What is the Capital of Cyprus? - Capital-of.com Dates of religious and Civil holidays around the world. Capital of Cyprus The Capital City of Cyprus (officially named Republic of Cyprus) is the city of Nicosia. The population of Nicosia in the year 2005 was 47,832 (309,500 in the metropolitan area). Cyprus is a Greek and Turkish speaking island nation in the Mediterranean Sea. Additional Information CITIES OF CYPRUS CITIES OF CYPRUS Cyprus is classified into six(6) districts(major cities with their suburbs), according to the constitution of 1960. These major cities are: Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaka, Paphos, Famagusta, Kyrenia. NICOSIA, the thousand year old capital city in the heart of the country Nicosia, the capital of Cyprus, lies in the north central part of eastern Mediterranean island. Its population is 186,000. It houses the main government offices as well as the headquarters of many major local and international companies. The Presidential Palace is in Nicosia which is a busy commercial centre today.

Nicosia is a trading center for the surrounding Mesaoria Plain, where wheat, olives, almonds, and fruits are grown. Light industries manufacture machine tools, textiles, tobacco products, pottery, and leather goods. Tourism is important. Landmarks include the Church of Saint Sophia--now a mosque--which was begun in the 13th century, and the 15th-century Venetian walls, which were constructed by the Venetians to withstand an expected invasion by the Turks(1571). Nicosia is also the archepiscopal seat of the autonomous Church of Cyprus. Known as Ledra in ancient times, it was first mentioned in the 7th century BC. Nicosia was ruled by the Byzantines (330-1191), Lusignan kings (1192-1489), Venetians (1489-1571), Turks (1571-1878), and the British until 1960, when Cyprus became an independent republic.

During the Venetian expansion eastward in the 1500's, Nicosia (Lefkosia) was fortified with imposing stone walls and massive gates. The famous Famagusta Gate still stands today, proudly protecting the still ancient town within from the modern city without. Through the Gate lies Laiki Geitonia, an old section which has been lovingly restored. Wend your way through narrow stone streets where crimson flowers cascade from window pots and the aroma of traditional baking wafts through open doorways. Explore jewellery and handicraft shops, dine in charming tavernas, marvel at churches centuries old. Those engrossed in history and art will make their way directly to the Cyprus Museum, which holds the island's priceless treasures from the first stirrings of the Neolithic Age through the Roman period. At the Byzantine Museum, encounter a dazzling collection of early-Christian icons from the Mediterranean's Golden Age. The State Collection of Contemporary Art takes a newer prospective, focusing on Cyprus' modern artists, some of whom have gained note on the international market. Come full circle in time and visit the Cyprus Handicraft Center workshops, where traditional arts are practiced today much the same way they were in ages past.

Relax and enjoy a splendid Cypriot meal, accented by one of the island's famous wines. Later, the night life beckons near Famagusta Gate, giving expression to the Cypriot's legendary spirit of celebration. LIMASSOL, a celebration of beaches, fortresses and festivals Limassol is the second largest town in Cyprus and has a population of about 143,000. Its history is obscure but it seems to have grown in importance after the decline of the ancient kingdoms of Kourion to the West and Amathus to the East. Today Limassol is a major port, a busy commercial centre, the home of hundreds of offshore companies, and a popular tourist resort. Renowned for its superior hotel accommodation and service, and for its cosmopolitan atmosphere, it has grown out of all recognition over the past ten years. The Limassolians have a reputation for being the most sociable people on the island and the town is the venue for the annual Carnival celebrations and a Wine Festival, held every September. Situated at the heart of the vine-growing district, Limassol is home to the country's main wineries and is an important centre in the production of fruit and vegetables.

Small industries also flourish here on the two Industrial Estates located on either side of the town. Visitors are likely to confine themselves to the so-called "Tourist Area" which stretches along the coast road from Amathus to the Old Port, and to the old shopping area around St. Andrew Street, although there is much to be seen outside the town boundaries. Today, the tradition of celebration and hospitality continues in this vibrant seaside town. In February before Lent, masked revelers invade the street with music, parades, and dancing for Carnival. In September, the Wine Festival explodes in the town for a week. And every night people in restaurants, cafes, and nightclubs celebrate events momentous and trivial, from a soccer win to a sudden romance to yet another stunning sunset at day's end. Explore Limassol Castle, which contains the Cyprus Medieval Museum, or the Folk Art Museum, which is housed in an old mansion. Walk on ten miles of beautiful beaches, deservedly known as the Cypriot Riviera. Stroll in the sea promenade or visit the lush Municipal Gardens. On the coastal road to the east, just after the luxurious hotels, you will find Amathus, one of the ancient city Kingdoms of Cyprus.

