DECEMBER 2012

The Municipality’s Original Guide nicosia this month

Nicosia this Month

Message from the Mayor

Dear Reader, Welcome to our capital, It is always a pleasure to greet our residents and to welcome our visitors. Nicosia this month, our monthly magazine will help you discover what our capital has to offer. Your visit to our city should start from its historic centre. The impressive Venetian walls that surround the Old Town and our historic centre are naturally the most prominent sights that a visitor should visit. Within these walls you will find traces of the island’s past, Byzantine chapels and churches next to neo-classical architecture thematic museums next to art galleries and various music stages that feature young as well as established talents. Small boutiques showcase the work of local designers, artisans work diligently in their workshops, farmers markets tempt you with fresh produce and local delights. And when you’re ready for a break, traditional coffee shops and tavernas are around the corner. Leave the Old Town and you will enter into the cosmopolitan world of a European capital. High street shopping at Makarios Avenue, trendy cafés and the sophistication of the contemporary corporate environment. Sadly, Nicosia and its historical centre are divided with the so called Green- Line. Our city is still the last divided capital of Europe and the continued division of Nicosia casts a shadow over our capital. Nevertheless as citizens of a proud city we look toward the future and the development of our capital. Our efforts to achieve reunification is one of our main targets for the benefit of all our citizens and for our country. Dear visitor, whether you are visiting for business or pleasure, we hope you will experience and enjoy the hospitality and diversity of Nicosia! Enjoy your stay in our beautiful city !

Constantinos Yiorkadjis Mayor of Nicosia

CONTENTS

Nicosia ...... 3 Where to Go ...... 6 Useful Information ...... 12 Shopping in Nicosia ...... 13 Walks...... 14 The tragedy continues...... 16 MONTHLY TOURIST Nicosia Municipality Cultural Events...... 18 & SHOPPING GUIDE PUBLISHED BY THE NICOSIA Cover photo: Elena Georgiou MUNICIPALITY SINCE 1983

3 Nicosia

Nicosia emerged from the sea 1,8 – 5 million years ago. During the first millennium BC, Nicosia enjoyed neither the power nor the prosperity of other City-Kingdoms, most of which lay on the coastline. The first traces of its current name appeared in the 3rd century BC, when Lefcus, the son of Ptolemy rebuilt Ledra, renaming it Lefkothea (“white goddess”). Built as a fortress, it has weathered a long list of conquerors. Phoenicians, Assyrians, Persians, Egyptians, Romans, Arabs, the Templars, the Frankish Lusignan dynasty, Venetians and Ottomans all held sway over before British colonial rule in the 19th century. All, and to varying degrees, have left their mark on the city. The most significant influences on modern Nicosia date from the 15th and 16th centuries. Under the Lusignans, the capital saw the construction of a number of palaces, mansions, churches and monasteries. The first Lusignan castle was built during the reign of King Henry I, in 1211 and later Peter II fortified the entire city. The Venetians ruled the island from 1489 –1571 with Nicosia as the seat of the Venetian Governor. Faced with the threat of an Ottoman invasion, the Venetians decided to withdraw from the Lusignan military fortifications and created a defensive line around the city. The buildings standing outside this line, including most of the inheritance from the Lusignan period, were torn down and the stones were used for the new defensive wall. Julio Savorgnano, a Venetian architect and engineer, designed the new walls of Nicosia which are considered as the prototype of the renaissance military architecture. Impressive as Nicosia’s defenses were, however, they were unable to keep out the Ottomans. After a siege of seven weeks Mustafa Pasha entered the city on September 9, 1570 and a period of Ottoman rule followed lasting until the arrival of the British in 1878. After a liberation struggle in 1955-59, Cyprus gained its independence in 1960 and Nicosia officially became capital of the Republic of Cyprus. Since then Nicosia has grown into a bustling cosmopolitan European city yet it remains compact enough to be explored on foot. Since the Turkish invasion of 1974, Nicosia has been a divided capital, with the Buffer Zone patrolled by UN troops, the infamous “Green Line”, disrupting its cohesion and continuity.

