Explore North Lefkosia, "The Last Divided Capital City in Europe"
Join me on a journey through time in the last divided city of North Lefkosia, strolling the back streets of the old city feels like dropping into an earlier era. Our walk through the medieval city starts in the district of Arab Ahmet, this area was one of the original 12 quarters as they existed shortly after the Ottoman conquest of Nicosia in 1570, where Armenian Cypriots had been concentrated since the Ottoman conquest, the entire area is imbued with a heady sense of yesteryear and is one of Nicosia's most interesting neighborhoods to stroll through. As we continue our path we shall stop at the Arab Ahmet Mosque followed by the Buyuk Khan, Cyprus. We continue our walk through the market area and visit the most prominent landmark in the old city, the Cathedral of St. Sophia, today called Selimiye Mosque. Our journey ends at the Indoor Market, you will have some time to explore all the amazing local produce before our return. Kindly note that a minimum of two guests are required.
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Explore North Lefkosia, "The Last Divided Capital City in Europe"
What's included in Explore North Lefkosia, "The Last Divided Capital City in Europe"
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
Buyuk Han
Cyprus’ best-preserved example of Ottoman caravanserai architecture. The Han was built to provide accommodation for travelers from Anatolia and other parts of Cyprus. Today the Great Inn has been revived as a thriving arts center, consisting of several galleries and workshops, and has once again become the hub of North Lefkosia's Old City bustle. Folklore dance shows, piano recitals, and drama displays are also common nowadays within the walls, and this attraction is a must-see when visiting Nicosia.
Selimiye Camii
We shall explore the most prominent landmark in Lefkoisa, the Selimiye Mosque, a cross between a French Gothic church and a mosque, its fascinating history stretches back to the 13th century. Selimiye Mosque historically known as the Cathedral of Saint Sophia is a former Roman Catholic cathedral converted into a mosque. It is the the largest surviving historical building in Lefkosia, sources claim it “may have been the largest church built in the Eastern Mediterranean in the millennium between the rise of Islam and the late Ottoman period.”
Medieval Venetian Walls
You will see the Venetian walls and how they form a border around the Old City. They are so unusual that once seen on a map, they will never be forgotten as a design synonymous with the unique shape of this ancient fortification.
Inclusions
- We will take a small break and sit down with a Turkish coffee as the call to prayer echoes and soak up the merging of old and new that permeates this side of the walled city.
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
You will make your own way to the meeting points
Meeting / End Points
- The address is Markou Drakou Avenue, 1102 Nicosia. The parking lot where we will meet is situated to the west of Nicosia. It is located near the Green Line, just before the Ledra Palace Checkpoint on the right side. On maps, add "Ledra Palace Crossing Point"