See the ruins and take a dip near the site of an ancient port. At 14 km west of Limassol lies Kolossi Castle, a medieval fortress whose walls contain not only an imposing tower and surrounding living quarters but also an ancient sugar factory. Just 19 km west of town, visit the Kourion archaeological site, an ancient city-kingdom, where you can take in a play or concert at the ancient Greco-Roman Theater, overlooking the blue Mediterranean. And, a bit further on, explore a treasure trove of Greek and Roman sites, such as the Sanctuary of Apollo. LARNAKA, gateway to the island and entry point to adventure Larnaka is likely to give visitors their first impressions of Cyprus since the island's largest International Airport is there. It has flourished as a tourist resort over the past ten years and is the third largest town in Cyprus, though with some 64,000 inhabitants it is much smaller than Nicosia and Limassol.

Most of the Northern part of the town stands on the site of ancient Kition one of whose illustrious sons was the Philosopher Zeno (335-263 B.C.) Here yachts and sailing vessels from around the globe bob and glint, and along the harbor perimeter is a palm-lined promenade. Between shopping trips to Larnaka's international-caliber boutiques, inviting cafes offer shady resting spots and sweeping ocean views. The promenade winds its way to a striking finale, the Larnaka Medieval Museum, housed in a 17th-century fort. Originally called Kition in the days of the Old Testament, Larnaka reached a heyday as a commercial center in the 1700's, when the consulates were established here. One of the oldest, continually-inhabited cities in the world, Larnaka abounds with sights. Nearby is an 18th-century aqueduct, and two wonderful museums - the Larnaka District Archaeological Museum and the Pierides Foundation Museum. Both contain exceptional examples of Mediterranean art.

Make your way north from the fort, toward the center of the city, and you will come to one of Larnaka's and the island's most cherished sites - the church of St. Lazarus.After his resurrection from the dead by Jesus, Lazarus elected to live out his "second" life as Bishop of Cyprus. He is reputedly buried in a crypt under the main altar. Heading out from Larnaka toward Limassol, stop by the enchanting village of Lefkara. Doubtless you, like Leonardo da Vinci five centuries before you, will be seduced by Lefkara's exquisite handmade lace... PAPHOS, home of Aphrodite, Adonis, Dionysus, and lucky mortals Paphos is rapidly becoming the most popular holiday resort in Cyprus. The small, picturesque harbor is a popular meeting/dining place and Paphos is especially interesting for those who care for history and archaeology. The population is about 40,000. The fact that Cyprus' second International Airport is located nearby does not appear to have changed anything about this sleepy coastal town. Close to the waterside restaurants at the harbor lies Paphos Fort.

It was built by the Turks in 1592 on the site of an earlier, ruined medieval castle. Inside there are rooms once used as dungeons while the main room is occasionally used for exhibitions. From the roof one has a fine view of the harbor and the surrounding country. Not to be missed Paphos is the House of Ancient God Dionisos. A 3rd Century Roman Villa was discovered in 1962 and is named after one of the mosaics depicting Dionysos, God of Wine. The mosaics are now protected by a wooden structure with walkways which permit visitors to view with ease. Aphrodite's presence seems to have drawn other divinities and notable mortals as well. Excavations have unearthed the spectacular 3rd - 5th century-mosaics of the Houses of Dionysus, Orpheus, and Aion, and the Villa of Theseus - buried for sixteen centuries and yet remarkably intact. Their grace of line and subtlety of color will surely inspire elevated feelings in those who see them. Also in this region is the Odeon Theater, a stone structure still used as it was in ancient times for outdoor concerts, plays, and games.