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5 WHERE TO GO

The Old City of Nicosia is surrounded by a complete star- MUSEUMS shape of walls (referred to as ‘The Walls’) built by the Venetians in 1567 in their effort to fortify the city against a threatened Ottoman invasion. The Walls have eleven heart-shaped bastions and three gates. Famagusta Gate or Porta Julia, the biggest and most elaborate of the three is since 1982 the Cultural Centre of the Mu- nicipality of Nicosia. The other two gates are The Paphos Gate at the West situated by the Green Line and Kerynia Gate to the North, today in the occupied area of the city. The Nicosia Town Hall (15, K. Papaeologou Avenue, Tel: 22797000) is built on one of the bastions, the Bastion Davila, overlooking Eleftheria Square. THE CYPRUS ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM Recent excavations on the bastion of Podocataro have 1, Museum Str, Tel: 22865864 revealed the remains of the siege of the city by the Turks The Cyprus Museum is the main museum presenting the in 1570. Mud brick embrasures, parts of armoury and civilization of the island from its very beginnings, in the weapons as well as two skeletons, decapitated by the 9th Millennium B.C. to the early Byzantine period. Exhib- Ottomans, verify the descriptions of contemporary writ- its range from the Pre-Pottery and Neolithic period com- ers describing the fall of Nicosia. The Old City is fasci- prising tools of stone or bone, idols and vessels of stone, nating to stroll through for shopping or for dining with to the pottery of the ceramic Neolithic and the elaborate, its narrow streets, small shops, carved balconies, inner richly decorated pottery of the later periods, sculpture of yards, churches, mosques, and Byzantine arches. stone or clay, bronze weapons, tools, figurines and orna- ments, the coinage of the island as well as the jewelry CHRYSALINIOTISSA AREA and works of art in media such as glass, alabaster and Near the Famagusta Gate, the quarter takes its name ivory. Funerary architecture and funerary customs are from the oldest Byzantine church in Nicosia, dedicated to also presented while a special room is devoted to the “Our Lady of the Golden Flax”. Built in 1463 by the Greek- scripts of the island, from its earliest form, the Cypro- origin Lusignan Queen Eleni Paleologina. Following the Minoan, to the use of the Greek alphabet. signs near the church you will find the Chrysaliniotissa Opening hours: Monday:Closed, Tuesday, Crafts Centre. Numerous taverns and bars are also to Thursday & Friday: 08:00-16:00, be found near this area. Wednesday 08:00-17:00, Saturday: 09:00-16:00 Sunday 10:00-13:00 ARCHBISHOP KYPRIANOS SQUARE The square in front of the Archbishopric, where monu- MAKARIOS III CULTURAL FOUNDATION ments and buildings of historical and religious interest Within the Archbishopric, Arch. Kyprianos Square, abound, including the Ethnographic Museum of Cyprus, Tel: 22430008 the National Struggle Museum and Agios Ioannis Cathe- Comprising of: dral as well as The Pancyprian Gymnasium Museum. THE BYZANTINE MUSEUM LAIKI YITONIA (FOLK NEIGHBOURHOOD) Houses the largest collection of icons in Cyprus with 220 Restored pedestrian area within the walled city, East of pieces covering several periods from 5th to the 19th cen- Eleftheria Square. Charming winding alleys with tradi- tury. Among the master-pieces are: the icons of “Christ tional houses and shops, restaurants, galleries, all lov- and the Virgin Mary” (12th century) from the Church of the ingly restored as typical examples of Cypriot urban archi- Virgin Mary of Aracas at Laghoudera, and “The Resur- tecture of a bygone, more graceful age. rection” (13th century) from the Church of St. John Lam-

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badistis Monastery at Kalopanayiotis. There are also six in his poem “Little Things of Cyprus”, which he dedicated pieces of Kanakaria Mosaics. to his friend the painter and first Director of the Cyprus THE EUROPEAN ART GALLERY Folk Art Museum, Adamantios Diamantis. Houses 120 oil paintings of various European Schools Opening hours: Tuesday – Friday: 9:30-16:00 of Art from the 16th until the 19th century, with mainly and Saturday 9:00-13:00 religious themes, among others by Van Dyck, Rubens, Contact: Tel: 22432578, Fax 22343439, Tintoretto, Lorrain and Delacroix. Email: [email protected] THE GREEK INDEPENDENCE WAR GALLERY CYPRUS POSTAL MUSEUM Houses maps, copper engravings and paintings featur- (Department of Postal Services) ing persons and events from the Greek Independence 3B Agiou Savva Str, Tel: 22304711 War, as well as paintings by Greek artists with subjects derived from Greek mythology. Collection of Cyprus stamps from 1800 onwards. With Opening hours: Monday-Friday 9:00am-16:30 numerous awards Cyprus stamps are considered Saturday 9:00am-13:00 among the best in world philately. The museum hosts also memorabilia such as scales, old letter boxes, ap- CYPRUS CLASSIC MOTORCYCLE MUSEUM proximately 400 seals and other historical items. 44, Granikou Str (in the old city), Tel: 99543215 www.agrino.org/motormuseum LEDRA MUSEUM – OBSERVATORY Corner Ledras and Arsinoes Str, Tel: 22128157 One of the largest collections in the world, presenting 150 unique classical motorcycles. Among them BSAs from A specially designed and equipped museum-observatory 1927, AJS from 1938, Matchless from 1939, Triumph from on the top of Shacolas Tower where you can get the best 1946 and an MV Agusta. Enthusiasts will be able to enjoy views of the old and modern city. Use the telescope to see a journey through classic motorcycle history. various monuments and churches throughout the city and Opening hours: Daily 9:00am-13:00, 15:00-19:00 learn about their history. In the heart of the old city of Nicosia. Saturday 9:00-14:00 Opening hours: May-September: Monday-Sunday 10.00-20.00pm, October-April: Monday-Saturday 9:30-17:00

THE GEORGE & NEFELI GIABRA PIERIDES ARCHEAOLOGICAL MUSEUM 86-88-90 Phaneromenis Str, Tel: 22128157 The mezzanine floor of the refurbished building of the Bank of Cyprus Cultural Foundation, at Phaneromeni in Old Nicosia, houses the Museum of the George and CYPRUS FOLK ART MUSEUM Nefeli Giabra Pierides Collection (donated by Clio and The main Folk Art Museum in Cyprus, is housed in the Solon Triantafyllides). The Collection, which includes Old Archbishopric at Archbishop Kyprianos Square. A over 600 items, has been described by experts as one historic building dating back to the 15th century with later of the richest in the world in Mycenaean pottery. It additions. Presents masterpieces of weaving embroidery, includes representative samples of pottery from the lace, costumes, pottery, metalwork, basketry, folk paint- Geometric, Archaic, Roman and Medieval periods, ing, leatherwork and woodcarving. What is also remark- terracotta figurines, an important collection of stone able is the 19th century door of Saint Mamas church that sculptures and seals, jewelry and bronze objects. the Nobel prize-winning poet Georgios Seferis mentions Opening hours: Daily 10:00-19:00

