Places to Visit in Nicosia

Places to visit in Nicosia offer many rich experiences filled with history, culture and art for travelers who want to explore the city. The city draws attention with its structures that bear the traces of different religions and cultures intertwined. Religious structures to visit in Nicosia are among the important points that reveal the historical depth and cultural diversity of the city. Structures such as Bedesten St. Nicholas Church, Haydarpaşa Mosque and Selimiye Mosque offer clues to Nicosia's rich past with both their architecture and the historical and religious values ​​they carry.

Historical Places to Visit in Nicosia

Nicosia, CyprusIt offers a rich journey for those who want to deeply explore the historical heritage of . The city bears the traces of the Ottoman, Lusignan, Venetian and many other civilizations, and is full of important structures that blend the traces of the past with modern life. The historical places to visit in Nicosia offer a different story and a unique atmosphere in every corner. From the Great Inn to the Kyrenia Gate, from the Dervish Pasha Mansion to the Samanbahce Houses, these points are important stops that reflect the past and understand today's Nicosia.

Big Han

The Great Inn is a must-visit stop for travelers who want to embark on a journey intertwined with history and culture in the heart of Nicosia. As an elegant example of Ottoman-Turkish architecture, it stands out with its two-story structure built of cut stone. Its square plan and pointed arched porticoes draw attention with its courtyard, creating the enchanting atmosphere of this historical structure. Also known as the largest inn in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, the Great Inn offers its visitors the opportunity to enjoy modern life while discovering traces of the past with its restaurants, coffeehouses and traditional shops.

Dervish Pasha Mansion

For travelers who want to discover the traditional architecture of Northern Cyprus, the Derviş Paşa Mansion is a treasure to visit. Located in the Arabahmet neighborhood of Nicosia, this historical building sheds light not only on its architecture but also on its historical significance. The name of the mansion comes from the first Turkish newspaper of Cyprus. TimeThe newspaper, published in 1891, was based on the head merchant Hacı Derviş, and this newspaper caused a great stir. This elegant mansion of Hacı Derviş, who became known as Derviş Paşa, was built using both stone and adobe. The wooden stairs in the inner courtyard reinforce the characteristic features of the mansion. Serving as an ethnographic museum today, the Derviş Paşa Mansion exhibits many valuable artifacts that bear traces of the past, from old clothes to swords. After visiting the museum, it will be an unforgettable experience to take a journey through time by wandering around the narrow, nostalgic streets of the area where the mansion is located.

Kyrenia Gate

Kyrenia Gate is an important stop for travelers who want to discover the historical texture of Nicosia. Built by the Venetians in the 16th century, this magnificent structure symbolizes the road to Kyrenia, from which it takes its name. Although its name may be misleading, Kyrenia Gate is located in the walls of Nicosia and is an important point of entry to the city from the north. Restored by the Ottomans in 1821, this historic gate has integrated with the city over time and has become a symbol that draws attention with its architecture. For both history enthusiasts and travelers who enjoy architecture, Kyrenia Gate is a point not to be missed in order to discover traces of the past and the unique atmosphere of the city.

Samanbahce Houses

The Samanbahçe district of Nicosia offers an important stop in both historical and cultural terms. This area, which functioned as a garden to meet the city’s vegetable and fruit needs during the Ottoman period, is now notable for its cute single-story houses. Built between 1918 and 1925, the Samanbahçe Houses are among the first social housing structures in Nicosia and are still lived in by the residents of the area. The domed fountain from the Ottoman period, located right in the middle of these houses, is one of the iconic symbols of the region. The Samanbahçe Houses are interesting not only for their architecture, but also for their display of Cypriot culture and traditional family life. Travelers can explore the traces of the past by walking in this historic neighborhood and experience the unique atmosphere of the region.

Venetian Column

Rising in the heart of Nicosia, in Atatürk Square, the Venetian Column is one of the city’s most striking and historical symbols. Brought from the ancient city of Salamis by the Venetians, this column is a structure that bears traces of both the past and the city’s cultural layers. Its location right across from the old Lusignan Royal Palace reinforces its historical importance. Around the pedestal on which it sits, 6 of the 5 coats of arms belonging to noble Italian families still remain, almost like a work of art that has stood the test of time. For travelers, this column offers both a visual feast and a window into understanding the city.

The historical places to visit in Nicosia offer the opportunity to discover not only the architectural beauties but also the cultural and historical depths of Cyprus. With every step you take, you can trace an era and reveal how different civilizations coexisted on these lands. These historical points, where the past and the present meet, promise an unforgettable experience for both history lovers and travelers. Nicosia is one of the rare cities that combines the traces of the past with modern life, while hosting a new story to be discovered in every corner.