Small wonder then that the whole town of Paphos is included in the official UNESCO list of cultural and natural treasures of world heritage. Past Polis and Latsi, the Baths of Aphrodite provided the ancients with a dramatic setting for outdoor bathing. The Fontana Amorosa, or fountain of Love, still bubbles forth nearby. Is it simply water... or Aphrodite's fabled love potion? Later periods of history have also left their traces. The tombs of the kings, in Kato Paphos, is a monumental honeycomb structure carved into sheer rock whose vaults held the tombs of Ptolemy period nobles. Nearby, the stone pillar where St. Paul, according to tradition, was bound and beaten for preaching Christianity thrusts heavenward. The Chrysorrogiatissa Monastery was founded in the 12th century A.D. and is dedicated to "Our Lady of the Golden Pomegranate". The neighboring monastery of Agios Neofytos contains some of the world's finest Byzantine frescoes and icons as well as an interesting Byzantine museum. Archaeological discoveries in the Paphos region are continual, making it a highlight for those tracing civilization's roots in Cyprus.

For a glimpse of the artifacts and master works found in the area, visit the District Archaeological Museum. Returning to the 20th century, enjoy a cool drink, a steaming Cypriot coffee, or a meal of just-caught seafood in one of the tavernas that dot the scenic harbor side in the town of Paphos. Hotels for every taste and budget can be bound in town and the surrounding area. Use them as your home base for discovering this rich region. !!!FAMAGUSTA IS UNDER TURKISH OCCUPATION SINCE THE INVASION OF THE TURKISH TROOPS IN 1974!!! The central point of old Famagusta is the magnificent Latin cathedral of St Nicholas, consecrated in 1326. Thanks to its later conversion to use as the Lala Mustapha mosque, the building has not only remained standing where many minor churches have been allowed to fall into decay, but it has escaped many of the architectural modifications which have been made to contemporary European cathedrals. It thus remains as an outstanding example of original Gothic architecture.

The square in which it stands, bounded on the opposite side by the palace of the Venetian Providitore, had once the reputation of being the largest in the Western world. Famagusta, too, is the 'seaport in Cyprus' of Shakespeare's Othello: there is little doubt that the governor of the city in 1508, Christoforo Moro, is identifiable with Shakespeare's Moor. Due to this link, the citadel of old Famagusta, which bears the winged lion of Venice above its main entrance, is now known as 'Othello's Tower'. The new town of Varosha presents a complete contrast: it contains all the buildings of commercial and administrative importance, the night-clubs and the luxury hotels. It is jointly to these hotels-fronting directly on to one of the best beaches of the island-and to the port that Famagusta owes its present prosperity. The port itself lies immediately under the Venetian defences of the old town. It is from here that most of the agricultural produce of the Mesaoria is exported, and into where the greater part of the island's imports are directed.

If, then, the tourist area and the sea-front could be in any Mediterranean coastal resort (albeit cleaner than many), and if the port could equally well be anywhere else in the world, the residential sectors of the town are perhaps unique. For here the orange groves on the rich and formerly well-watered soils of the outlying areas intermingle with the villas, not only providing most of the inhabitants with their own supply of fresh fruit,but also serving to perfume the whole town with the distinctive sweet scent of orange blossom. !!!KYRENIA IS UNDER TURKISH OCCUPATION SINCE THE INVASION OF THE TURKISH TROOPS IN 1974!!! Kyrenia was the most picturesque of all the Cypriot towns up until July 1974 when its inhabitants were forced out, once best known to the English community and unjustly famed as the favored place of retirement of ex-colonial administrators. The town was founded by Achaean colonists in the tenth century BC, later to become a full city state. But it was not of great importance in the overall political structure of the island until it was fortified by Byzantium.

The castle, which dates from this time, was strengthened and enlarged by the succeeding Lusignan and Venetian rulers. It was used again as a place of imprisonment during the EOKA movement of the 1950s, although even then prisoners succeeded in escaping by the simple expedient of climbing down on knotted sheets. Despite having a history longer than any of the other five towns, Kyrenia was the only one that did not act as a market centre for the region, since its position a such is usurped by the neighboring twin villages of Lapithos and Karavas, and by Nicosia which is only 15 miles distant on the direct road. It has, then, become first and foremost a holiday resort, centering on the little yachting and fishing harbor. Although accommodating only 5,000 inhabitants in 1970, it looked set for growth also as a commuter village to serve Nicosia but the dream disappeared after the Turkish troops invaded the island. ANCIENT TOWNS ENGOMI Enkomi, north of Famagusta on the east coast of Cyprus, was an important center of the Mediterranean copper trade during the late Bronze Age.

