www.cypruslefkosia.com cyprus Lefkosia. City of the centuries. ONGOING EXPERIENCE Lefkosia Tourism Company
Lefkosia has been the capital of Cyprus for the past 1,000 years. The city however, dates back to the Bronze Age when it was a renown cultural and commercial centre. With 228,000 inhabitants and seven municipalities, Lefkosia is a city of two aspects; the old, ancient town that is encircled by protective Venetian walls and the modern city, with its contemporary architecture, shopping malls and stores. Old and New Town are linked by Eleftheria (Freedom) Square, famous for the meetings and events it hosts. Visitors of Lefkosia have much to experience, both in the city and its outskirts, from historical museums and archaeological points of interest, Byzantine churches and cultural centres to its fantastic markets and unique cuisine. Magic is but one way in which to describe the Lefkosia experience.
Archaeological landmarks and sights City The Lefkosia Walls were built by the Franks in the 16 th century after the Lusignan kings arrived in Cyprus. The Venetians however, realized that the walls did not offer adequate protection from invaders and tore them down, building the walls that remain until present day. The Ottomans repaired the walls and covered them with stones during their occupation of Lefkosia. Until today, they are the most well preserved construction in the city. The Omerie Baths were built during the 16th century as a gift to the city of Lefkosia by Lala Moustafa Pasa and were dedicated to Khalif Omer. These have now been restored and are fully operational. The Omerie Mosque was originally an Augustinian church run by monks and was dedicated to the Holy Mary. It was built in the 14 th century and was converted into a mosque by Mustafa Pasa in 1571, as he claimed that the Church was built on the spot where Khalif Omer rested. The Bayraktari Mosque is located by the Constanza Bastion, where a Turkish soldier laid to rest the remains of Ottomans that fell during the city s siege in 1571. The Cyprus Handicraft Centre houses a permanent exhibition of authentic, traditional works of handicraft, alongside more contemporary examples. There are also experimental workshops for embroidering, weaving, woodworks, ceramics, metalwork and costume making. Lefkosia Walks There are three routes one can follow; Chrysaliniotissa and Kaimakli, Inside the Walls and Outside the Walls. These walks are offered by the Lefkosia Municipality free of charge and are led by tour 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: 22 674 264
Archaeological landmarks and sights - countryside The Royal Tombs of Tamassos (Politiko Village) can be found in an area that was considered an important kingdom in ancient times and was rich in bronze reserves. Excavations revealed the Royal Tombs, bronze workshops and the sanctuary of Aphrodite Astartis. The Holy Monastery of St. Heraklidou (Politiko Village) holds the remains of the saint that it is named after. Holy Mary of Chrysospiliotissa (close to Deftera village) is a church built in the form of a catacomb whose design dates back to the earlier built Christianity. The church was built out of a cave, hence the name Chrysospilliotissa (meaning golden cave ). The village of Phikardou was abandoned in the 19 th century. However, it is considered an important historical landmark, as the local architectural style has been preserved to a high standard with many of the homes being built in the 16 th century. Phikardou was awarded the Europa Nostra award in 1987. The Holy Monastery of Machairas is one of the oldest and most important monasteries in Cyprus. It was established in 1148 by two monks, when they discovered an icon of the Holy Mary in a nearby cave. Ancient Idallion, an area that flourished between 5 th - 8 th century B.C, was the setting for the death of Adonis, lover of the goddess Aphrodite, at the hands of Aris, god of war. The Holy Church of St. Varnavas and St. Idallion (Peristerona Village) is an excellent example of early Byzantine Cypriot architecture. It was built either in the 9 th 10 th century. The Holy Monastery of Archangel Michael is a Byzantine monastery that was founded by Archbishop Nikoforos; his tomb is located in the church s ante - chapel. The shrine dates back to 1650.