Museums to Visit in Nicosia

Nicosia is a city full of interesting museums for travelers who want to explore its historical and cultural heritage. Each of these museums tells a different story and offers a perfect opportunity to get to know the rich past of the island better. From the Barbarity Museum to the Turkish Cypriot History, Culture and National Struggle Museum, from the Cyprus Car Museum to the Eaves House Museum, each museum invites visitors to follow the traces of different periods. For those who want to make an in-depth discovery of the history, cultural diversity and human heritage of Cyprus, the museums of Nicosia promise an unforgettable experience.

Museum of Barbarism

For travelers who want to gain a deeper understanding of the recent history of Cyprus, the Museum of Barbarism is a meaningful place to visit. Opened in 1966, this museum was established to commemorate the tragic events known as “Bloody Christmas” by the Turkish Cypriots and continues to keep the painful memories of the past alive. The museum, which has a simple single-story structure, contains personal belongings of the wife of military doctor Major Nihat İlhan, Mürüvvet Hanım, and their children Murat, Kutsi and Hakan, photographs, a chronology wall and sound rooms. In addition, the memory pool located in the museum offers visitors the opportunity to understand this painful period of Cyprus more deeply. This museum, which is definitely visited by local tourists during their Nicosia tours, will provide an unforgettable experience for history lovers.

Cyprus Car Museum

For classic car enthusiasts, the Cyprus Car Museum is a unique place to visit. Located on the Near East University campus in Nicosia, this museum is home to one of the world’s most important classic car collections. The museum’s collection consists of nearly 200 rare and classic cars, each one a traveler in time. In addition, the museum’s interesting exhibits, such as the “Koi fish” pond and model cars, offer an enjoyable experience, especially for children and families. The Cyprus Car Museum is a perfect discovery point for both motorsport and nostalgia lovers.

Cyprus Turkish Islamic Arts Museum

For travelers who want to discover the Ottoman heritage of Cyprus, the Cyprus Turkish Islamic Arts Museum offers a rich cultural treasure. Opened to preserve and promote foundation works from the Ottoman period, this museum offers important clues about the deep history and Islamic culture of Cyprus. In addition to carpets and rugs of Anatolian origin, the museum also exhibits manuscripts, candlesticks, wooden and leather works. You can enter this museum from the garden gate on the Selimiye Mosque side, and with its stairs leading to the upper floor, it is an interesting place to visit both architecturally and in terms of content. For travelers who want to discover the Islamic culture of Cyprus and traces of the Ottoman Empire, this museum is a perfect opportunity to embark on a historical journey.

Cyprus Turkish History, Culture and National Struggle Museum

For travelers who want to explore the historical and cultural heritage of Cyprus in depth, the Turkish Cypriot History, Culture and National Struggle Museum is a stop not to be missed. Opened on November 15, 2023 with the support of Turkey, this museum met with the public on the 40th anniversary of the foundation of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. The museum displays many artifacts and memorabilia from the years of the Turkish Cypriot National Struggle; these include historical pieces such as fishing boats and statues of important figures, especially Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. History enthusiasts can not only learn about the past here, but also experience the Turkish Cypriot people's struggle for freedom more closely. This museum is of great importance for those who want to explore important turning points in the history of Cyprus.

Lusignan House Museum

For travelers who want to explore the historical fabric of Nicosia in depth, the Lusignan House Museum offers a unique experience. This typical Nicosia mansion dating back to the 15th century carries the elegant architectural style of the Lusignan period, while also displaying traces of Ottoman architecture. Built of cut stone, this magnificent two-story building with a roof was restored in 1997 and furnished with authentic furniture from the Middle Ages and the Ottoman period. Like a time tunnel, the Lusignan House offers a window into the history of Nicosia from the Middle Ages to the present day. By visiting this historic house, travelers will have the opportunity to discover both the rich past of the city and how different cultural influences have blended.

Mevlevi Museum

For travelers who want to discover the Sufi teachings of Mevlana Celaleddin-i Rumi and the philosophy of Mevlevi, the Mevlevi Museum offers a unique experience. Reflecting the historical texture of Cyprus, this museum served as a Mevlevi Lodge in the past and today welcomes visitors as an ethnographic museum. The architecture of the Mevlevi Museum draws attention with its magnificent domes and rectangular structure, while its interior is also fascinating. The mihrab where the whirling dervishes will spin and the wooden balcony add a mystical atmosphere to the museum. In addition, there are 16 graves in the “Tomb” section of the museum. This museum, which is only a few minutes’ walk away after visiting the Kyrenia Gate, is an unforgettable spot for travelers who want to take both a historical and spiritual journey.

Eaves House Museum

For travelers who want to discover the historical texture of Nicosia, the Eaves House Museum offers a fascinating stop. With its history dating back to the Middle Ages, this elegant structure takes its name from its wide and protective eaves. With a square courtyard and built in the shape of an “L”, the Eaves House bears traces of Ottoman residential architecture with its two-story structure, while also incorporating the elegant features of the Middle Ages. Today, this historical house, which is used as a cultural and artistic center, hosts many events such as exhibitions, conferences and seminars. The Eaves House, which can also be visited as a museum, offers an unforgettable experience for those who want to discover traces of the past with its spacious, airy and light-filled rooms, authentic furniture and old objects. This place is a perfect option for travelers who want to make a deep discovery in terms of both architecture and culture.