In ancient times it was probably called Alashiyal (Alasia), the name by which the entire island was known. Although now some distance from the shore, Enkomi was once situated on an inlet of the sea, and conducted active trade with Egypt and the Levant during the late 16th and early 15th centuries BC. Evidence of contact with the Mycenaeans dates from as early as 1450-1400 BC. Enkomi was abandoned in the 11th century BC after a series of destructions and changes of rulers, including colonization by Mycenaens in the late 13th century. Tombs located under houses within the ancient settlement were excavated by the British Museum in the 1880s, although the existence of the city remained unknown until 1934. Subsequent excavations have revealed the plan of the city and its defenses. SINCLAIR HOOD SALAMINA Salamis, the main city of ancient Cyprus, was situated on the east coast near the modern city of Famagusta.

An important port said to have been founded by Ajax's half-brother Teucer after the Trojan War, it was the scene of a Greek naval victory over Egypt in 306 BC. Badly damaged in the Jewish revolt of AD 116-17, Salamis was rebuilt by the Roman emperor Constantius II after an earthquake in the 4th century and was finally destroyed by the Arabs in 647. RETURN TO THE CYPRUS ACCESS PANEL RETURN Cyprus Facts, Facts about Cyprus Know Facts about World Countries Afghanistan Facts Where is Cyprus? The Republic of Cyprus is a Eurasian island country located in the eastern Mediterranean Sea. It shares borders with Greece on the east, Israel on the south-east, Turkey on the south, Syria on the west, and Egypt on the north. What is the capital of Cyprus? Nicosia is the capital city of Cyprus. With a population of 398,293, it is the largest city in the country. The city is divided in two portions - the southern and the northern portions by a Green Line, making it the only divided capital in the world. Nicosia serves as the business, cultural, and administrative center of Cyprus.

All the government buildings are housed in the capital city. How big is Cyprus? Cyprus is the third-largest island in the Mediterranean Sea covering a total area of 3,572 square miles. As of 2010, the country had an estimate population of 1,088,503. What are the ethnic groups in Cyprus? The majority of the population of Cyprus, over eighty percent, is formed by Greek Cypriots. Te remaining is constituted by Turkish Cypriots, and Christian minorities, including Maronites, Latin Catholic and Armenians. What are the administrative divisions of Cyprus? The Republic of Cyprus is divided into six districts that are further divided into municipalities. Who are the political leaders of Cyprus? The Republic of Cyprus is a presidential republic. The President is the head of the state and also the government. At present, Dimitris Christofias is the president of Cyprus. What is the official currency used in Cyprus? The euro denoted by the ISO 4217 code EUR is the official currency of Cyprus and the Eurozone. After the United States Dollar, the euro is the second-most traded currency in the world. What is the official language of Cyprus?

Cyprus recognizes two official languages: Greek and Turkish. The other languages spoken in the country include Armenian, Cypriot Maronite Arabic, Romani, French, and German. What is the official religion of Cyprus? The majority of the Greek population in Cyprus adheres to the autocephalous Greek Orthodox Church of Cyprus. Sunni Islam is the widespread religion among Turkish Cypriots. There are also small Hindu, Sikh, Baha'i, and Jewish communities. What is the economy of Cyprus like? Cyprus has diversified economy. Services is the largest sector followed by industries and agriculture. In 2010, the gross domestic product (nominal) of the country was estimated at $23.174 billion, while the per capita was $28,237. Finance, insurance and banking are the major sectors of the Cypriot economy. Tourism also boosts the economy. When is the national day of Cyprus celebrated? The national day of the Republic of Cyprus is celebrated on the 1st of October. This day is celebrated to mark the declaration of independence of Cyprus from the United Kingdom in 1960.

