COVER GUIDE BOOK exofilo_F - ente nazionale per il turismo di cipro

LEFKOSIA (NICOSIA)
Lefkosia (Nicosia) is situated practically in the centre of Cyprus and
constitutes a rich cultural hub, as well as a busy commercial and business
centre. 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 the late Byzantine period (11th century). During the Frankish
(Lusignan) period Lefkosia was transformed into a splendid town, with royal
palaces and 50 churches. Contemporary Lefkosia (Nicosia) combines the
historic past with the liveliness of a modern city. The city centre, the old
“Chora”, surrounded by a Venetian wall with heart-shaped bastions, is home
to lavishly decorated churches, medieval buildings and the island’s foremost
museums. Narrow streets with overhanging balconies and a beautifully
restored pedestrian precinct, Laiki Geitonia, with craft shops, cafes and
tavernas, maintain the leisurely atmosphere of yesteryear. Outside the walls,
the modern town with its contemporary comforts pulsates to cosmopolitan
rhythms. Lefkosia (Nicosia) remains the only divided capital in the world. A
few kilometres into the countryside one can admire superb Byzantine
churches and monasteries.
Main places of interest:
Agios Ioannis (St John’s) Cathedral
Cyprus Archaeological Museum
Byzantine Museum
Leventis Museum
Cyprus Handicraft Centre
Fikardou Village
Royal Tombs of Tamassos
Laiki Geitonia pedestrian quarter
33