7 WHERE TO GO

MUSEUM OF THE HISTORY OF CYPRIOT COINAGE 86-88-90 Phaneromenis Str, Tel: 22128157 The history of Cyprus from the time coins were first minted, 2600 years ago to the present is brought to life by more than 500 coins arranged into nine historical periods exhibited in twenty-three display cases. The presentation begins with coinage from the Cyprus City Kingdoms (6th-4th centuries B.C.) and ends with the Republic of Cyprus (1960). Opening hours: Daily 10:00-19:00

MUSEUMS OF THE PANCYPRIAN GYMNASIUM THE LEVENTIS MUNICIPAL MUSEUM OF NICOSIA Agiou Ioannou and Thiseos Streets, Old Nicosia EUROPEAN MUSEUM OF THE YEAR AWARD, 1991 The Museums of The Pancyprian Gymnasium are open to 17 Hippocrates Str (Laiki Yitonia), visitors of all ages and interests. Tel: 22661475, 22671997 Opening Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday The city’s award winning historical museum hosts the 09:00 – 15:30 history of Nicosia from its origins around 4.000 B.C. up Wednesday 09:00am – 17:00 Saturday 09:00 – 13:00 until today. The Museum is named after its benefactor Tel: 22466014, E-Mail: [email protected] the Anastasios G. Leventis Foundation. all the exhibits Free Entrance were collected after the establishment of the Museum in 1984. Periodical exhibitions, special educational pro- THE NATIONAL STRUGGLE (EOKA) MUSEUM grams and many other events are held regularly in the Arch. Kyprianos Square, Tel: 22305878 Museum. The Association of The Friends of The Museum The Museum is located in the square near the Archbish- runs “The Shop” selling books, replicas and other gifts. opric. The museum displays documents, photographic Opening hours: Tuesday-Sunday 10:00-16:30 material, personal belongings of the heroes and other memorabilia related to the struggle against British Rule. THE LOUKIA AND MICHAEL ZAMPELAS ART MUSEUM Publications available at the museum include “A Brief 27 Arch. Makarios III Avenue (Pentadromos), History of the liberation struggle of EOKA (1955-1959)” by Kaimakli, tel: 22456098 Andreas Varnavas, Nicosia 2000, 100 pages. The same The new Αrt Μuseum aspires to play a pivotal role in the publication is also available in Spanish. cultural and social happenings of the city. Apart from its Opening hours: Monday-Friday 8:00-14:00, Thursday permanent collection of works by Cypriot artists, the Gal- 15:30-17:30 lery hosts temporary exhibitions by Cypriot and foreign (no afternoons in July & August) artists. The Museum aims to highlight the works of all Cypriot artists and organise events promoting arts and THE HOUSE OF HADJIGEORGAKIS KORNESIOS – culture. It also offers original educational programmes ETHNOLOGICAL MUSEUM for families and students of all ages. Located in one of 20 Patriarchou Grigoriou, Tel: 22305316 Nicosia’s oldest suburbs, the Museum is an oasis of cul- ture, and an educational as well as recreational destina- A most imposing example of traditional urban architec- tion for young and old. ture of the 18th century. It was the residence of Hadjigeor- Opening hours: Tuesday-Friday: 10:00-13:00, 16:00-20:00 gakis, the Dragoman to the Ottoman Port. The successful Saturday-Sunday: 10:00-16:00 restoration won the 1988 Europa Nostra Award. Monday: Closed. Opening hours: Tuesday-Saturday 8:30-15:30