Capital City Nicosia Cyprus - Lefkosa Lefkosa Nicosia Lefkose - the Capital City of North Cyprus Lefkosa.com Nicosia Cyprus, known locally as Lefkosa (Turkish), is the capital and the largest city of Northern Cyprus. It is located at 35�10' north, 33�21' east, roughly in the centre of the island. Nicosia Cyprus is the political, economic and cultural centre of the country. It is the seat for the main government offices and headquarters. Its population is more than 60,000 people, which is almost doubled during the working days. Nicosia Cyprus is currently the only divided capital city in the world, with the northern (Turkish) and southern (Greek) parts divided by the "Green Line", a demilitarized zone maintained by the United Nations. Administration The head of the municipality of Lefkosa is Kutlay Erk. He is the executive authority of the Municipality, exercising overall control and managing the Municipal Council. Economy Being the main commercial and industrial town in Turkish Cyprus, Nicosia manufactures textiles, leather, pottery, plastic, and other products.

The origin of name The Greek name of Nicosia, "Lefkosia", probably comes from Lefkos, son of Ptolemy I of Egypt, who rebuilt the city in the 3rd century B.C. Another possibility is that the name originated from the white poplar (lefki) which was abundant in the bed of the city's river. The city also bore the name of Lefkothea ("white goddess"). The name "Nicosia" appeared in the end of the 12th century A.D., when the city was under rule of the Knights Templar. The Crusaders conquerors could not pronounce the name Kallinikisis, as the city was called at that time, and they tended to say "Nikosia", which they spelled as "Nicosia". History It is believed that Nicosia Cyprus is about 2250 years old and dates back to the original settlement of Ledra (also spelled as Ledrae or Ledron). Moreover, archaeological finds have shown that modern Nicosia was inhabited already in 5000 B.C.

During the first millennium B.C., when Cyprus was divided into city-kingdoms, Nicosia Cyprus was a small town while other kingdoms prospered due to their coastline position. Only in the 4th century A.D., after the dissolution of the city-kingdoms, Nicosia started exploiting its natural resources and geographical location, in the centre of the island. After the Arab raids in the 6th century A.D. on the coastal cities, the population moved to the centre of the island. Nicosia Cyprus probably became the centre of administration and the island's capital city in either the 9th or the 10th century. During the Byzantine period, it was the seat of the Byzantine governor of Cyprus. The last Byzantine governor was Isaac Komnenos. In 1191 Richard the Lionheart defeated Isaac and became the ruler of the island. But soon he sold it to the Templars who made Nicosia their residence. In this period, the city expanded culturally. Guy de Lusignan, King of Jerusalem, bought Cyprus from the Templars and brought many noble men from France, Jerusalem, Tripoli, the principality of Antioch and Kingdom of Armenia, to the island.

Due to the destruction of Salamis and Famagusta, the Archbishop obtained the Pope's permission to move to Nicosia. Thus Nicosia was established as the capital city of the Kingdom of Lusignans. Under the rule of Lusignans the capital city expanded architecturally: it saw the erection of a number of palaces, mansions, churches and monasteries. The first Lusignan castle was built in 1211, during the reign of King Henry I. Peter II fortified the entire city by building the new walls with many gates. During Venetian rule from 1489 to 1571, Nicosia was the administrative centre and the seat of the Venetian Governor. Feeling the threat from the Ottomans the Venetians decided to fortify the city in 1567. Julio Savorgnano, an architect and engineer, designed new fortifications for the capital city according to contemporary defence methods. The new walls had the shape of a star with eleven bastions. The walls had three gates: the North Kyrenia Gate, the west Paphos Gate and the east Famagusta Gate.

The heart shape design of the bastion was more suitable for the new artillery and a better control for the defenders. However, the new walls could not protect the capital city from the Ottomans. In 1570 they marched towards Nicosia and started the attack on the bastions. After the siege the city was deserted, the walls were ruined, the main Latin churches were converted into mosques. Nicosia Cyprus became the seat of the Pasa, the Greek Archbishop, the Dragoman and the Cadi. The British gained control over the island in 1878, leaving Nicosia the colony's capital. At the time of the British occupation, Nicosia was still developing within its walls. A series of openings in the walls provided direct access to areas beyond the walls as they grew in importance. The opening at the Kyrenia Gate took place in 1931 after one of Nicosia's first buses proved too high to go through the original gate. Many more openings followed. During the post-war period the villages around Nicosia began to expand. The old city was given over to shops and workshops, turning into a lower income area.

