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NICOSIA - THE CAPITAL |
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 It
was about 1000 years ago when Lefkosia (Nicosia)
became the capital of Cyprus, with its cosmopolitan buildings, palaces
and churches. Nicosia has survived over the centuries and kept
its character and charm. Today, is the administrative,
economic, cultural and social center of Cyprus. |
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Famagusta Gate
(left), once the main entrance to Nicosia, is now a cultural center and
the venue for exhibitions,
 lectures,
plays and concerts. The beautifully restored vaults of the original gate
are worth seeing for themselves. The Cyprus Museum, built as a memorial to
Queen Victoria, contains a rich collection of finds from all over the
island, including an urn of ancient coins just recently discovered in
Pafos, and five stone sphinx found in early 1997 which are in near-perfect
condition. |
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| The Archbishop’s Palace is an impressive three story building, a modern construction in the Venetian style. Apart from being the official residence of the Archbishop of Cyprus, it also houses the Makarios III Cultural Foundation. This contains three art galleries, including the superb Byzantine Museum, a unique collection of Byzantine icons, representing the full range of Byzantine painting. Next to the Archbishop’s Palace is St. John’s Cathedral, built in 1655 on the site of a former Benedictine Abbey. Its interior is covered with 18th century wall paintings. | |