The museums in Nicosia not only explore the history of the island, but also reveal different cultural and artistic values. Each museum on the past of Cyprus opens a different window to its visitors, allowing you to take a journey closer to history with each step. Whether you are a classic car enthusiast or want to delve deeper into Ottoman and Islamic culture, the museums in Nicosia are rich enough to satisfy all kinds of interests and curiosities. While discovering the traces of the past in these historical places, you will understand the cultural identity and originality of Cyprus more closely.

Religious Buildings to Visit in Nicosia

Nicosia stands out as a city where different beliefs and cultures have lived together throughout history. While visiting and exploring this unique structure, religious structures also reveal the cultural richness of the city. Historical religious structures such as the Bedesten St. Nicholas Church, Haydarpaşa Mosque and Selimiye Mosque offer unforgettable stops for travelers who want to discover the city's past, architecture and intercultural interaction. Each dating back to a different period, these structures are of great importance not only for their religious functions but also for their historical value. Visiting these religious structures in Nicosia offers an excellent opportunity to gain a deep understanding of the island's history and cultural diversity.

Bedesten St. Nicholas Church

The historical texture of Nicosia reveals the rich past and intercultural interaction of the island. The Bedesten St. Nicholas Church in this unique city takes travelers on a journey through time with its elegant architecture of the Middle Ages. Visiting this structure, which stands out with its intricate stonework, eye-catching frescoes and mystical atmosphere, offers much more than just seeing a church. This structure, which was converted into a covered bazaar during the Ottoman period, today hosts exhibition areas and cultural events as a multicultural venue. The Bedesten St. Nicholas Church, which is the historical heritage and meeting point of different cultures in Nicosia, is one of the important stops that every traveler should discover. If you are interested in the historical and cultural riches of the island, you should definitely see this impressive structure.

Haydarpasa Mosque

While walking through the historical streets of Nicosia, visiting the Haydarpasa Mosque, one of the structures that best reflects the cultural richness of the city, is like embarking on a fascinating journey through time. Built in the 14th century, this mosque began to be used as a place of worship during the Ottoman period and attracted attention with its Gothic architecture of the period. Considered the most important Gothic structure of the region after Hagia Sophia, the Haydarpasa Mosque is a must-see stop for travelers with both its architectural details and historical importance. For those who want to witness the deep past and cultural diversity of Nicosia, the Haydarpasa Mosque is a great starting point to discover the mystical atmosphere of the city.

Selimiye Mosque

The capital of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Nicosia, is home to many impressive structures that reflect the rich history of the island. One of the most striking examples of this historical texture is the Selimiye Mosque. This structure, which attracts the attention of travelers, attracts attention not only with its architecture, but also with the cultural and religious values ​​it carries. This impressive transformation from the Lusignan-era cathedral to the Ottoman period turns the Selimiye Mosque into a meeting point of history and culture, rather than just a place of worship. Located in the heart of Nicosia, this mosque deeply impresses every visitor with its fascinating Gothic architecture and traces of Islamic culture. If you want to travel with history and culture, exploring the Selimiye Mosque will be a great opportunity to witness the island's past.

The religious buildings in Nicosia offer unique examples that reflect the city’s cultural and religious diversity. The elegant medieval architecture of the Bedesten St. Nicholas Church, the Ottoman influence blended with Gothic traces of the Haydarpaşa Mosque, and the combination of Gothic and Islamic elements of the Selimiye Mosque reflect the religious heritage of Nicosia in the best way possible. Each offers visitors a slice of a different era, promising rich experiences both visually and culturally. By exploring these historical buildings, you can embark on an in-depth journey into Nicosia’s multi-layered past and cultural diversity, and get to know the island’s rich history more closely.

The religious buildings to be visited in Nicosia offer unique opportunities for every traveler who wants to discover the cultural richness and multi-layered history of the city. The medieval architecture of the Bedesten St. Nicholas Church, the Gothic and Ottoman influences of the Haydarpaşa Mosque and the historical transformation of the Selimiye Mosque make these structures not only places of worship but also cultural heritage points carrying the traces of history. The religious buildings of Nicosia will provide you with a deep understanding of the island's past and cultural diversity, and will allow you to make a new discovery at every step. Visiting these unique structures is a perfect opportunity to feel the spirit and history of the city more closely.

If you would like to learn more about places to visit in Nicosia and explore different parts of Cyprus, Cyprus Travel GuideYou can visit . This guide offers the tips and suggestions you will need to discover all the richness and unique beauty of the island. Apart from the historical and cultural heritage of Nicosia, you can also find comprehensive information about other important cities, beaches and natural beauties of Cyprus. Take a look at the Cyprus Travel Guide to discover every corner of the island and take a step into an unforgettable journey!