Nicosia Cyprus, as the seat of government, constituted the main place of political conflicts during the period of liberation from the British rule in 1955-1959. In 1960 Nicosia became the capital city of the Republic of Cyprus, whose constitution was based on the co-operation of the island's two communities, Greek and Turkish, in a ratio of seven to three. After 1974 Nicosia was divided in two parts by the Green Line. Interesting Sites The architectural style of Nicosia Cyprus represents a mixture of modern offices, apartment blocks, detached houses and buildings dated by the 16th and 18th centuries erected during Venetian and British rule. The heart of the city is enclosed by the 16th-century wall built by the Venetians to protect the city from the Ottomans. The 4.5 metres thick walls reveal a splendid gallery of historical places: Selimiye Mosque, an outstanding example of Gothic architecture dated by the 14th century, The Great Inn (B�y�k Han) dated by the 16th century and looking marvellous especially at the night time.

Here you can get more information about Nicosia's places of interest . Nicosia, capital city of Cyprus All... Nicosia, capital city of Cyprus Nicosia is an enticing city and the cultural heart of Cyprus. Divided between the Republican South and the Turkish-occupied North, the city is the world's last divided capital but is slowly becoming more united. Visitors today are free to travel between the two districts through a checkpoint, and both areas are home to a number of attractions. These include many great restaurants, fashionable clubs, intriguing museums and an Old City that is a labyrinth of narrow alleys leading to beautiful churches, colonial homes and mosques. Start your visit by getting a panoramic view of the capital from the Shacolas Building. The 11th-floor of the tower is home to the Ledra Museum and Observatory. Brimming with astronomic delights, the museum also has many powerful telescopes through which visitors can see the charming cityscape and the capital's infamous ìGreen Line.î To gain a solid understanding of the country and its history, head to the Cyprus Museum. It is the largest and oldest archaeological museum in the country and one of Nicosia's most visited sites.

The gripping and thought-provoking exhibits outline Cyprus' history through ancient artifacts excavated from around the island. Other galleries showcase Mycenaean artifacts, Egyptian amulets and more treasures from around the world. Selimiye Mosque interior Nicosia The Selimiye Mosque is another must-see for anyone visiting Nicosia. Built in 1209, the mosque is one of the most important in the Turkish area of Cyprus and was the site of royal coronations until the late 15th-century when the island was invaded by the Venetians. The epitome of Gothic architecture on the island, visitors are treated to carved stone windows, ornate tile work and an exquisite main door. Another fine example of Gothic architecture is the Haydarpasa Mosque, built in the 14th century. Today, the mosque has been repurposed as an art gallery showcasing a bizarre but fascinating collection of gargoyles and sculptures of human heads and dragons. The Makarios Cultural Foundation is a sprawling complex with three exhibition spaces, including the popular Byzantine Art Museum. More than 200 icons are on display, including six Kanakaria mosaics.

The complex is also home to the European Art Gallery, showcasing over 100 oil paintings from the 16th century through the contemporary era. The Greek Independence War Gallery is the third museum at the complex, featuring copper engravings and paintings that tell the story of the 1821 Greek War of Independence. Nicosia boasts a number of other fine museums. Visitors to the National Struggle Museum leave with a better understanding of the 1955-1959 independence movement. The House of the Dragoman Hadjigeorgakis Kornesios details Cyprus' ethnological history and culture in a beautifully restored 18th-century building. Hundreds of coins are on display at the Museum of the History of Cypriot Coinage, spanning more than 3,000 years of coinage history. Tucked away in the Old Town is the Cyprus Classic Motorcycle Museum, displaying nearly 150 classic British motorcycles made between 1914 and 1983. One of the city's original gates, the Famagusta Gate, has been transformed into a cultural center that regularly puts on performances and exhibitions.