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9 WHERE TO GO

CULTURAL CENTRES Once known as “Porta Guliana” in honour of the ar- chitect of the city-wall project, it was the strongest & ART GALLERIES and most elaborate, but also the lowest of the three BANK OF CYPRUS CULTURAL FOUNDATION gates. The unique feature of this structure was re- 86-88-90, Phaneromenis Str, stored by the Municipality of Nicosia, as a Cultural Tel: 22128157, www.boccf.org Centre, and was awarded the prestigious “Europa Nostra” medal by the International Federation of As- The Cultural Foundation is permanently housed in sociations for the Protection of European Culture and the old administrative headquarters of the Bank of Natural Heritage. The Centre hosts exhibitions, con- Cyprus, near the Phaneromeni Church, in the old ferences, lectures, music events, dance and theatre town of Nicosia, within the Venetian walls. It houses performances. the Museum of the George and Nefeli Giabra Pierides Opening hours: Monday-Sunday 10:00-13:00 - 16:00-19:00 Collection (donated by Clio and Solon Triantafyllides), the Agora (the Foundation’s shop) and the Cultural THE LAIKI BANK CULTURAL CENTRE Foundation’s lecture hall. In the courtyard of the build- ing, there is an open air theatre where musical and BYRON AVENUE MUSEUM theatrical performances are staged. 32 Byron Avenue, Tel.: 22718601/5, Opening hours: Daily 10:00-19:00 Email: [email protected] The Byron Avenue Museum currently hosts the ex- CHRYSALINIOTISSA MULTICRAFT CENTRE hibition “Art Is... The Art of Cyprus through the Ages. 2, Demonaktos Str, Tel: 22347465 Selections from the Laiki Bank Collections” which is The Centre is located in a particularly attractive area of a stylised art exhibition on the evolution, develop- traditional character – in the walled city. Eight work- ment, aesthetics and social role of art in Cyprus from shops and a coffee shop are placed around a central antiquity to the present day, including selections courtyard in a building which follows the design of a from the Contemporary Art Collection of the Laiki traditional Inn. Bank, its Ethnographic-Folk Art Collection and the Opening hours: Monday-Friday 10:00-13:00, 15:00-18:00 Collection of Antiquities of the Pierides-Laiki Bank Museum. CYPRUS HANDICRAFT CENTRE Opening hours: Monday-Friday: 10:00-13:00 & 16:00- 186, Athalassa Avenue,Tel: 22305024 20:00 and Saturday: 10:00-14:00 The Cyprus Handicraft Centre on Athalassa Avenue (at the entrance of the new part of the city) provides items of THE MUNICIPAL ARTS CENTER all kinds of traditional handicrafts. An excellent opportu- Associated with the Pierides Museum nity not only to buy Cypriot handicrafts, but also to watch of Contemporary Art the traditional skills and techniques of the artisans. 19, Apostolou Varnava Str. Tel: 22797400 Opening hours: The old Power House has been transformed into Cy- Summer (15/6-15/9): Monday-Friday 7:30-14:00, 17:00-19:30, prus’ most avantgarde centre for contemporary art. It Wednesday 7:30-14:00, Saturday 8:00-13:00 Winter: Monday-Friday 7:30-17:30, Wednesday 7:30-14:00, hosts prestigious exhibitions from home and abroad. It Saturday 8:00-13:00 houses an Art Library, a restaurant, a coffee shop and a gift shop selling books, posters, replicas, souvenirs, FAMAGUSTA GATE crafts and artworks. THE MUNICIPAL CULTURAL CENTRE Opening hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10.00-3.00, 17.00-23.00 Athinon Avenue, Tel: 22430877 Sunday 10.00-16.00

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11 USEFUL INFORMATION

Airports LARNAKA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT ...... 77778833 (49km from Nicosia) PAPHOS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT...... 77778833 (146km from Nicosia) Ports LIMASSOL ...... 25819200 LARNAKA ...... 24815225 Emergencies PAPHOS ...... 26946840 POLICE/FIRE BRIGADE/FIRST AID/AMBULANCE ...... 112 FOREST FIRE REPORTS ...... 1407 Public Transport 77 77 77 55 The bus terminal is at Solomos Square, in the centre of Services the city. Buses run to all destinations in the city and the GENERAL HOSPITAL ...... 22603000 suburbs from 5.30 to 18.15, every half an hour. They are MAKARIOS HOSPITAL ...... 22405000 more frequent at peak hours (7.15 last itinerary). APOLLONIO PRIVATE HOSPITAL LTD ...... 22469000 There are also the Yellow Buses of Nicosia Municipality EVANGELISTRIA MEDICAL CENTRE ...... 22410100 with regular itineraries in the centre of the city. Starting ARETAIEION HOSPITAL ...... 22200300 point: Solomos Square. The service is free. ADVISORY BUREAU ON AIDS ...... 22305155 SUPPORT AGAINST DRUGS ABUSE ...... 1410 OVERNIGHT PHARMACIES ...... 90901412 DOCTORS ON CALL ...... 90901432 POLICE ...... 22802020/1460 ELECTRICITY FAULTS ...... 1800

Useful Telephones CYPRUS TOURISM ORGANIZATION-CTO Head Office: 19, Limassol Avenue ...... 22691100 TOURIST INFORMATION, Laiki Yitonia ...... 22674264 NICOSIA MUNICIPALITY, Eleftheria Square...... 22797000 IMMIGRATION OFFICE, Government-Complex Bldg ...... 22305458 Country bus services CYPRUS BROADCASTING CORPORATION, Timed to bring rural residents and their produce to the Aglandjia...... 22422231 market early in the morning returning about midday when business is done. Telephone Services Intercity Service Taxi operate regularly and frequently NATIONAL DIRECTORY ENQUIRIES ...... 11892 (every half an hour) between the main towns. The first INTERNATIONAL DIRECTORY ENQUIRIES taxi leaves at 6.00 and the last at 18.00 (Sat. & Sun. at (country codes, trunk codes, rates) ...... 11894 7.00 until 17.00). The last taxi leaves at 6.00. Seats may be INTERNATIONAL CALLS (through operator)..... 80000198 booked in advance. Taxis run on time, pick you up at your hotel or private address, and take you to your destination, EXACT TIME...... English 1893 / Greek 1895 along with other passengers. TELEGRAMS BY PHONE ...... 80000196 FAULTS REPORT...... 80000197 FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL: CUSTOMER CARE CALL CENTRE ...... 132 TRAVEL EXPRESS ...... 22767600, 77777474