Museums Lefkosia has many noteworthy museums that highlight the vast and varied richness of Cypriot culture through the centuries. The most important include: The Cyprus Museum is the largest museum in Cyprus. Here, one may observe the evolution of Cypriot civilization from the Neolithic period until the first Byzantine period (7 th century A.D) The Archbishop Makarios III Cultural Foundation Byzantine Museum and Art Rooms is home to the richest collection of Byzantine art in Cyprus with more than 200 icons from 9 th - 19 th century on display, in addition to some spectacular mosaics from the 6 th century. Also on display are Western European pieces, dating back to the Renaissance Period until present day, as well as Greek and Cypriot artists work. Agia Varvara First Industrial Museum houses the last remaining workshop from the first Industrial Era, where homes and work areas met under one roof. It displays equipment dating back to 1920, including a flour mill, an olive crusher and a grape crusher. Other museums worth visiting include: the Ethnographic Museum of Cyprus, the National Struggle Museum, the Hatzigeorgaki Kornessiou Manor Ethnological Museum, the Leventio City Museum of Lefkosia, the Cyprus Museum of Natural History, the Cyprus Police Museum, the Cyprus Coin Museum, the George and Nefeli Chiapra Pieridi Museum, the Classic Motorcycle Museum, the Idalion Museum and many others.
Churches Inside the Wall St Ioannis Cathedral Church was built in 1662 by Archbishop Nikiforos. The recently restored 18 th century frescoes recreate scenes from the Holy Bible and the discovery of Apostle Varnavas tomb in Salamina. St. Kassianos holds the silver helmet that is believed to have been used by the saint, as well as an early print of John the Baptist s gospel. It is decorated with gold and was printed in Venice in 1781 in Greek. Panagia Chrysaliniotissa is dedicated to the Holy Mary, taking the name from her gold-decorated icon in the church. It is the oldest Byzantine church in Lefkosia and was built by the empress Eleni Paleologou. It is noted for its vast collection of rare and ancient icons. Phaneromeni was built in 1872 next to an ancient Orthodox nunnery and is the largest church inside the walls. The marble mausoleum located east of the church contains the remains of bishops and other clerics that were executed by the Turks in 1821. Trypiotis Church was built in 1695 and is dedicated to the Archangel Michael. It has an impressive interior and its temple is decorated with gold and silver. Missirikos Church is a Medieval Christian Orthodox that was converted into a mosque following the Ottoman s conquest of Cyprus in 1571. It is a Frankish building with byzantine gothic and Italian Renaissance architectural elements. It was named in honour of the Frankish king of Cyprus, Erik the Second. The Catholic Church of the Holy Cross can be found by Paphos Gate, in Old Lefkosia. It was built in 1902, replacing an older church that dated back to 1642. Like the present day model, this church was dedicated to the Holy Cross and functioned until the 19 th century.
Music and Theatre Lefkosia has long been a cultural beacon, with music, theatre, visual and traditional arts highlighting the cultural wealth of the Cypriot people. Visitors can enjoy a wide variety of exceptional musical and theatrical events, organized either by the municipality or independent organizations. THOC (Theatrical Organization of Cyprus) was founded in 1971 and is a member of the European Theatre Convention. It hosts a wide variety of theatre shows on a regular basis at the Latsia Municipal Theatre, Nea Skini and Theatro Ena. Skali Aglantzias is a multifunctional space in the Scali area of Aglantzia. It is made up of an open air square, amphitheatre, exhibition space, restaurant & bar. It hosts many shows, concerts and cultural events. The Satirical Theatre of Cyprus was founded in October 1983 by actor and director Vladimiros Kafkaridis. It is the first Free Theatre to be supported financially by the government. It is also the only drama school in Cyprus. Strovolos Municipal Theatre is located in the municipality s main avenue. It has hosted many charitable, cultural and educational events, as well as theatre shows, concerts, operas, ballets both of national and international standing. Notable cultural events are also frequently hosted by the Ammochostos Gate Cultural Centre, the Municipal Arts Centre, the Municipal Centre of Contemporary Social and Cultural Services and many others.
Local Markets Whilst wondering through the streets of Lefkosia, one will inevitably come across a traditional local market. The markets of St. Anthony, the Constanza Bastion and others are genuine examples of past times. Pleasurable travails through the colours and scents evoked from foods on display take you back to a time where fresh foods really were just that and handicraft goods were made by real hands. Traditional Cuisine Cyprus is renowned for its traditional Mediterranean cuisine. Rich in flavours, colours and presentation, it combines elements of Greece, the West and the Middle East to create a culinary experience that seduces the senses. Lefkosia is full of restaurants, kitchens and tavernas in which you may sample traditional Cyprus mezze, fresh fish and seafood and other local delicacies; whatever dish you choose, it will be full of flavour and served with a warm Cyprus smile. Lefkosia Tourism Company For more information tel: 22889600, www.cypruslefkosia.com With the support of the Cyprus Tourism Organisation