The neoclassical Nicosia Municipal Theater is another cultural hotspot, hosting a number of concerts, plays and other events throughout the year. Nicosia Geographical Location Nicosia is located in the central south of Northern Cyprus on the Pedieos River and is the largest city in Northern Cyprus with a population of 85,000. Nicosia Language Turkish is the official language of Northern Cyprus but Greek is also common in addition to English as a second language. Nicosia Predominant Religion Nicosia (Municipality, Cyprus) This page is part of © FOTW Flags Of The World website Nicosia (Municipality, Cyprus) North Nicosia (Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus) Presentation of Nicosia Nicosia was known at the Age of Bronze as Ledra, but, at that time, it was less important than Kourion and Paphos. Destroyed in the 7th century, Nicosia was rebuilt in the 10th century by the Byzantines, who named the town Lefkosia, probably because of the white poplars (lefke) that grew profusely along river Pedeios.

When the Latin lords of the Lusignan dynasty established their kingdom in Cyprus, they renamed the town Nicosie, by corruption of Lefkosia. The town was damaged during invasions by the Genoese (1373) and the Mameluks (1426). The Venitian rule over Cyprus started in 1481. In the 16th century, the Venitians enclosed Nicosia within a huge fortified wall, built in three years under the guidance of architects Savorgnano and Barbaro. The perimeter of the wall is 4.5 km and it is defended by 11 bastions, each of them named one of the Venetian families which funded the construction of the wall (d'Avila, Tripoli, Roccas, Mula, Quirini, Barbaro, Loredano, Flatro, Garaffa Podocatoro and Costanza). On 9 September 1570, less than three years after the completion of the wall, the Ottomans seized Nicosia after a 42-day siege.

On the first bastion they had been able to seize, bastion Costanza, the Ottomans built the mosque Bayraktar, named after a standard bearer (bayrak) who was killed during the assault of the bastion. Nicosia is now divided between the internationally recognized Republic of Cyprus and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus , recognized only by Turkey. The wall and the 11 bastions have been preserved and still separate the old city of Nicosia intra muros from its modern outskirts. Five bastions are located in the Greek zone, another abither five are located in the Turkish zone, whereas the 11th bastion, Flatro, is controlled by UN. The moats around the wall are usually dry, but they are sometimes flooded by river Pedeios. Source: Guide Petit Futé - Country Guide 2004 & Guide Bleu Evasion, Hachette 1997 Ivan Sache, 4 September 2004 Flag of Nicosia The flag of Nicosia represents the Venetian walls. Only eight bastions are represented on the emblem and flag.

Eleana Petsa & Santiago Dotor, 26 September 2003 Cyprus, General Information about Cyprus, Capital City of Cyprus Home > General Info General Info Cyprus is an island divided in to two halves, the North and the South sides. The Northern side is Turkish and the southern side is Greek. The island is separated by the green line that runs through the capital city, Nicosia. The green line is a demilitarized zone maintained by the United Nations. Nicosia (Turkish: Lefkosa, Greek: Lefkosia) is the capital of Cyprus and is currently the only divided capital in the world. More basic facts on Cyprus can be found on this website. Cyprus has a very long history that goes back more than 9000 years. The island has many historical sites to visit so the islands history can be fully appreciated by the visitor. Cyprus is the third largest island situated in the north eastern corner of the Mediterranean Sea. The geography of North Cyprus is characterized by mountains, plains and beaches. Cyprus has one of the most clean and unspoilt sandy beaches.

in the world which 25% of the Green Turtles of the Mediterranean visit Cyprus to lay their eggs during the months of July and August. While in visiting Cyprus, you will need transportation to get around. There are bus and taxi services and many good car hire companies. There are many interesting cities to visit in Cyprus with fascinating history and many beautiful sites. There are many national parks in Cyprus . They are open to the public even for picnics. Cyprus has a very high standard of health and medical services. Hospitals, private clinics and medical centers are equipped with the latest facilities. Most places have English speaking doctors or translators. This island was given many names by the ancient or the present writers, the most important names of Cyprus are. Salamis Information about Nicosia, capital city of North and South Cyprus Cyprus The Venetian Column According to Assyrian sources from the 7th Century BC, today's Nicosia then used to be a city named Ledra.