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Shopping in Nicosia Intercity Buses The main shopping areas in Nicosia are Arch. Maka- NICOSIA-LARNAKA AIRPORT rios Avenue, parallel to it Stasikratous Street, and the Buses leave regularly from the old Filoxenia Hotel and area around the Ledra Street in the old city, including International Conference Centre. the well know Laiki Yitonia (Folk Neighbourhood). In For information please Tel: 77771477 or 24643017. addition to shopping for handicrafts, embroidery, pot- NICOSIA-LIMASSOL tery and other local made items, visitors to Nicosia NICOSIA (from Solomos Square) might like to take advantage of the capital’s modern LIMASSOL (from Municipality Market Parking Place) commercial centres to buy such items as the latest ROUTE: Limassol Municipality Market Parking Place Sea design fashions, prescription eye wear, perfumes front, Road up to Saint Raphael Hotel , Chirokitia, Kofi- and liqueurs, many of which are less costly here nou, Mosfiloti, Nisou, Latsia, Nicosia, Makarios Avenue, than in Europe. Solomos Square. Spend a day window shopping at any of the numer- For information concerning timetables and fees please ous international brand stores and local boutiques on contact: Tel: 22665814 Makarios Avenue or visit one of the local shopping NICOSIA-Larnaka Please contact Tel: 24643492 centres such as Galaxias, City Plaza and Capital. Also take the time to visit Stasikratous Street, a BANKS prime location of Nicosia which is probably the most Banking Hours for the public exclusive and stylish street in Cyprus, a haven for top MONDAY: 08:30-13:30 15:15-16:45 fashion brand stores and exclusive boutiques. With TUESDAY-FRIDAY: 08:30-13:30 over 60 stores on Stasikratous and an additional 30 No afternoon service is provided in May, June, July, Au- on its adjacent Mnasiadou Street, you can spend an gust and September except in centrally located branches. entire day here and shop till you drop. And if you get tired from shopping or suddenly feel hungry, you can Shopping hours relax at one of the numerous trendy cafes, bars and Winter Period (1 November – 31 March) restaurants on the two streets. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday until 7:00pm / If you follow Makarios Avenue until the end and then Wednesday until 14:00 / Saturday until 15:00, Sunday turn right, you will get to Eleftheria Square (under con- closed. struction) which leads to the old town centre. Most of Summer Period (1 April – 31 October) the shopping area in the old part of Nicosia is now pe- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, until 20:00 / Wednes- destrianised so it is easy to ramble through its zigzag day until 15:00 / Saturday until 19:30, Sunday closed. streets, especially in Laiki Yitonia which is of particular Most shops in the walled city are open on Sundays interest to travelers who want a taste of Cypriot culture. as well. Laiki Yitonia is a renovated eighteenth century en- clave where local artisans and craftsmen display their wares along cobblestone lanes. Here too bou- gainvillea laced restaurants beckon with the aroma of roast lamb and Greek coffee. It is a good idea to shop around before buying and once you begin you will realise just how much there is to see. Take your time and relax while shopping. From shoes to spectacles to clothes, you are bound to find something to suit your taste and pocket and at the same time you will discover a little of the daily life in the capital.

13 WALKS

WALKING AROUND THE VENETIAN WALLS

2 km route from the Flatro Bastion in the eastern part distinctive examples of late 19th century and early 20th of the city to the Ledra Palace Crossing in the western century domestic architecture, built by the renowned part (along the Green Line). master craftsmen of Nicosia. Throughout the tour, visitors have the opportunity to WALKING TOURS OF NICOSIA visit the Loukia & Michael Zambelas Art Museum, GET TO KNOW THE CAPITAL BY WALKING the traditional listed houses along Vassileos Pavlou Street, the Agia Barbara Church, as well as the reno- Within the framework of wider efforts to get foreign visi- vated cultural centre in an old mill at Myloi. A walk tors better acquainted with the old city within the walls, around the brick-paved roads of Pallouriotissa is also the Lefkosia (Nicosia) Municipality established a series of included. thematic walking tours which date back to 1987. These DISCOVER THE OLD TOWN AND ITS WALLS tours have been reorganized to present various new as- (tour within the walls) pects of the old city, as well as the city outside the walls. Every Thursday All tours are guided and in English. A city like Lefkosia The Nicosia Walking Tour aims to provide an overall pic- (Nicosia) with its 5000 year-long history has much to of- ture of the city within the walls and how it has evolved fer. By walking, one gets a better feel for the place and its atmosphere, then and now, and a better understand- with the passing of time and historical events, especially ing of its continual cultural development. This is the phi- its development from the Medieval times to the present, losophy upon which these walking tours of Nicosia are through architecture. Visitors also have the chance to based. visit workshops and shops, where craftsmen still fab- KAIMAKLI AND PALLOURIOTISSA: ricate products the traditional way: candle makers, THE PAST RESTORED blacksmiths, chair makers, cobblers, coppersmiths and BUS AND WALKING TOUR ... AND IT’S WELL WORTH tailors, are just a few of the many disappearing trades THE EXPERIENCE! covered by the tour. Every Monday Visitors also witness the ongoing efforts to revitalize the Visitors are taken to discover the scenic “village” within Chrysaliniotissa neighbourhood under the Nicosia Mas- the Nicosia Municipality, Kaimakli, as well as the Pal- ter Plan: the renovation of the old and the construction of louriotissa community. In both places the old nucleus new buildings; young families moving in, breathing new is well-known for its listed buildings, some of the most life into an area that had lain derelict after the Turkish invasion of 1974. These guided tours are offered free of charge by the Municipality of Nicosia and are organised in association with the Cyprus Tourism Organisation and the Cyprus Tourist Guides Association. The starting and ending point of the walks is the: Cyprus Tourism Organisation (CTO) Information Office, Aristokyprou 11, Laiki Yitonia, (East of Eleftheria Square), tel.: 22674264.

