Private guided Tour of Nikosia Oldtown with Border Crossing

Paphos Gate

Option 1: The Paphos Gate was one of three entrances through the Venetian walls that surrounded the entire city of Nicosia. These walls were constructed in 1567 by the renowned architect Giulio Savorgnano. Just outside the Paphos Gate, a road begins, leading southwest towards Paphos – the city that gave the gate its name. The Paphos Gate was also once known as the “Gate of Saint Dominic,” as it replaced an older gate from the Frankish wall called the “Porta di San Domenico,” named after the nearby Abbey of San Domenico. The Paphos Gate is a simple opening in the wall, covered by a barrel vault.

Option 2 – More time in the South We’ll drive straight into the southern part of the Old Town and take a bit more time there. This includes the historic border crossing point known as “Checkpoint Charlie” and a visit to the beautiful Panayia Phaneromeni Orthodox Church.

Buyuk Han

A han (caravan station) was in ancient times accommodation and storage for traders passing through the city, often with stables for their horses (or camels) and sometimes with recreational facilities such as restaurants and hamams (Turkish baths). Büyük Han was built in 1572 and today is an excellently preserved and fully restored example of the architecture of the time and is one of the most beautiful historic buildings in the city. Büyük Han is home to a variety of shops, cafés and craft studios and is perfect for a short shopping trip during our tour of Nicosia. The Han is only a short walk from the Ledra Street Green Line pedestrian crossing.