In about 300 BC, the son of the Egyptian king Ptolemy, Lefkos, rebuilt the city, and his name is immortalised in the modern local name of Lefkosa (Turkish) or Lefkosia (Greek). Nicosia is the Frankish name of the city, and is thought to have appeared in the late 1100s. The name is mostly used by foreigners. The capital of the island, it is divided into Turkish and Greek sectors by a boundary known as the green Line, which runs in an East-west direction. The Kyrenia Gate In 1191, Richard the Lionheart, on his way to the Holy Land during the Third Crusade, captured the island as a response to actions against his fleet by the King of Cyprus. It was in Cyprus that Richard married Berengaria of Navarre, who was chosen as his wife by his mother, Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine. Cyprus remained under Richard's rule for only a year. In 1192, he sold it to the Knights Templars who ruled the island from Nicosia. Life under the Templars was harsh, and they quickly incurred the hatred of the islanders.

Unable to hold the island by force, the Templars begged Richard to take the island off their hands, and he quickly sold it to Guy de Lusignan who had lost his Kingdom of Jerusalem. Nicosia has been the capital city of Cyprus since this time, and it flourished during the Lusignan era. Churches and palaces were built, and Nicosia grew in size and population. This glorious period in the history of the city ended in 1489 when the Venetians captured Cyprus. The Buyuk Hamam The Venetians demolished most of the Lusignan monuments, including churches and palaces, and used the masonry to fortify the city against the anticipated Ottoman invasion. In 1567, just before the conquest of Cyprus by the Ottomans , the Venetians started to build new protective walls in place of the old Lusignan walls ringing the city, so as to be able to defend Nicosia. A famous Venetian engineer, Guillio Savorignano drew the plans for the walls. They were to have a circumference of three miles, 11 bastions, each like a castle, and three gates.

The remnants of the walls still encircle the old city today. The three gates were the Kyrenia Gate in the north, the Famagusta Gate in the east, and the Paphos Gate in the west. The Kyrenia Gate is still intact today, and remains as an attractive historic monument of northern Nicosia. The Buyuk Han In order to build the walls, the Venetians demolished houses, palaces, monasteries and churches outside the three mile circumference of the city, and used their stone in the construction of the walls. Consequently, there is no trace of the medieval settlement that once existed. However, their efforts did not prevent the island from falling to the forces of the Ottoman admiral Lala Mustafa Pasha in 1570, and thus the Venetians were defeated by the Ottomans before they had time to completive the construction of the walls. Selimiye Mosque After the conquest, the city gained new vigour, and mosques, baths and other institutions to meet the requirements of its new masters were established, and a new building activity began.

Yet, to our day, the city has kept its oriental charm of a peaceful oasis where softly and beautifully shaped palm trees overhang the roofs. In the old city, beautiful examples of Gothic and Ottoman architecture abound; the Selimiye Mosque, the Bedesten, and the Great Inn, to name just a few. Recent years have seen a renewed interest in urban regeneration which has seen many buildings sympathetically restored as part of the Nicosia Master Plan. The Laiki Geitonia Area If your time in Nicosia is limited, perhaps the best way to get a flavour of the city is to take one of the free walking tours. These last for two hours, and look at the Mevlevi Museum, Samanbahce houses , The Venetian Column , the Great Inn , Selimiye Mosque , the Eaved House , Arasta and many other historical landmarks. These start at the Kyrenia Gate for North Nicosia, while a similar tour starts at the TIC in the Laiki Geitonia area (off the southern end of Ledra Street ) for South Nicosia.

(Remember, if you are going to cross from north to south, you will need your passport) Nicosia, the capital of both North and South Cyprus, is currently the biggest and most densely populated city on the Island. The developing, urban, yet historic and charming city of Nicosia is the major centre for arts, culture, diplomacy and business. For a comprehensive list of places to visit, look at our Places of Interest sections for North Nicosia or South Nicosia .

Cyprus Facts on Largest Cities, Populations, Symbols - Worldatlas.com Ethnicity: Greek 77%, Turkish 18%, other 5% GDP total: $23.57 billion (2012 est.) GDP per capita: $26,900 (2012 est.) Language: Greek (official), Turkish (official), English Largest Cities: (by population) Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca, Famagusta, Paphos, Kyrenia, Protaras, Morphou, Aradhippou, Paralimni Name: unknown; it is suggested that the name comes from the cypress tree, or from the Eteocypriot word for copper - which is found on the island National Day: October 1

Question: What is the capital city of Cyprus?
Answer: NICOSIA