The capital of the Republic of Cyprus is also its cultural heartbeat. Overlooked by most visitors, reduced to a day-tour jaunt from beach resorts, Nicosia (or Lefkosia, as it’s officially known) is a curious and fascinating mix of vibrant street life, confronting division and rich history.

Nearly everything of interest lies within the snowflake-shaped Venetian walls. Inside the Old City, the lively, contemporary cafe and bar scene punches well above its weight for a city so small, while a bundle of museums and a series of looping lanes lined with colonial-era buildings, churches and mosques reveal an evocative history. Meanwhile, if you brush up against the sandbag and oil-barrel barriers of the Green Line (the UN Buffer Zone) you’ll get a sense of the surreal and sad present-day state of limbo for the world’s last divided capital.

Cyprus’ diminutive size is greatly disproportionate to the wealth of treasures that you will discover during your visit to its capital. Dating back to the Bronze Age, Nicosia is perhaps the only area of Cyprus that has been continuously inhabited since the Chalcolithic Era (3000 B.C until present day), with its first inhabitants settling in the fertile Mesaoria Valley. Nicosia’s illustrious history and geographical uniqueness have made it a crossroads for some of history’s most important civilizations. Imprints left by greats such as the Ptolemies, Romans and the Byzantines, the Franks, Venetians, Ottomans and finally the British may be encountered in one’s travails through the Old Town area of Nicosia.

It may surprise some to discover that Nicosia was not always the impressive capital that one encounters today. Historians believe that that it was built over the ancient city of Ledra, a small town that existed around 7th – 8th century B.C.

It was only when the monarchical institutions fell at the end of the 4th century that Nicosia was able to take advantage of its natural resources and geographical position at the centre of the island. Cyprus’ last days as a monarchy ended with the Franks when Catherine Cornaro, the last queen of Cyprus, was forced to give the island to Venetians. Old Nicosia is surrounded by the Venetian Walls, behind which one may discover the city’s historic past unfold into a magical labyrinth of museums, old churches and medieval buildings. The Nicosia Walls were built by the Franks in the 16th century after the Lusignan kings arrived on the island. The Venetians realized that the walls did not offer adequate protection from invaders and tore them down, replacing them with the walls that remain until present day. The Ottomans repaired the Walls and covered them with stones during their occupation of Nicosia. Until today, the Walls are the most well – preserved construction in the city.

Do not forget to take a walk through Laiki Geitonia, where you have the opportunity to see some remarkable examples of traditional urban architecture as well as other small art workshops. In the same area, one will also encounter the LeventioMuseum with its collections of architectural findings, medieval armours and other documentation of Nicosia’s evolution. Seek out Trypiotis Church that dates back to 1695, Phaneromeni Church and the Cross of Missirikos, an old Byzantine church with gothic Italian elements that was converted into Araplar Mosque in 1571. Also noteworthy is the Armenian Church and Monastery (Notre Dame de Tyre) that was originally a nunnery during the 13th century. This particular church also has architectural elements from the 14th century, since renovations taking place were never completed the Ottoman siege. The Church only took on its present form after the fall of the Ottoman Empire. The Omerie Area lies at the heart of the inner wall city and includes important examples of urban architecture, including the notable landmarks Omerie Mosque and Baths. While you are in Laiki Geitonia, stop by the Nicosia Local Market which is located next to the Arts Centre and the old inns. This area once made up the socioeconomic centre of the inner – wall city and continues to be a meeting point for Nicosia’s multi-cultural citizens.

Nicosia is a city that will reward visitors in search of ‘something different’. As a result of the various architectural influences that are visible throughout the city, one cannot help but be charmed by the manner in which past and present, traditional and contemporary have seamlessly fused together. The modern city centre will capture your imagination from the start, with its melting pot of influences that give the city a unique image. The city’s landmarks, museums, theatres, musical events and galleries both inspire and fascinate.

The Walls of Nicosia

The Walls of Nicosia were built by the Venetians in the 16th century replacing the old walls in order to defend the city against the Ottoman Turks. Until today, the Venetian walls are the most well–preserved construction in the city, although their sequence has been interrupted by openings which were done by the British to facilitate traffic in and out of the walls. The original three gates of the walls still survive – Famagusta (Eastern Gate), Pafos (Western Gate) and Kyrenia (Northern Gate).

Τhe Cyprus Museum (Archeological)

Τhe Cyprus Museum (Archeological) is the largest museum in Cyprus. Here, one may observe the evolution of Cypriot civilization from the Neolithic period until the early Byzantine period (7th century AD). Among its exhibits, one can admire the statue of Aphrodite of Soloi and the supernatural statue of the Roman Emperor Septimius Severus.

The Leventis Municipal Museum

The Leventis Municipal Museum of Nicosia was established in 1984 by the Nicosia Municipality and the Anastasios G. Leventis Foundation. In 1991 the museum won the award of European Museum of the Year. The permanent exhibition spaces are home to exhibits which take the visitor on a journey through the history of Nicosia from antiquity to present day. The museum also offers organized educational programs and tours.

Τhe Museums of the Pancyprian Gymnasium

Τhe Museums of the Pancyprian Gymnasium are being housed in the historical centre of Nicosia. The museums of the Pancyprian Gymnasium comprise of: the Archaeological and the Numismatic collection, the collection of Old Maps and all Old Weaponry most of which have a Cypriot character. There is also an art gallery with works of great Cypriot painters and a Museum for Natural History.

Phaneromeni Church

Phaneromeni Church was built in 1872 next to an ancient Orthodox nunnery and is the largest church within the walls. The marble mausoleum located east of the church contains the remains of bishops and other clerics executed by the Ottomans in 1821 in reprisals for the beginning of the Greek War of Independence.

Agios Ioannis Cathedral Church

Agios Ioannis Cathedral Church was renovated in 1662 by Archbishop Nikiforos. The recently restored 18th century frescoes painted during the era of Archbishop Silvestros recreates scenes from the Holy Bible and the discovery of Apostle Varnavas’ tomb in Salamina.

Local Markets

Whilst wondering through the streets of Nicosia, one will inevitably come across a traditional local market. The markets of Agios Antonios and the Constanza Bastion are genuine examples of past times. The colours and scents of the products on display evoke pleasurable feelings to the passers-by and take them back to the days where ‘fresh’ foods could be found only there and handcrafted goods were made by real hands.

Nicosia Walks

There are two routes one can follow: 1. Nicosia and its walls and 2. Pallouriotissa, Kaimakli – The latter restored outside the Venetian walls. These walks are offered by the Nicosia Municipality free of charge and are led by tourist guides. They begin and end at the information office of the Cyprus Tourism Organization (CTO) in Laiki Geitonia, 11 Aristokyprou Street (east of Eleftheria Square), Tel: 22674264.