Each tour lasts not more than two hours and 45 min- utes, including a half-hour break for refreshments. Par- ticipants are advised to wear comfortable walking shoes and light clothes for all walking tours. A hat is also rec- ommended during summer months.

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15 The tragedy continues… The destruction of European culture by , right in front of Europe’s eyes A valuable part of Europe’s cultural heritage, a section of “The Committee of Occupied Municipalities executed its its history and culture, is being violated, destroyed and duty, with the powers it has at its disposal, attempting to plundered on a daily basis in the occupied part of Cyprus. utilise the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU The numbers speak for themselves: according to data and project the tragic situation that prevails today in Eu- that was made public by the Committee of Occupied Mu- ropean Cyprus, as a result of the Turkish invasion and nicipalities, in a total of 512 religious monuments in the occupation,” said the president of the Committee of Oc- occupied areas, 23 have been destroyed, 327 have been cupied Municipalities, the Mayor of Famagusta, Mr Alexis desecrated, 73 are being used otherwise, and 27 are in a Galanos. military area, while just 31 are in good condition. Among the events held by the Committee of Occupied The Committee of Occupied Municipalities took in recent Municipalities were photographic exhibitions and publi- months a series of targeted initiatives to enlighten, main- cations, such as the charter-album that depicts the fate ly European officials, but also other agents who visited of religious monuments in the occupied areas. Accord- Cyprus in the framework of the Cyprus Presidency of the ing to information, the Committee of Occupied Munici- Council of the . The informative effort palities’ effort will not wrap after the Cyprus Presidency was centred on the destruction of cultural heritage in the ends, as the Committee is already planning to transfer occupied areas, as well as the ills the country continues the photo exhibition and the material it gathered to other to suffer due to the Turkish occupation. important European capitals.

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The initiatives of the Committee of Occupied Municipalities “Memories from the occupied areas – Our children remind us of our duty”

In co-operation with the Municipality of Strovolos, the Memory book Committee carried out its event “Memories of the occu- The Committee also published a book entitled: “”Occupied pied areas – Our children remind us of our duty”, during towns – Displaced Municipalities of the Republic of Cyprus”. which three-minute films-tributes were presented for The main aim of the book was historical research and to each of the nine occupied municipalities. The musical record important information on the nine occupied munici- part of the event was taken over by the Ministry of Edu- palities, as well as project the work that they are carrying cation and Culture’s Strings Workshop, which consists of out to keep the memory of the occupied areas alive through children aged between three and 10 years old, who have events and other activities. The album was issued in English already held hugely successful concerts in various coun- and in Greek. tries of the world. Charter Photo exhibition During the events, the Committee also presented the char- The photo exhibition the Committee held at the Foreign Min- ter it prepared, which depicts all the religious monuments istry attracted many ambassadors and high-ranking diplo- in the occupied areas and their condition today. The 24-page mats, while the turnout for the presentation at the Hilton publication includes photographs and information on the Hotel in Nicosia was especially satisfactory. The exhibition most significant religious monuments, such as churches, projected specific issues, such as the destruction of cem- chapels and monasteries, while different colours are given eteries and schools, vandalism of churches and illicit trade to each icon, depending on the condition in which the monu- of antiquities, which were the result of ethnic cleansing and ment is today. The Committee handed the charter to Euro- religious fanaticism. All visitors were offered informative pean officials and journalists who came to Cyprus during material and a shocking video on the matter (they are avail- the Presidency, to ambassadors of foreign diplomatic mis- able on the Union of Cyprus Municipalities’ website www. sions in Cyprus, as well as various other officials, within and ucm.org.cy ) outside Cyprus.

17 Cultural Events

8-10 December “Life in art, art….. in life” Handmade jewellery exhibition by Leoni Orphanidou, en- titled: “Life in art, art…. In life”. The opening will take place on Saturday 8 December, at 18:30. At the “Melina Mercoury” Hall, corner of Athena Avenue and Vasileos Georgiou B’ Square.

9 December 7:00am

1 December 20:30 and 2 December 18:00 3rd Quantum Nicosia “Samia” (COMEDY) The “Athanasios Ktorides” Foundation, in co-operation with The THOC Central Stage started off this year with Menan- the Municipality of Nicosia, is organising the 3rd Quantum dros’ comedy “Samia”. Through a series of misunder- Nicosia Marathon “Friends run, walk, win together!” standings, the play addresses the mix-ups that are cre- At the Famagusta Gate Moat. Information: www. ated in two families due to an illegitimate child. nicosiamarathon.com, 22792200. Direction: Evi Gavrielides. On 1 and 2 December, the show will include English surtitles. 11 December 2012 - 27 January 2013 At the THOC Theatre, Central Stage (9 Gregoris Afxentiou Street, Nicosia). “Once upon a time… Information: www.thoc.org.cy, 77772717. some Christmases ago” The Leventio Municipal Museum takes visitors to Christ- 7 December 20:30 mases of a different era, with the exhibition “Once upon a time… some Christmases ago”. The exhibition is hosted in «I solisti Veneti» the museum’s front window, on Ippokratous Street and the Concert with the band «I solisti Veneti» and conductor Clau- gallery “Pandora’s Box”. The first part of the exhibition, on dio Scimone. Works by: Vivaldi, Rossini, Paganini, Chopin Ippokratous Street, represents a lounge with objects that and others. Organised by the Embassy of Italy, within the reflect and transmit the Christmas atmosphere of an urban framework of Italian Cultural Month, in co-operation with house in Nicosia, years before our electronically charged the Municipality of Nicosia. times. Each object that is presented has its own story and At the “Pallas” Cinema-Theatre, on the corner of Rigenis role in town life, reviving memories that tell their own Christ- and Arsinoes Streets. Free entry. Information: 22357617. mas story. The second part of the exhibition centres on tell-

