Car hire Cyprus, Nicosia
The city of Nicosia (or Lefkosia as it is known by the Turks) in the northern part of cyprus has been the capital of island since the 12th century. Nicosia has had a checkered past and remains divided as a result of the Turkish invasion of the island in 1974 after an attempted coup with the military in Greece.
The city has been divided by 'the green line', although the city had originally become increasingly divided prior to the invasion. To the north is Turkish controlled Cyprus, to the south the Cypriot government. It is Europe's only divided city.
As so often is the case on Cyprus, it is the old town which draws the tourists to the city. The old town is a hotch-potch of charming architecture with pedestrian precincts, where cafes spill out onto the pavements and squares.
Its heart is centred around Eleftheria or Freedom Square, where you'll find the city hall, post office and the Nicosia Library. Not far from here is a maze of old streets crammed with fancy shops and cafés.
The city has been divided by 'the green line', although the city had originally become increasingly divided prior to the invasion. To the north is Turkish controlled Cyprus, to the south the Cypriot government. It is Europe's only divided city.
As so often is the case on Cyprus, it is the old town which draws the tourists to the city. The old town is a hotch-potch of charming architecture with pedestrian precincts, where cafes spill out onto the pavements and squares.
Its heart is centred around Eleftheria or Freedom Square, where you'll find the city hall, post office and the Nicosia Library. Not far from here is a maze of old streets crammed with fancy shops and cafés.
As a long time capital of the island, it is no suprise to find that Nicosia is also reknown for its fine museums. Leventis Museum is the traces the history of Nicosia from the traditional way of life in the capital up to the modern day.
Other museums include the National Struggle Museum which details the fight for independance against the British during the 1950s and the Folk Art Museum, the Cyprus Ethnological Museum and the Handicrafts Centre where there is an extensive display of the crafts that the Cyprus is famous for.
Together with museums and cultural centres there are also churches and mosques, like the Selimiye Mosque. The mosque was was once the cathedral of St. Sophia which was built around 1210 A.D and was converted under Ottoman rule.
Nearby Nicosia is the Mesaoria Plain and the valleys of Solea and Pitsilia with its attractive hillside villages, swathed in orchards, and dotted with Byzantine churches and monasteries.
You will need to hire a car on cyprus to explore this region fully. Most of these locations are within easy reach of reach of Nicosia and would make a delightful day out.
Other museums include the National Struggle Museum which details the fight for independance against the British during the 1950s and the Folk Art Museum, the Cyprus Ethnological Museum and the Handicrafts Centre where there is an extensive display of the crafts that the Cyprus is famous for.
Together with museums and cultural centres there are also churches and mosques, like the Selimiye Mosque. The mosque was was once the cathedral of St. Sophia which was built around 1210 A.D and was converted under Ottoman rule.
Nearby Nicosia is the Mesaoria Plain and the valleys of Solea and Pitsilia with its attractive hillside villages, swathed in orchards, and dotted with Byzantine churches and monasteries.
You will need to hire a car on cyprus to explore this region fully. Most of these locations are within easy reach of reach of Nicosia and would make a delightful day out.
Around Nicosia, Cyprus
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