum found in Lefkosia is the Byzantine. Contains the richest and most representative collection of Byzantine art in Cyprus. Over 200 icons dating from the 19th century as well as objects relating to the Christian church, robes and books are also exhibited in the museum.

The Ethnological Museum called House of Chatzigeorgakis Kornesios is one of the most important surviving 18th century buildings in Lefkosia. It was once the residence of the Dragoman of Cyprus, (a Dragoman being an interpreter, translator and official guide between Turkish, Arabic and Persian speaking countries) Chatzigeorgakis Kornesios, who was executed by the Ottomans in 1809.

The building was restored by the department of Antiquitites and today houses the Cyprus Ethnological museum, in 1988 was given the Europa Nostra Award.

The Omeriye Baths were built in the 16th century by Lala Mustafa as a gift to the city. The bath complex or hammam it is now been restored to its present state, in 2005 was also given the Europa Nostra Award.

Southwest of Lefkosia area there is one of the oldest and most important monasteries in Cyprus, Machairas Monastery. It was founded by the monks in 1148, when a miraculous icon of Virgin Mary was found in a nearby cave. The vestry of the monastery maintains a room where the old books and manuscripts of the monastery are kept, exhibition areas and storage rooms with icons and Christian church objects. Every year on 15th August and 8th September a large religious fair is held there.

Another place of interest in Lefkosia is Fikardou village. Deserted at the beginning of the 19th century, has been declared an “ancient monument” and carefully restored to preserve its 18th century houses with their remarkable woodwork and folk architecture. In 1986 the village was awarded by Europa Nostra.

South of Lefkosia you can find the Athalassa National Forest Park, a visitor’s centre that provides information about the environmental features of the park. A scale model replica of the park shows its basic natural features. Vegetation and recreational facilities, representations of the area vegetation, birds, mammals and reptiles. Geological samples, fossils and related objects are exhibited in a separate room, while visual material is used to present the local fauna and flora.

Lefkosia is still to this day divided but one can still visit the occupied area on foot or by car.

This is a city well worth visiting.