1-19 December «A balancing act» maestro The Municipality of Nicosia is presenting the art exhibition “A balancing act” by architect Costas Neophytides. Organised within the framework of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union. At the Famagusta Gate, Athena Avenue, Nicosia. Opening hours: Monday-Saturday 10:00-13:00. 16:00-20:00 (Closed to the public: 12 and 18 December). Information: 22797650, 22663067.

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STILL ON Until 30 December International contemporary art program Terra Mediterranea – In Cri- sis, which is organised by the Nicosia Municipal Arts Centre and the Pierides Foundation, under the auspices of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU. Apart from the homonymous Terra Mediterranea – In Crisis exhibition, which is taking place at the Nicosia Municipal Arts Centre (Palias Iletrikis), the project includes a second contemporary art exhibition [at Maroudias] curated by the Re Aphrodite team at the Ethnological Museum – House of Hadjigeorgakis Kornesios. 22 December 21:00 The exhibitions are accompanied by various educational and academic Trio Tekke activities. At the Municipal Arts Centre, 19 Palias Ilektrikis Street. The popular group Trio Tekke will give a concert in Until 31 December 2012 Nicosia. The neo-rebetico group with Cypriots An- The exhibition “Our Lady of Lefkosia – The Church of Phaneromeni and tonis Antoniou and Lefteris Moumtzis, and English- its Relics”, at the Bank of Cyprus Cultural Foundation (89-90 Phan- Chilean Colin Somervell, will present material from eromenis). two older albums (Reggetika and Samas), as well as new pieces that have not yet circulated, which Monday-Sunday, 10:00-19:00. Information: www.boccf, 22128157. will be on their next album. This special evening will Until May 2013 not just include the concert. As the concert draws to an end, the area will be transformed into a “dance The exhibition “Beyond dress codes” presents 140 original designs by floor”. Popular DJs Koulla P. Katsikoronou, Lefto illustrator Gisis Papageorgiou, depicting traditional attire in the Greek and S.S. Karamazov will continue the festive party and Cypriot area, as well as 40 original creations by contemporary with dance tunes late into the night. acclaimed fashion designers. At the Wherehaus 612 area, Kaimakli. Entry: €10. At the Popular Bank’s Byron Museum, 32 Byron Avenue, Nicosia. Information: www.triotekke.com, 99188248. Information: 22718605. ing traditional Cypriot Christmas stories, through “Pandora’s At the “Melina Mercouri” Hall, corner of Athena Box”, where works by engraver Hambis will be exhibited, Avenue and Vasileos Georgiou B’ Square. Entry €10. from the visual thematic unit “Kalikantzaroi”. Information: 22511510. Leventio Municipal Museum Nicosia (15-17 Ippokratous Street, www.leventismuseum.org.cy). Information: 21 December 20:30 22661475. “Cyprus Camerata” Concert with the participation of “Cyprus Camerata”, under 16 December 17:00 the baton of George Kountouris.. «Dance Battle Arena» Violin: Wolfgang Schroeder. Piano: Florian Uhlig. Works International dance competition “Dance Battle Arena”, by: Andreas Kameris, F. Mendelssohn Bartholdy, P.I. the competition will include different types of street Tschaikowski. Organised with the support of the Embassy dances (hip-hop, locking, popping break dance). of Germany, the Ministry of Education and Culture, and the The competition is open to dancers of all ages, beginners Municipality of Nicosia. and professionals, from Cyprus and abroad. At the “Pallas” Cinema-Theatre, on the corner of the It is organised by the Dance Studios “Rebel Dancers” in Rigenis and Arsinoes Streets. Entry €15. Information: co-operation with the Municipality of Nicosia. 96301300.

19 Christmas events in our town

1 December Afterwards, the Nicosia Mayor, members of the Municipal D’Avila Moat Council, the primary school’s choir and whoever else is in- Christmas lights switch-on celebrations terested will visit homes in the area, sing Christmas carols, 15:30 Wind ensemble with Christmas melodies, Music hand out gifts and exchange greetings with the residents. School of Nicosia Phaneromeni Square 16:00 Musical event by the Joint Elementary Schools Choir 20:00 Street Party with music 16:30 Christmas tree lights switched on Eleftheria Square 14 December 10:00-13:30 “Melina Mercouri” Hall Charity bazaar 19:30 Christmas concert with byzantine hymns and Organised by the Green Party’s Women’s Movement. traditional Christmas carols. Participants include the Sweets and savouries will be sold, which will be prepared choirs “Oi Agiosofites” and the School of Traditional Mu- and offered by members of the Green Party’s Women’s sic “Hagia Sophia”, under the baton of Nectarios Ioannou, Movement. All proceeds will go to vulnerable families in with organ players Panos Demetrakopoulos, Socrates the Phaneromeni area. Sinopoulos and others. Organised by Kivotos Greek Traditional and Byzantine Mu- 1 December sic, in co-operation with the Municipality of Nicosia. Goethe-Institut (21 Markos Drakos Avenue, Nicosia) Entrance fee €5 (free for children under the age of 15 16:00-20:00 Christmas Fayre by the Cyprus-German Cul- years old). Information: 97804796, 99315871. tural Association. German Christmas treats will be on sale, including the well-known “Gluhwein” (warm aromatic 15 December wine). A great variety of gifts, music and Santa Claus will Phaneromeni Square offer presents to young children. 11:00-18:00 The Municipality of Nicosia and the Nicosia Tourist Development and Promotion Company are organ- 8 and 9 December ising a daylong Christmas event with traditional and mod- Eleftheria Square ern artisans, including a book fair, confectionary, decora- 10:00-20:00 The Girl Guides Association of Cyprus is or- tions, music, dance and more. ganising its annual Christmas Market at the start of the Eleftheria Square pedestrian street, towards Ledra Street. 16 December The proceeds of the 18th annual Girl Guides Association’s Stasikratous Street «Stasikratous Street Party» Christmas Market will go to the association’s fund for chil- 12:00-20:00 Come to the biggest ever Christmas party. dren’s camping expeditions. Plenty of music by bands and choirs, children’s corners with mascots and Santa Claus, various surprises, cheer- 14 December leaders’ parade and more, as well as charity associations Eleftheria Square selling Christmas paraphernalia and edibles. 16:00 Choir – C’ Primary School of Kaimakli Draw with gifts from shops on Stasikratous Street!! 17:00 Choir – Greek Pascal School 18:00 Choir – English Pascal School 16 December Chrysaliniotissa Crafts Centre Eleftheria Square 16:30 The event will include a speech by the Mayor of 10:00-19:00 Nicosia, Constantinos Yiorkadjis, Christmas songs by the The Cyprus Red Cross – Kyrenia Branch is organising its Agios Kassianos Primary School’s choir and a reception annual Christmas fete. The “Choir of Love” will be partici- with soup and other edibles. The Craft Centre’s workshops pating. The event will be launched by the Mayor of Nicosia, will be open to visitors, who can purchase artists’ creations. Constantinos Yiorkadjis, at 10.30.

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17 December 21 December Eleftheria Square Archbishop Makarios III Avenue 12:30-13:30 16:00 Cyprus Police Philharmonic Choir – American Academy Nicosia 17:00 Musical band «Kind of Brass» 15:00 Choir – Nicosia Special School 16:00 Choir – Agios Maronas Primary School 22 December Ledra Street 18 December 16:00 Dance event “Dancing in the street” Onasagorou – Phaneromeni Street Organised by the Costas and Rita Severis Foundation 17:30 Choir - School of Traditional Music “Hagia Sophia” (Sponsored by the Shacolas Group) Eleftheria Square – Ledra and Onasagorou Eleftheria Square Pedestrian Streets 17:30 Trio with flutes, Vivi Constantinidou Music Workshop 18:30 Philharmonic–Choir from the Municipality of Agios Forecourt of the Agia Varvara Church in Kaimakli Dometios and a choir from the Nicosia Music Society. 18:00-21:00 The Parents Associations of the A’ and B’ Pri- mary Schools of Kaimakli are organising their annual event 19 December entitled: “Christmas Melodies”. The school’s choirs will sing Eleftheria Square at the event, as well as a group of children from the As- 16:00 Choir – Christos Stelios Ioannou Foundation trinidion Odeum Cyprus, while there will also be a market, 17:00 Choir - Highgate Primary School the proceeds from which will cover the schools’ needs. 18:00-20:00 Choir of the 71 Scouts Troop of Kaimakli 23 December Eleftheria Square – Ledra and Onasagorou 20 December Pedestrian Streets Solomos Square 16:00 Nicosia Municipality Choir 16:00 Choir – Pontian Progressive Society Eleftheria Square 17:00 Choir – Cyprus Georgian Diaspora 17:00 Music group “Loukas jazz quartet” 18:00-19:00 Lakatamia Municipality Choir 20 December 24 December “Pallas” Cinema-Theatre 20:00 28th Cyprus Christmas and Religious Song Festi- Eleftheria Square val. Organised by the Nicosia Music Society 16:00-18:00 Music Group 4/4 Entrance fee €5 (pupils, students, soldiers, pensioners for free). Information: 99387452. Christmas Fair 24 November 2012 – 6 January 2013 21 December Constanza Bastion (“OCHI” area) Holy Cross Catholic Church, Paphos Gate Ice rink, carousel, games and entertainment pro- 20:00 “The Allilengyi” and the 1971 graduates of the gramme for children (Santa Claus, magicians, men Elenio Primary School (Class ST1) are organising a Christ- on stilts will hand out balloon creations, face painting, mas Concert, under the auspices of the Mayor of Nicosia, pantomime, dance shows and others) Constantinos Yiorkadjis. With the PASYDY choir. Piano: Parking: D’Avila Moat and Cosntanza Bastion (“OCHI”) Marios Ioannou. Ecclesiastical organ: Zara Barhoutarian. Information and for school visits: parkopaliatso@cyta- €5 Contribution. All proceeds will go to their quadriplegic net.com.cy, 95170744. classmate as well as other people in need.

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